River Cruising

Essence of the Danube

Days
6
From (per Person)
$4,140 CAD
Journey Type
River Cruising
Time of Year
Nov
Cities & Landmarks
Vienna, Wachau Valley, Budapest, Bratislava
Vienna, Austria

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Overview

Experience with Tauck

 

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - An Imperial Evening at a private Vienna palace with dinner and classical performers

 

Tauck Value includes

 

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Directors

 

Choice of sightseeing in Vienna's Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches) or the imperial Schönbrunn Palace 

 

A guided tour of the 900-year-old Melk Abbey

 

Choices in Dürnstein: A walking tour, or an active bike ride through vineyards and along the Wachau Valley – plus an afternoon wine tasting

 

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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On some days, walking extends to 2–3.5 miles (~4,000–7,000 steps), with occasional stairs, hills, or uneven surfaces. Standing periods may last up to 90 minutes, but this level still includes breaks and lower-effort days.

Pace

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A steady daily tempo with 2–3 guided activities. Most days include early departures balanced with rest periods or scenic downtime. Transitions between cities occur every 2–3 days.

View Full Itinerary

Exclusively Inclusive River Cruising

Over six days, our shortest Danube itinerary captures the essence of a river shaped by royal history, timeless music, and centuries of trade. Linked by culture and wine, the journey spans three capital cities across Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary – including the medieval villages of the Wachau Valley, with a palace dinner, museum visits, and vineyard bicycling along the way.

From Vienna to Budapest, the Danube comes alive in autumn, its warm colors glowing against the river. Experience three capital cities across three countries in a river cruise just under a week-long – a perfect introduction to the "River of Kings." Meet your Tauck riverboat in Vienna, where you'll spend the next three days exploring Austria. In Vienna, the choice is yours: tour the Habsburgs' summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace, or admire masterworks at the city's fine art museum – followed by a Tauck Exclusive evening of dining and waltzes at a private palace. See Austria's UNESCO World Heritage Site – Wachau Valley – and taste its wines before returning to Vienna for a tour of the city and tastings. Your last full day is spent in Bratislava – touring its pastel-lined streets and history before ending your journey on the Danube in Budapest. Read Less

Tauck Exclusive - Imperial Evening at Palais Pallavicini

Schönbrunn Palace

An imperial stage for centuries

Commissioned in the late 17th century and expanded in the 18th century under Empress Maria Theresa, Schönbrunn Palace became the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. Here, emperors and empresses held court, political decisions were made, and great composers like Mozart performed for the imperial family. With its gilded halls and vast baroque gardens, Schönbrunn reflects the power and prestige of one of Europe's longest-ruling dynasties.

Wachau Valley

Austria's river of wine and legend

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches between Melk and Krems in a tapestry of vineyards, villages, and castle ruins. For centuries, the Danube carved this landscape, shaping a region famed for Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines. Beyond its vines, legends linger here too – from medieval abbeys to the ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.

The Danube River

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Deck Plans

Welcome Aboard

Sun Deck

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Diamond Deck

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Category 5

Category 7

(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

Ruby Deck

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Category 2

Category 4

Category 5

Category 6

Emerald Deck

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Category 1

Category 3

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Find your tour

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Trip Prep & Essentials

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The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Never Settle For Ordinary

One Upfront Price

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Leave Your Worries At Home

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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