Destinations

Saga’s Wachau Valley to Vienna cruise will be a highlight of 2027

The Danube River, flowing through central and southeastern Europe, passes among stunning scenery with historic cities, pretty villages and famous landmarks all along its winding route.

Its banks have witnessed war and peace, trade and culture, and inspired artists, and architects, poets and musicians.

A river cruise is the perfect way to see its highlights, and this seven-night, all-inclusive Danube river cruise in 2027 does exactly that, beginning in beautiful Bavarian Germany and concluding in the baroque splendour of Austria’s capital, Vienna.

There is also an option of adding in a hotel stay in Prague before the cruise. It’s an easy city to explore with its wide, tree-lined streets, trams, vibrant squares with markets and cafes, and the splendour of its statues, bridges, churches hilltop castle, the famous Charles Bridge, baroque statues lining its balustrades, leading to the atmospheric Old Town.

There is an included excursion in every port, as well as additional optional excursions too.

You’ll enjoy glorious views through the panoramic windows from the comfort of the Spirit of the Danube. It is the perfect, relaxing way to see some of Europe’s most celebrated cities and secret gems.

Here are the highlights of what will be a voyage to remember.

Vilshofen

Vilshofen is known as a “floating island”, with its Old Town perching on a promontory between the Danube and Vils rivers. Its colourful buildings with ornate facades, medieval streets, beer gardens and hearty Bavarian cuisine make this quaint town the perfect place to start your Danube voyage. It is also the birthplace of Josef Groll, the 19th-century brewer who invented Pilsner lager.

After your first night on board, you will have a morning exploring the old Town with its famous Schweiklberg Abbey and church of St John, a Gothic masterpiece on the main square. There is also an included excursion to the Bavarian Forest: a panoramic drive with commentary on the history and culture of the region, passing traditional Bavarian villages and stopping for refreshment.

Passau

This historic city on the border of Germany and Austria, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet, is known as the “City of Three Rivers”.

You will arrive in Passau at breakfast time, with the whole day ahead to explore its riverside beauty. Passau has a distinctive ambience, setting it apart from other towns and cities in the region, the legacy of huge fire destroyed much of the historic old town in 1662. It was rebuilt by Italian architects, taking inspiration from their homeland, hence its other name: “the Bavarian Venice”.

The majestic, three-domed St Stephen’s cathedral, rebuilt in the 1660s, is home to the world’s biggest cathedral organ with an astonishing 17,974 pipes. Another famous landmark is the imposing hilltop 13th-century fortress with panoramic views over the city with its cobbled lanes, soaring spires, and the three rivers.

You can spend a full day independently exploring this vibrant city, and there is also an included excursion walking tour.

Linz

Famous for its Linzer torte, a traditional jam-filled Austrian pastry, Linz’s fairytale beauty once inspired Mozart who wrote his Linz Symphony (no36) during a brief stay, while Beethoven finished his Eighth Symphony here.

The city blends past and present with a quaint historic centre of cobbled alleys, colourful townhouses, Baroque and Renaissance squares, alongside striking modern architecture and a buzzing, creative arts scene. Linz has a wonderfully relaxed ambience, with al fresco cafes and traditional Austrian coffeehouses, riverside walks and parks.

Join a guided walk from the ship on an included excursion to the city centre followed by a land train ride through the streets of Linz with commentary en route.

Melk and the Wachau Valley

At the entrance to the Wachau Valley, the historic town of Melk is famed for its mix of architectural styles from across the centuries, crowned by the magnificent Benedictine Abbey that dominates the town from its perch on a bluff high above it.

This vast butter-coloured Baroque complex is a truly memorable sight. Inside, it is equally impressive with its Marble Hall, ornate church and active monastery.

On an included guided tour, you will learn how the Abbey has been the spiritual and cultural centre of Austria for more than 1,000 years.

Melk has a charming Old Town with courtyards, squares and courtyards. It is also an important gateway to the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley.

This stretch of the Danube is breathtakingly beautiful. Its rolling hills are clad with forests and apricot orchards, terraced vineyards and pretty villages that produce some of the world’s finest white wines. Ruined forts sit on hilltops adding to the drama of the scenery.

Krems

Famous for centuries of wine-making tradition, Krems is a picturesque town with pedestrianised cobbled streets and winding alleys. Once a bustling trading hub where salt, wine, grain and iron were traded, it still retains a vibrant atmosphere. Krems’ most famous landmark is the 15th-century Steiner Tor, a medieval gate tower at the entrance of the Old Town, built in the 1400s and restored after Hungarian troops destroyed it in when they attacked the town in 1477.

On a wooded hill, overlooking the Danube and the Wachau Valley is Göttweig Abbey, built in medieval times but reconstructed in the 18th century following a fire, with a magnificently decorated baroque interior including a monumental staircase and ceiling fresco. A walk around Krems and a visit to the abbey are both included.

Vienna

The splendid city of Vienna makes a magnificent grande finale to the river cruise. The city of music, home to Mozart and Beethoven, is justly famous for its imperial elegance: grand squares edged by spectacular architecture, imposing statues, museums, and churches.

The former capital of the Habsburg Empire – and Austria’s modern-day capital – is at the geographical heart of Europe, and still a centre for art, music, food and drink.

Discover highlights such as the Opera House and St Stephen’s Cathedral on an included excursion. There is also time to wander around the city independently. It is an easy city to navigate your way around with an extensive pedestrian network at its historic centre. Make time to stop off in a coffee house for a deliciously decadent pastry, or a slice of Sacher Torte – Vienna’s famous rich chocolate cake with apricot jam, served with whipped cream.

A journey to remember

Discover the Wachau Valley to Vienna on river cruise through some of Germany and Austria’s most picturesque landscapes. The cruise offers endless cultural and scenic variety from monasteries and castles, dynamic cities and medieval towns, with plenty of delicious food along the way, it will be an unforgettable voyage.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.

The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.