Odysseys River Cruises
Odysseys River Cruises
Danube River Cruises: Capitals, Castles & Two Very Different Journeys
From classic Central Europe to the less-traveled Balkans, the Danube offers more than one kind of river cruise.
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Typical length: 7–14 nights
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Common routes: Upper Danube, Lower Danube, or both
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Air gateways: Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna, Budapest
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Best known for: Vienna, Budapest, Wachau Valley, Iron Gates and historic capitals
The Danube is a strong fit if you want:
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Imperial cities and European history
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Wine country, abbeys and small towns
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A choice between classic Europe and the Balkans
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Cultural, active or relaxed excursions
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Excellent pre- and post-cruise options
The Danube: Two Distinct Cruise Experiences
The Upper Danube: Classic Europe
Vienna, Austria
Imperial architecture, classical music and grand cafés make Vienna one of the signature stops on an Upper Danube RIver cruise.
Budapest, Hungary
One of Europe’s great river cities, especially memorable when Parliament and Buda Castle are illuminated along the Danube at night.
Wachau Valley, Austria
Vineyards, villages, castle ruins and Melk Abbey make this one of the most scenic stretches of the Upper Danube.
Bratislava, Slovakia
A compact and walkable capital with a relaxed old town and a very different feel from nearby Vienna.
Passau, Germany
A colorful Bavarian city where three rivers meet and a common starting or ending point for Danube itineraries.
The Lower Danube: The Balkans & Iron Gates
Belgrade, Serbia
A lively capital at the meeting of the Danube and Sava, with layers of history and a distinctly different atmosphere from the Upper Danube.
Iron Gates Gorge
The dramatic natural centerpiece of the Lower Danube, where the river narrows between Serbia and Romania.
Vidin, Bulgaria
A quieter Danube port with medieval history and the imposing Baba Vida Fortress.
Ruse, Bulgaria (Gateway to Bucharest)
An elegant river city and common gateway toward Bucharest at the end of many Lower Danube itineraries.
Extending Your Danube Journey
The Danube connects naturally with several excellent pre- and post-cruise options.
Prague, Czech Republic
A natural extension for many Upper Danube itineraries, especially from Passau, Regensburg or Vienna.
Vienna or Budapest
A natural continuation from the Lower Danube, with the option to go beyond Bucharest into Transylvania and the Romanian countryside.
Bucharest & Romania
A natural continuation from the Lower Danube, with the option to go beyond Bucharest into Transylvania and the Romanian countryside.