blue danube family riverboat adventure

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Choosing The Best Danube River Cruise For You

Let the beautiful Danube, the "River of Kings," waltz its way into your heart on an unforgettable journey. Find the best Tauck Danube River cruise for you and follow its siren song past medieval towns, romantic castles and lush vineyards.

Best For First Timers - The Blue Danube

Is the Danube truly blue? While composer Johann Strauss may have taken a few liberties with the Danube's color, he was right about one thing: it is certainly beautiful! The reviews agree: The Blue Danube is Tauck's #1 best-selling itinerary worldwide. You'll see why as you soak up picturesque scenery on a 12-day journey through five countries with stops in Prague, Bratislava, Regensburg, Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg.

Life onboard our best-rated river cruise line is one of refined pleasures. Along the way, you'll discover architectural and cultural treasures, taste locally made wine and dine like an aristocrat at Tauck Exclusive private royal palace dinners. Your Danube River Cruise begins and ends with 2-night stays at premier, city-center hotels in Budapest and Prague, as well as a 2-day docking mid-cruise in Vienna—giving you ample opportunity to further explore these romantic capitals of Europe.

View the full itinerary for the Blue Danube River Cruise here.

The river is ready for adventure, the hills are alive with music and medieval castles are game for modern play on the best-rated Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure . Tauck has thought of everything to make your family vacation stress-free and full of fun. This 8-day river cruise takes you through four countries with stops along the way for geocaching, marzipan making, and bicycling along the Danube. Discover the secrets of a royal maze, see a knight's tournament and, of course, eat strudel!

Experience family harmony on a tour of Salzburg, where you'll step into scenes straight out of the classic family film The Sound of Music . Everyone will thrill to iconic views from atop the 19th-century Riesenrad (giant Ferris wheel) at the Vienna Prater, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. And fairytales come true at a Tauck Exclusive: a private dinner with Viennese entertainment, held in the ballroom of a Baroque palace.

View the full itinerary for Tauck's Family Danube River Cruise .

Best For Experienced Travelers - Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków

Enjoy more time to discover the Danube east of Vienna on the 14-day Royal Danube, Berlin & Kraków . This insightful, revealing excursion begins and ends with 3-night stays in premier, city-center hotels in Berlin and Kraków. In between, your river cruise will take you past picture-perfect scenery, with stops to sample wines in the Wachau Valley and party like its 1799 in Vienna at a Tauck Exclusive palace dinner. Another must-see is the impressive Danube Gorge at the confluence of the Danube River and Danube-Main Canal.

While your itinerary features unforgettable outings (like dining underground in the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków), you're also free to customize as you please. Learn more about WWII history or make a pilgrimage to the home of Wagner and Liszt. Visit an ancient abbey or a working BMW factory. Take a boat ride, bike ride or a mountain tram. Pay tribute to an unlikely hero at Schindler's Factory or breathe in views and fresh air at Poland's best-known mountain resort. This is the Danube, your way!

Explore Tauck's Poland River Cruise today!

What is the best time to experience a celebration 700 years strong? Join Tauck in November and December for Christmas Markets Along the Danube . This 8-day river cruise unwraps all of the charms and treats of this age-old tradition. The festivities begin as you join the crew and your fellow travelers in trimming the riverboat's Christmas tree. You'll definitely be in the holiday spirit as you visit Christmas markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, Regensburg and Nürnberg. Whether called Christkindlmarkt or Weihnachsmarkt , each one sparkles with unique character that you won't want to miss!

This river cruise is truly a feast for the senses. You'll see why as you nibble gingerbread and bratwurst, listen to impressive pipe organs and heavenly choirs, sip warming mugs of glühwein and gaze at stands loaded with local crafts. Be sure to save room for wonderful outings, including a tour of the Baroque Melk Abbey, a chance to explore Thurn und Taxis Palace and its private Christmas market in Regensburg and a holiday lunch and choir performance at Vienna's Palais Pallavicini.

Explore Tauck's Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise .

Best For Music Lovers - Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube

Pay homage to the river that inspired a beloved waltz and was home to the world's most lauded composers. Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube is a 12-day "master class" in musical greatness, as you revel in the prodigious talents of Mozart, Beethoven, Bartók, Schubert, Liszt, Strauss, Haydn and more.

