Austria · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
The Danube through Vienna, the Wachau terraces upstream and the lakes behind Salzburg. These 15 range from a one-hour city cruise to a full day with locks and a wine stop, each priced and clear on the time afloat.
Board the MS Wien, MS Blue Danube, or MS Vindobona at Schwedenplatz for a 75-minute loop along Vienna’s Danube Canal. You’ll pass the Uniqa Tower, Urania Observatory, Ringturm, Zaha Hadid House, and other modern landmarks, with English and German information on large screens. Add a freshly prepared schnitzel or two-course lunch onboard.
“We were surprised to be offered drinks on board and had a lovely cruise!”
Cruise Vienna’s Danube Canal for 75 minutes aboard the MS Wien, MS Blue Danube, or MS Vindobona. You’ll pass modern architecture, graffiti, greenery, and city landmarks from Schwedenplatz, with optional apple strudel and a hot drink. Add a Heidi Horten Collection ticket for Klimt, Picasso, Warhol, and modern art in central Vienna.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the City Boat Trip. The boat was spacious and very clean”
Spend three hours aboard DDSG Blue Danube’s MS Blue Danube, MS Vindobona, or MS Wien, with a welcome drink, reserved table, and freshly prepared three-course meal. Choose pork, red mullet, or a vegetarian main. Expect a romantic setting, friendly English-speaking crew, and a route that includes the Danube Canal, locks, and a shorter stretch of the Danube.
“A very pleasant journey on the boat, with an excellent meal. After the main course we could go outside to enjoy the sunset and views on Vienna. It was quite hot inside where the meal was served. A bit of airco would have been really nice. It was fun to have to go through the lock between the Danue and the canal (2x). The pirce of the meal and the additional drinks was very reasonable and good value for money.”
Spend about eight and a half hours exploring the Wachau Valley from Vienna by air-conditioned coach and, in summer, boat. Visit Krems, Dürnstein, and Melk, then tour Melk Abbey with the all-inclusive summer option. English and Spanish guides provide history and practical help throughout the day.
“Excellent! Just make this after April as nature wasn't ready for our visit!”
Travel from Vienna to Bratislava by comfortable coach, tour the old town with a German- or English-speaking local guide, then return on the Danube by Twin City Liner. You get about six hours for lunch and independent sightseeing. An optional oldtimer ride to Bratislava Castle is available at set times.
“Perfect communication prior to the day spelling out the meeting point. Bus ride smooth; our tour guide was knowledgeable and kept us going at a decent pace. Some confusing logistics around the add on experience regarding the castle experience. Personally, no need you can easily walk there. The day was a bit hot; plenty of time to visit and take breaks at the numerous cafes. Boat ride back was fine; an option bus ride would be a better choice.”
Travel from Vienna to Hallstatt with guides such as Sofia, Dasha, Lily, or Sabrina, stopping at Ort Castle and Salzkammergut viewpoints. You get central hotel pickup or meet at Albertinaplatz, then explore Hallstatt, ride the Skywalk lift when open, and take a lake boat ride during the 2025 to 2026 closure.
“Very good trip, with long car ride, but in the end, worth it for the trip. Our guide Sophia is excellent, constantly giving historical background of these places, suggestion how to optimize the time. We were concerned because of rainy day, but view of Hallstatt is breathtaking, rain was stopped after we arrived. Definitely recommend it.”
Spend three hours aboard the MS Vindobona, MS Blue Danube, or MS Wien as Vienna shifts from daylight to night. You will cruise through the canal before reaching the Danube, with sunset views from the upper deck, a live camera feed, and optional freshly prepared Viennese food from Roman Loos’s onboard restaurant. German and English assistance is available.
“Excellent day trip! Omer did an amazing job of keeping us comfortable throughout. Showed us important historical and beautiful places. Always on point with photography. Left us time to explore as well! Would 100% recommend”
Board the MS Wien or Hundertwasser-designed MS Vindobona at Schwedenplatz for a 3.5-hour cruise through Vienna’s green, modern, and historic sides. You’ll pass the Prater woods, Danube Island, Danube Tower, Millennium Tower, Nussdorf locks, and the Danube Canal. German and English service is available, with food and drinks sold onboard.
“Was amazing, nice service, nice view. We will book again for a longer way”
Cruise from the DDSG Blue Danube ticket office through modern Vienna, the Nussdorf lock, and the Danube Canal. Choose the shorter 1.5-hour route or continue toward Prater, Danube Island, and Freudenau for the extended cruise. Optional Viennese food is available, while drinks cost extra.
“A great Way to see Vienna from the seaside. Very nice cruise ship and good service”
Travel from Vienna to Bratislava by air-conditioned coach, join a local walking tour, then return by Twin City Liner catamaran on the Danube. You’ll see St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, Grassalkovich Palace, Primate’s Palace, and Bratislava Castle, with several hours for lunch and independent exploring. The guide may lead in more than one language.
“It was a good trip a bit expensive and two hours too long just passing time at the end of the day could have been back in Vienna earlier”
Cruise the Salzach River for 40 minutes, passing Salzburg’s old city skyline, southern villas, and the Hagen and Tennen ranges. An English- or German-speaking captain provides commentary, with reserved seating and Prosecco available as upgrades. The boat returns to its meeting point.
“Great guide/ captain. Engaging & entertaining, multi tasking like a boss. Friendly efficient welcome desk. The queue system might have been better managed & the boat was hot so opening more windows could help. Good value for money”
Spend 3.5 hours aboard a DDSG Blue Danube restaurant ship, cruising from Schwedenplatz through Vienna’s Danube Canal and the great Danube. Your ticket includes freshly prepared pork Wiener Schnitzel with parsley potatoes. Choose the air-conditioned MS Vindobona or MS Wien, and budget extra for drinks, coffee, or pastries.
“My husband was looking for an outing where I wasn't dragging him around the streets and this was perfect. 3 and a half hours sitting on a boat w”
Board the air-conditioned MS Blue Danube at Schwedenplatz for a 3.5-hour loop cruise through Vienna’s Danube Canal. You’ll pass modern buildings and Otto Wagner landmarks, follow GPS information on screens, and eat a seasonal two-course lunch. German and English assistance is available, with drinks purchased separately.
“Nice to be on the Danube. What could be better is water on tables. Also better gangway access than the mad scrabble to get the best seats once the gates open. Maybe allocated seating would stop the brief madness.”
Spend an evening moving from river to fortress: take a 40-minute Salzach cruise, ride the funicular to Hohensalzburg, enjoy dinner at the Panorama Restaurant, then hear a chamber ensemble perform Mozart and other classical favorites. The $128 package suits first-time Salzburg visitors, but requires walking, stairs, and smart-casual dress.
“Stunning concert in the fortress performance hall overlooking the city.”
Travel from Salzburg’s old city to Hellbrunn Palace by boat, then continue by London-style double-decker bus. You’ll see Salzburg’s façades, mountain views, palace rooms, and the famous trick fountains. The 2.5-hour outing includes return transport, quick fountain entry, and an audio guide for the palace.
“The fountains are simply charming. The tour guide was a delight”
Pick a hall, a palace or a valley.
