Throughout Austria, tiny hamlets look as if they’ve been untouched by time. Main squares of stone streets crowded with quaint homes boast red-tiled roofs and imposing medieval churches, and impressive fountains and courtyards are quite common in almost every village. The nation’s architecture, art, and music were shaped by the Habsburg Empire and continue to evoke Austria’s Golden Age. No place exemplifies the Habsburgs more than Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresa’s favorite.
Step outside Vienna and discover Austria’s quieter side with a cruise of the UNESCO-blessed Wachau Valley. Tour Melk Abbey, once the greatest center of learning in Central Europe, and head further down the Danube to find wineries in Weissenkirchen just waiting for your arrival.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria boasts a treasure trove of must-see gems. In Vienna, you can retrace the steps of the imperial Habsburgs on tours of the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, where Mozart performed at the age of six. A stroll along Old Town’s well-worn tangle of cobbled alleyways leads to the impressive Belvedere Museum, the world’s largest collection of works by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. Just outside Vienna are the unspoiled riches of Melk with its Baroque abbey and rolling hillsides dotted with vineyards.
If there is one dish synonymous with Austria, it’s Wiener schnitzel, made with veal dredged in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Discover Austria’s culinary culture at one of the city’s beloved kaffeehaus spots, where you can nibble on cake and coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, try a Mozartkugel, or Mozart ball, a chocolate bon-bon filled with pistachio, marzipan, and nougat.
Just like France and Italy, Austria has distinct wine regions, each offering its unique charm and selection of wines with the bright, crisp white Grüner Veltliner variety being the most favored. Vienna lies within the exceptional Burgenland winemaking region, and the renowned vineyards of the Wachau lie just a short way down the Danube.
Set between the towns of Melk and Krems lies the idyllic Wachau Valley, recognized by UNESCO for its scenic beauty. Among this picturesque landscape, you’ll find centuries-old wine estates, houses with colorful flower boxes, lovely gardens, and apricot orchards.
When to go: We sail all of our Austria cruises between March and November, with special holiday cruises in December to enjoy the iconic Christmas markets. Spring brings fresh blooms, summer is particularly lively, and fall is a serene time with cooler temps and trees of copper and gold.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Avg. Temp. 58º F / 14º C
Avg. Temp. 75º F / 24º C
Avg. Temp. 58º F / 14º C
Avg. Temp. 33º F / 0.5º C
Euro (EUR, €)
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
German
European 230V
Plug types C and F
“Austria always makes me proud to welcome our guests to experience her rich cultural heritage, filled with historical monuments, museums, and cultural landmarks. I always feel at home here, as do our guests and crew onboard.”
“Austria amazes me over and over with its beautiful variety of products from local farmers. I love to bring the fruits of nature from fields, pastures, and mountain lakes onto our plates. I am convinced that you can taste their connection to the region, their passionate work, and their personal stories.”
“Navigating the enchanting waters of the Danube in Austria is just amazing; it’s a symphony of history, art, and nature. As your Cruise Manager, I’m here to orchestrate an unforgettable experience, where Austria’s timeless beauty becomes the backdrop to your unforgettable journey.”
Belgrade to Nuremberg | 15 days
Traversing 6 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury, this itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river. From Germany to Serbia, you’ll admire the breathtaking architectural...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From $7,739 per person
Belgrade to Prague | 17 days
This itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river, traversing 7 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury. From Germany to the Czech Republic, you’ll admire the breathtaking...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From $12,149 per person
Prague to Bucharest | 19 days
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
River: Danube
4/5 (83 reviews)
From $8,009 per person
Amsterdam to Bucharest | 24 days
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.4/5 (114 reviews)
From $11,999 per person
Belgrade to Vienna | 10 days
The great Danube River, once the lifeblood of empires, has been home to Europe’s greatest cities for eons. Begin or end your journey at a five-star hotel in the glittering city of Vienna, a...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.5/5 (2 reviews)
Budapest to Prague | 10 days
Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna, and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.5/5 (802 reviews)
Budapest to Regensburg | 8 days
Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.6/5 (189 reviews)
Vienna to Prague | 10 days
Every bend of the Danube brings new delights. Dramatic hills rise and manicured vineyards line the riverbanks. Pretty villages beckon with medieval architecture and celebrated wineries. Majestic...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
River: Danube
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This...
Ships: S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.7/5 (1339 reviews)
Belgrade to Vienna | 8 days
The great Danube River, once the lifeblood of empires, has been home to Europe’s greatest cities for eons. Join us on a journey spanning the four capital cities that sit along the banks of the...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Budapest to Amsterdam | 15 days
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.5/5 (820 reviews)
Vienna to Nuremberg | 8 days
Every bend of the Danube brings new delights. Dramatic hills rise from the riverbanks in stunning contrast to serene valleys and manicured vineyards. Pretty villages beckon with medieval architecture ...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
3.1/5 (7 reviews)
Istanbul to Paris | 15 days
Majestic Istanbul, imperial Vienna, romantic Paris ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by private train and luxury river cruise to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
5/5 (2 reviews)
Nuremberg to Vienna | 8 days
This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
4.4/5 (206 reviews)
From $4,499 per person
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble...
Ships: S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (252 reviews)
From $4,139 per person
Nuremberg to Budapest | 13 days
You’ll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
Rivers: Danube, Main
3.8/5 (39 reviews)
From $6,839 per person
Passau to Budapest | 11 days
Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful ...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Amsterdam to Vienna | 15 days
Treat yourself to the ultimate sampling of central European delights on this special sailing, departing only once in 2027! Start on the Rhine River, where you’ll be granted early entry to a...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany, Netherlands
Rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube
From $7,649 per person
Paris to Istanbul | 14 days
Romantic Paris, imperial Vienna, majestic Istanbul ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From $28,259 per person
Istanbul to Paris | 15 days
Majestic Istanbul, imperial Vienna, romantic Paris ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by private train and luxury river cruise to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From $29,249 per person
Geneva to Budapest | 17 days
Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Switzerland as you stay at a selection of magnificent hotels between Geneva and Zürich. Board the iconic Glacier Express for a scenic ride from...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Switzerland
River: Danube
From $12,239 per person
Passau to Bucharest | 17 days
Become an expert on the Danube River’s many wonders as you admire the swirling colors of Passau’s famous confluence, pedal past the vineyard-lined banks of the Wachau Valley, and listen...
Ship: S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From $8,099 per person