Your itinerary is a glorious full-out symphony of Tauck Exclusive experiences. In Budapest – where you'll stay two nights in a premier, centrally located hotel—enjoy a guided tour of the gilded 1884 State Opera House. On board your river cruise, you'll be immersed in workshops, seminars and performances by Tauck's "maestros." Listen to works from Mozart's operas, as well as a fascinating talk by a Mozarteum University professor, in Salzburg. And the crescendo of your musical journey is a visit to Vienna, the Imperial City. Sit in on an orchestra rehearsal at Auersperg Palace before a night you'll never forget: a gala evening at Palais Ferstel, with a sumptuous dinner, orchestra, ballet, and Mozart…now that's musical magic!

Learn about our music-focused Danube River Tours .

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Salzburg » Dürnstein » Linz » Bratislava » Vienna » Budapest

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm

Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

Unpack once and explore Munich, Austria, Slovakia, and Budapest on a family-friendly Danube River tour. Enjoy medieval games at Devin Castle, visit Schönbrunn Palace, and bike along the Danube. Discover secrets in Salzburg's Schloss Hellbrunn, including "The Sound of Music" locations. Conclude the tour with a family scavenger hunt in Old Town, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Customized Pricing: Your final cost will be tailored to your specific needs, factoring in availability, travel dates, accommodation choices, tours, and additional inclusions. Inspirational Itinerary: Consider this itinerary a springboard for your dream vacation. You can either adopt it as presented or use elements you love from it. Personalized Experience: We’re dedicated to customizing this journey to match your preferences and travel style, ensuring a unique and unforgettable adventure. ‍

Monday - Friday 9am -5.30pm

Let's start planning your unforgettable vacation!

Exact pricing will depend on availability, time of travel, choice of accommodations, tours and other inclusions.

How do we work?

Our work is based on years of experience, in-person and online training, extensive travel, vast industry affiliations, and a big network of reliable partners — all to enhance your vacation and ensure a seamless planning and booking experience, as well as memories of trips to last a lifetime.

Experience the multi-award winning, adults-only voyages.

🌟 Best Overall Cruise Line: Their exclusively adult, superyacht-inspired lady ships — sailing to some of the most dazzling destinations in the world. 🍴 Best Dining: With 20+ eateries (all included!), their Michelin-starred chef-curated menus feature fresh, made-to-order food. 👨 Best Service: Their incredible Crew is at the heart of what we do — making sure our Sailors have the most brilliant experience possible. 🏠 Best Cabins: Gorgeously designed, roomy rain showers, ample storage, and, best of all, their cabins feature the signature red hammocks — exclusively on Virgin Voyages ships. 💰 Best Value for Money: Their Always Included Luxury gives you epic perks on every single voyage — like all food, entertainment, all tips, WiFi, group fitness classes, and essential drinks.

Watch the video

Set sail on a cruise that exceeds expectations, experience the beauty of the danube river.

The Danube stands as a river in Europe like no other, boasting an unparalleled collection of timeless cities, national capitals, rich history, and unparalleled scenic beauty lining its shores.

Immerse in your day-by-day itinerary recommendation

Welcome aboard.

Start your journey at 5:30 PM in Vilshofen, Germany. A transfer is provided from Munich's Franz Josef Strauss International Airport or Munich Train Station directly to your riverboat in Vilshofen. Settle in, join fellow families at the Captain's welcome reception, and enjoy dinner aboard the ship tonight.

Creating Marzipan and Beyond in Passau

Upon early arrival in Passau, Germany, choose between a walking tour showcasing the Baroque Bavarian city, a geocaching tour, or a guided bicycle ride along the Inn River. Enjoy free time to explore Passau before continuing the family cruise to Linz, Austria, with activities like lunch, social hour, dinner, and "The Sound of Music" karaoke on board. Arrive in Linz in the evening.

Linz to Salzburg

Challenging hellbrunn castle and salzburg with mozart.

Disembark in Linz for a day in Salzburg or explore Linz. Visit Schloss Hellbrunn with its historical pranks and The Sound of Music locations. Explore beautiful Salzburg, Mozart's hometown, at your pace. Join a stroll in Mirabell Gardens and discover the Old City's ancient fountains. Rejoin the riverboat in Linz in the evening.

Wachau Valley to Dürnstein to Vienna

Choose your adventure in dürnstein & wachau valley.

Cruise through Austria's Wachau Valley in the morning, and then explore the medieval town of Dürnstein with a choice of activities. Opt for a leisurely bicycle tour along the Danube or a walking tour of the town. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, with the option to hike to the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle for stunning views. The riverboat continues to Vienna in the evening.

Explore the Catacombs, city landmarks, and enjoy an Imperial Evening in Vienna.

