Six-Night Tour Through Austria and Germany’s Riverside Cities

The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, passing through or bordering 10 countries and ranging from as far west as the Black Forest in Germany to the eastern shores of Romania and Bulgaria. Its beauty has been a source of inspiration throughout its rich history, praised in lullabies written by Hasidic farmers that worked on its banks more than 200 years ago and alluded to in symphonies by several classic and contemporary European composers. During a six-night Danube River cruise, you’ll disembark in its bordering cities, such as Vienna, the home of Mozart and Beethoven, and Regensburg, where the preserved Stone Bridge once hosted Louis VII of France and his army as they crossed the river en route to the Second Crusade.

Cruises take place aboard the MS Sound of Music, an intimate ship 360 feet in length that rides low to the water, features only four decks, and holds a maximum of 128 passengers. The sun deck and panoramic windows in the restaurant and cabins showcase staggering views, ensuring you don't miss the Gothic cathedrals and quaint villages as you sail past. Travelers stay in 64 outside cabins, replete with air conditioning, private baths, and flat-screen TVs, and a spa, library, and lounge provide relaxation between stops or a place to hide.

The schedule varies depending upon whether you embark in Vienna or Nuremberg, but a typical trip follows this itinerary.

Days 1–2: Day 1 consists of air travel (not included). Arrive in Vienna on day 2 and enjoy a welcome dinner on the ship, served with unlimited beer and wine.

Day 3: After breakfast on the ship, embark on a guided tour of the city with stops on Vienna’s main boulevard, the Ringstrasse, along with the State Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterward, there's time to explore solo and venture across one of several stretches of parkland—nearly half of the city is green space—or to the imperial palaces of the Hofburgs.

Day 4: After cruising overnight, enjoy a short morning stopover in Durnstein, a small village in the heart of the Wachau wine district, before moving along the river through the Wachau Valley. In the afternoon, the ship docks near the historic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. There, you’ll get an up-close look at abbot’s chambers, the kasier’s walk, and library. Dinner is served on the ship en route to Passau.

Days 5–6: After a long sail on the morning of day 5, take in the sights of Passau, a city known for its Baroque and Gothic architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Old City district. The following morning, a guided walking tour of Regenburg, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, strolls past several landmarks dating back 2,000 years. The tour includes stops at St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Roman Gates at Porta Praetoria.

Days 7–8: Day 7 gives way to a new city: Nuremberg. Highlights of the panoramic city tour include a stop at the Imperial Castle and its 900-year-old ramparts. Continue through the medieval alleyways before arriving in the market square to shop and explore independently. At night, join the captain for a farewell dinner. On the morning of day 8, it’s time to bid adieu to the ship and return home.

Tours that depart November 14 include two city tours (Vienna and Regensburg); all other options include three city tours (Vienna, Regensburg, and Nuremberg). Some days have additional excursions for a fee, including a classical Viennese concert, palace tour, and full-day tour of Salzburg. Click here for more information.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.