European River Cruises - Avalon Waterways

European River Cruises

More Countries.
More Ports.
More Possibilities.

Drifting down the Danube with Avalon

The question really isn't to river cruise or not. Carefree cruising along the legendary waters of the world has become one of the most desirable and inspiring ways to travel. The decision, then, is where to make your splash. Do you choose by country? By sights? By cities? Unique experiences? This is what makes the Danube so dreamy – because when you choose to dip your toes into the Danube with Avalon, you choose all of the above.

Winding through ten fascinating countries, no other river offers a more encompassing view of the Old World. Yet passing clifftop castles, hillside vineyards, ancient villages, and even older forests, this wondrous waterway renews the soul. And flowing through four vibrant capital cities, the Danube is truly a bucket-list-maker's dream.

With such great depth, the Danube is just as fitting for the first-time river cruiser as it is for the seasoned and off-the-beaten-path traveler. Offering countless views, one-of-a-kind excursions, and unexpected ports of call, no one goes the distance along the Danube like Avalon Waterways. So whether you're testing the waters or diving into your next cruise, welcome aboard.

The Dish on the Danube

One of the most significant trade and transportation routes in European history, as well as the northern border of the Roman Empire, the Danube is one of the most celebrated bodies of water in the world. If your high school geography is a little fuzzy, however, here's a crash course – and the major highlights – of Europe's second longest river.

Black Forest Germany

Originating in Germany's Black Forest, the Danube flows through nearly 1,800 miles of colorful scenery to the Black Sea.

10 Cities on the Danube

Passing through a total of ten diverse countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine – the Danube offers countless sightseeing opportunities.

Biking on the Danube

Travelers who like to cruise in more ways than one can pedal along any stretch of the scenic Danube cycle path which follows the entire length of the river.

Biking on the Danube

Wilderness and wildlife abound in the sixteen national parks and nature reserves along the river from Germany to Romania.

Biking on the Danube

In addition to the quaint villages along the legendary river, the Danube flows through the vibrant capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade.

See the Beauty of the Danube

Who's down for the Danube?

First Timers

First Timers.

Winding through four, iconic capital cities – with views of fairytale castles and storybook villages along the way – a Danube cruise is the ideal choice for first-time river cruisers who long to see the sights they've always dreamed of.

Perfect Pick: A Taste of the Danube

This introductory cruise visits three countries and three capitals in just four days for as little as $874, giving first-timers an incredible opportunity to sample river cruising and many Danube delights without breaking the bank.


Savvy Sightseers

Savvy sightseers.

One river. Ten countries. More than a dozen languages. The Danube connects seasoned travelers to the diverse culture, customs, and cuisine of Central and Eastern Europe in ways they've never experienced before.

Perfect pick: Balkan Discovery

Ideal for travelers who have already experienced the countries of the upper Danube, this enlightening cruise carries travelers from Budapest to Bucharest to discover the beauty and lure of the Balkan States of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.


Been There Done That

Been-there-done-that-ers.

By anchoring at unexpected locales along the Danube, Avalon takes cruisers off-the-beaten path, port, and parade. Returning visitors never repeat the same vacation.

Perfect pick: Active & Discovery on the Danube

Going where other cruise lines don't, this unexpected cruise leads travelers to six new ports with a choice of nearly three dozen Active, Discovery, and Classic excursion options for ultimate customization.

Sail and See.

Imperial grandeur, royal history, and regal pastries abound along Vienna's melodic, café-lined streets, including the mustn't miss 100-year-old Ringstrasse circling Vienna's inner city.

Dock and Do.

There’s not just more in view on an Avalon river cruise down the Danube, there’s more to do, too. With our daily selection of Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions, you can truly dive into your destination however you please.

Against the Stream.

The Avalon difference along the Danube.

While the Danube is the only major river in Europe that flows west to east, Avalon Waterways is the only river cruise operator to offer more desirable options to travelers, including:

More views.

No other river cruise company provides travelers an entire fleet of Suite Ships® featuring one-of-a-kind Panorama SuitesSM, Open-Air BalconiesSM, and beds that face the Danube views on two full decks.

More Itineraries.

With nearly 30 cruise itineraries in our Danube vacation portfolio, Avalon Waterways offers more ways to discover the Danube than any other river cruise line.

Greater flexibility.

Our Danube itineraries range from 4 to 27 days, offering travelers the widest selection of vacations to suit a variety of vacation schedules.

More customization.

Our exclusive Avalon Choice® excursion menu offers vacation personalization with a varied selection of Classic, Active, and Discovery sightseeing options.

More immersion.

Avalon Waterways is the only river cruise company that offers Active & Discovery cruises, a collection of itineraries with a selection of more active and culturally immersive experiences.

Greater Affordability.

Only Avalon Waterways provides a selection of Danube river cruise vacations priced under $1,000!

More Time.

With Your Way cruising, Avalon Waterways is also the only river cruise company that invites travelers to seamlessly add time in European cities – with included sightseeing and transfers – before and after each cruising vacation.