Discover Vienna's grandeur with a sightseeing tour along the Ringstrasse and famous landmarks. Explore St. Stephen's Cathedral catacombs, enjoy a carriage ride, and experience an exclusive Imperial Evening at Palais Pallavicini with welcome drinks, dinner, and Viennese entertainment for a memorable family night! Note: Activity rotation may apply on some departures.

Schönbrunn & more in Vienna

In Vienna, tour the grand Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Explore the maze, once exclusive to the Imperial family. Lunch on the riverboat, enjoy Vienna in the afternoon, and have dinner onboard before sailing to Bratislava.

Explore Bratislava, Castle, and Enjoy Medieval Games

Explore Devin Castle's ruins overlooking the Danube, with medieval games, a knight tournament, and more. Return to Bratislava for a walking tour, scavenger hunt, and a knighthood ceremony. Enjoy Slovak cultural entertainment onboard before sailing to Budapest.

The End of the Journey!

Your family riverboat adventure concludes in Budapest. Disembark anytime before 11:30 AM with a transfer to Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport or Keleti train station included. For guests with a post-stay, join a morning sightseeing tour of historic Budapest, delving into its rich history and visiting iconic sites like Heroes' Square and Fisherman's Bastion.

Hear from Our Satisfied Travelers!

We love to make our clients happy! And we love to hear their feedback after they returned from vacation. Here are a few of them.

To Confirm your reservations, a $500/person deposit applies with a minimum deposit of $1000/cabin (if you are booking a single occupancy rate you must submit $1000). The final payment is due by 15FEB, 2024 .

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $4,134/person in B1 Cabin

SINGLE OCCUPANCY $5,829/person in B1 Cabin

Only 6 cabins left in B1 Category on Strauss Deck! ‍ Terms and Conditions: Deposit payments are non-refundable/non-transferable. Any Cancellation Request must be submitted in writing. The following cancellation conditions apply to all bookings: 1OCT23 - 15Feb2024 -Deposit non-refundable 16Feb - 22MAR2024 - 50% penalty 23Mar - 23APR2024 - 80% penalty 24APR2024 - 100% penalty - booking is completely non-refundable We strongly encourage the purchase of travel insurance. After your booking is deposited and confirmed, we will be sending you and insurance quote.

To confirm your reservation, a deposit of $1500/person is due immediately. The Final Payment date for this Group is due by 27 JUN, 2024. ‍

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $8,995/person

SINGLE OCCUPANCY $10,945/person

If you need a roommate, please let us know. We’d be happy to pair you up with one of our other goddesses. ‍ Terms and Conditions: ‍ Deposits are non-refundable. The group pricing is based on a small group size of 10 participants. In case the minimum group size is not met by 25 February 2024, we reserve the right to cancel this departure. In this case, your deposit will be refunded. Please note, that these are specialty accommodations in high demand with strict hold and cancellation policies. In order for us to guarantee our room block, we recommend anyone interested to sign up by 1FEB the latest. The following cancellation policy applies: The deposit of $1500/person is non-refundable. The below cancellation fees apply to the rest of the payments: 1 OCT 2023 – 28FEB 2024 – deposit non-refundable, any amount paid above the deposit is refundable 29FEB – 27JUN2024 – deposit is non-refundable, and an additional cancellation fee of $1500/person applies 28JUN- 31JUL2024- 50% of trip cost non-refundable 1AUG – 100% cancellation penalty applies. No refunds provided for cancellations starting on 1AUG. We highly recommend the purchase of additional travel insurance to protect your investment, and yourself. We will gladly send you a quote as soon as your reservation is confirmed.   Payment Schedule: Trip Deposit of $1500/person - At the time of booking 1 st installment of $1500/person – 15FEB2024 2 nd installment of $1500/person – 1MAY2024 Final Balance- 27JUN2024

Inclusions, Exclusions & F.A.Q.

Set sail with Virgin Voyaegs

Let your dreams take flight with up to $600 in free drinks for making your fantasy escape on a luxury ocean cruise a reality.

Services included worth over $600:

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Essential Drinks

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

Fitness Classes

Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

Entertainment

Developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers and artists, you have a ticket to all of our awe-inspiring shows.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Tour

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services

Why is our professional retainer non-refundable?

