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Danube river cruises
Discover elegant cities and majestic scenery during a Danube River cruise
Rising in the Black Forest mountains of Germany, the Danube flows through the heart of Europe, to its mouth on the Black Sea. It was once the frontier of the Roman Empire and many historic cities grace its banks.
The Danube River connects some of Europe’s greatest cities, such as Budapest, Vienna, Linz and Bratislava. The varied scenery along its course features protected wetland plains, national parks listed by UNESCO, valleys and dramatic ravines, and more…
2025 Danube river cruises
2026 Danube river cruises
Timeless cities and historic towns of the Danube River
As well as beautiful natural scenery, a Danube river cruise in 2025 and 2026 offers the opportunity to go ashore and explore a variety of charming riverside gems…
Belgrade, Serbia
Set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, Belgrade is considered to be the meeting point of Eastern and Western Europe. It's a city with a chequered past, having been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times during its 2,000-year history! The key attractions include the cathedral, St Sava Temple and Kalemegdan fortress.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The old town of Slovakia’s capital is easily explored on foot. The cobbled streets lead to Bratislava Castle, which offers panoramic view of the city. Its Gothic-style Cathedral is where eleven Kings of Hungary were crowned while Turks occupied their own capital.
Find out moreBucharest, Romania
Bucharest is known for its wide tree-lined avenues and Belle Epoque architecture. Highlights of Romania’s capital city include the Palace of the Parliament, Cotroceni Church where the President of Romania resides and historic Cretulescu Palace.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube. Buda is the older and more graceful, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed Buda Castle, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and 19th-century public buildings.
Find out moreMelk, Austria
This historic town features architectural styles from across the centuries. Its jewel is the abbey which overlooks the town. This masterpiece of baroque architecture has been the spiritual and cultural centre of Austria for over 1,000 years.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, capital of Austria, is where Marie Antoinette grew up and where Mozart died, and for 600 years was the centre of the Hapsburg Empire. The city’s highlights include the historic Ringstrasse, Opera House and the Prater wheel.
Find out moreWhen is the best time for a Danube River cruise?
Spring
In spring the temperature should begin to warm up, migratory birds return to their roosting sites and many northern species can be seen during their migration. The water level is generally higher, and shoals of fish can be seen hunting for places to spawn in flooded forests.
Summer
In summer the temperature is at its highest and you can enjoy the sunshine while relaxing on the ship’s sun deck.
Autumn/Winter
The festive season is another great time to join a Danube cruise. The historic squares of many towns and cities host magical Christmas markets where you can browse stalls selling tempting culinary goodies and a variety of handmade goods.
We offer a variety of excursions…
Step ashore and immerse yourself in these unique river cruise experiences.
Vienna Classical Evening Concert
Vienna is renowned for its concert halls where regular musical performances take place. Therefore, a trip to Vienna would not be complete without a concert of Viennese music. Travel to the Börse Palais, or one of Vienna’s other impressive palaces near the famous Ringstrasse and parliament where you can relax and enjoy the music of the Strauss family. The Chamber Orchestra are also accompanied in parts by dancers in traditional costumes and opera singers performing pieces such as "A Little Night Music", "Papageno – Papagena" from "The Magic Flute" or “Ball Sirens” from "The Merry Widow".
Budapest: A Tale of Two Cities
Enjoy a sightseeing coach tour taking in the most famous sights of Budapest, stopping briefly at the local Basilica. Your tour starts on the bustling Pest side of the city, passing the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Boulevard, lined by Neo-renaissance townhouses, and the Hungarian State Opera House. Continue past Heroes’ Square, with its unique stone statues which make up the Millennium Monument, and across Elisabeth Bridge. Enter the city’s Buda district, passing by Castle Hill. On arrival at St Stephen’s Basilica, there will be time to alight the coach and explore the grounds with a local guide.
Göttweig Abbey and the Wachau Valley
A short bus ride takes you to the beautiful city centre of Krems. See the highlights of the old town on a guided walking tour. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Göttweig Abbey, which boasts a scenic setting overlooking the southern entrance to the Wachau Valley. Göttweig Abbey was founded in 1083 by the Bishop of Passau as a double monastery, it became a Benedictine monastery in 1094. It was newly built in its current baroque form in the early 18th century and today is home to around 40 monks, who live and work here. The ceiling fresco was painted in 1739 by Paul Troger. The monastery ́s art collection is exhibited in the adjoining former imperial apartments.
Belgrade city tour and the Kalemegdan Fortress
Travel to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, set on a hill above the Danube River. Enjoy a walking tour – exploring the fortress and park grounds. Reboard your bus for a panoramic journey passing the Belgrade Orthodox Cathedral, the Town Hall and 20th-century parliament State Assembly. Continue along Knez Milos street to the residential quarter of ‘Dedinje’ and up to the ‘White House’, once the home of the Serbian ruler: Dynasty Karadjordjevic. Pass by Tito’s tomb in the House of Flowers Museum en route back to the city centre. Spot the famous Playground of both Red Star and Partisan before a panoramic visit to the orthodox St Sava Temple.
Why choose a Saga river cruise?
You can enjoy all-inclusive local drinks and dining on board, as well as on-board gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. We will even get you to and from the ship with our included nationwide chauffeur service. Plus, our ships are always exclusive to Saga guests.
Included nationwide chauffeur service
A return shared nationwide chauffeur service from your home to your UK departure point
Find out moreDanube river cruise destinations
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