Our professional retainer fee is non-refundable due to the commitment and resources we allocate once we take on a project. Here are the key reasons why this policy is in place: ‍ Time Allocation: When we accept a project, we block out our time exclusively for that particular request. This means we decline other potential projects to ensure that we can provide the dedicated attention and high-quality service required for the task at hand. ‍ Lost Opportunities: If a client decides to cancel or change their mind, we not only lose their business, but also the business from other clients we had to turn away. This double loss impacts our ability to maintain a sustainable operation. ‍ Upfront Resource Commitment: The retainer fee also covers some of the time and expenses incurred during the initial phases of the project. This includes research, itinerary design, and other preparatory work necessary to provide a professional service. ‍ Ensuring Serious Engagements: The non-refundable retainer also helps in ensuring that the engagements we enter into are serious and well-considered, which is crucial for maintaining a professional and reliable service. Our aim is to provide exceptional service and to allocate our resources effectively to meet the needs of all our clients. The non-refundable retainer fee is a crucial part of achieving this goal, ensuring that we can continue to offer high-quality, dedicated service for each project we undertake.

Do you offer a best-price guarantee?

Our prices are very compatible. We always look at value vs. cost and we make sure you get a fair price. This however doesn’t mean that our packages are always the cheapest. We work with trusted, hand picked tour operators that are service oriented, professional and reliable. We want to offer you the best experience at a reasonable cost, and that is our priority. When you book online, you are basically paying a service fee to a website, without actually getting the service in return. When you book with us, you are a priority to us, and we are at your service every step of the way.

How do you get paid for your services?

a.  We have negotiated contracts with the suppliers we sell who pay us a commission. These are only paid to us only if you actually take the trip we booked, and we do not get paid typically only a few weeks after your return. If you book your trip months in advance, we only have the retainer as our payment for all that time and work, until we actually get paid by our suppliers. ‍ b.  Since our specialty is customization, we often work with suppliers on a net price basis. We do this when this option offers more flexible terms and conditions for you, or when we are working on trip components (such as train tickets, ferryboats, private transfers, exclusive activities and more) that make more sense to be booked on  a non-commissionable rate. In this case we charge a standard service fee to compensate for our lack of payment. ‍ When you get our quotes the price you will see listed on them is inclusive of all the commissions and/or service fees, so you will know the exact cost of your trip before you are charged for it .

Is this your service fee for booking my trip?

Retainers are not service fees for the work we do, they are a non-refundable payment to hire us to work with you. We keep these fees really low, starting at $100 - and it goes up depending on the complexity of your trip and number of travelers.

How many quotes does your retainer include?

Before you are charged a retainer, we do a free consultation, during which we discuss your needs, and our general recommendations. It is very important that you are honest about what you are looking for, what your approximate budget is, and give us feedback on anything we suggest. This is what ensures that we can actually work on quotes that would be a good fit for you, instead of wasting your time with unsuitable options. There are a reasonable amount of revisions included in our quoting services, but the retainer is basically for one specific trip. If you are looking to shop around, see multiple quotes for several destinations just let us know, we would handle that with an hourly rate instead of a trip retainer.

What happens when I pay a retainer, get the quotes that I need, but don’t purchase the trip? I come back to you at a later time, when I am ready to proceed with the booking. Do I have to pay another retainer for the same trip?

It takes time for us to work on each of your quotes. We customize everything, and each time we quote you something, we work with you to adjust those to your needs. Quotes are usually valid for 24-72hrs. If you don’t purchase the trip, and come back to us at a later time, we have to start everything all over again. In this case a new retainer will be charged.

Are your retainers refundable?

No, our retainers are fully non-refundable.

Family Riverboat Adventure on the Blue Danube

Named among Fodor's Travel "10 Best River Cruises," experience the heart of Europe on a leisurely Danube river tour and cruise aboard a custom-designed riverboat.

An award winning luxury cruise line

Virgin Voyages took home all Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards in the large ship category for this year — making them the first brand in history to do so!

Secure your room today!

Ready, set, sail.

Secure your spot today and set sail on a cruise filled with luxury, excitement, and endless memories. Embark on the voyage of a lifetime!

Ideas based on our experience.

As certified travel agents, we work for you, our client. Customization is what we do best, and it looks different for each client. Our end to end services help you make travel decisions that best suit your needs, our creative consultants always come up with ideas and recommendations you might not otherwise consider, and we make sure your trip components are booked through trusted tour operators.

Making the best decisions.

We act as your advisor and your advocate, we help you understand where it makes sense to splurge or where to hold back, and assist in making sure that you make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

Custom itineraries.

Every itinerary is unique and catered to you. We plan for your budget, your party, and your interests to ensure that your vacation is stress-free and truly memorable!

Luxury vacations designed with you in mind!

We assist with your itineraries as much - or as little - as you need us to. From simple logistics planning to designing entire itineraries, Evyssa Vacations works with you every step of the way to help make your plans a reality.

Your next luxury vacation starts with us!