Danube River Luxury Tours & Trip Packages

Danube River Luxury Tours & Trips

261 Danube River trips. Tours from 59 tour companies. 70 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Luxury
Grand European Cruise
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bucharest, Budapest, Budapest History Museum, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Nuremberg, Transylvania, Vienna

Highlights

  • Cruise along Europe’s greatest waterways through eight countries, from Amsterdam on the North Sea to Constanta on the Black Sea
  • Cruise aboard our award-winning 140- to 164-passenger ships with a dedicated English-speaking crew
  • Experience this European itinerary, and uncover a local and American perspective in destinations impacted by global events, such as World War II and the Cold War
  • Explore with an expert, local Program Director—a native or resident of Europe—who will be dedicated to your group of no more than 47 from the start to the end of your trip

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years."

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Danube River Cruise Biking
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4.9/5 Excellent
74 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Munich, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy riding along the Danube Bike Path
  • Discover the Old City in Passau
  • Visit 'Donau Auen' National Park
  • Enjoy a casual bike tour of the main sights and explore Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Cycling & Biking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Butterfield and Robinson just planned and executed a great, great trip for us to the Amalfi coast. All the services and hotels were wonderful and the guides were great fun and and well informed. Many nice surprises along the way and an itinerary we would have had trouble putting together on our own was effortless. All guides were well trained the transportation and drivers were polite and on time. The recommended hotels were amazing. We loved every minute of our vacation."

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Danube 7 Country Cruise
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5/5 Excellent
61 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Bucharest, Budapest, Croatia, St. Martin's Cathedral, Vienne

Highlights

  • Vienna, Austria, City tour including Belvedere Palace
  • Bratislava, Slovakia, City tour including Primate Palace
  • Budapest, Hungary, City tour including Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Pesc, Hungary City tour with organ concert
  • Vukovar, Croatia, Walking tour
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"I just got in the office this morning. Egypt was the best. I mean the best. All went well. The people were very nice. But I want to say thank you personally for this chance in a life time. This will be something I will sell, and hope to go again next year.Thank you Thank you Thank you Camel Hugs, Tina”"

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Cruise the Heart of Europe
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4.6/5 Excellent
26 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Standard class one way reserved seat on Eurostar from London St. Pancras with return flight or return flights from selected airports (at a supplement)
  • Admire the stunning scenery of the Rhine Gorge, Main and Danube
  • Guided tour of 2,000 year-old Koblenz
  • Stop in picturesque Boppard
  • Rüdesheim - a true Rhineland wine town
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from India & Shimla solo travellers trip. A fantastic time was had by all, we did so much in 2 weeks. Thank you to Riviera for your great organisation and always there to help if needed. Special thanks to Matt our tour guide for all the laughs, information on the places we were seeing, keeping us all in check (if he could ha ha) and his great organisation and compasion if needed. I would greatly recommend Rivera Travel and cannot wait for my next trip with them in September to the Kerala Backwaters. Keep up the good work all."

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Danube Delights River Cruise
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4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Budapest, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Hungarian National Gallery, Matthias Church, Nuremberg, sobering Holocaust Memorial, St. Martin's Cathedral, Vienne, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy the Cruise along the Danube River by Emerald Star-Ships
  • Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Visit to Hofburg Imperial Palace
  • Discover Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We booked an Emerald Waterways river cruise a year ago and paid in full to get a discount. A river cruise was on our bucket list and our travel agent raved on and on about Emerald Waterways. Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic hit the world hard. We fully expected the cruise to be cancelled and just yesterday it was. I knew that per the terms and conditions that if Emerald cancelled the cruise we were to be offered an alternate sailing date or a FULL refund. BUT, the letter I received said they were "suspending" (not cancelling) all sailings and if I didn't want the future cruise credit I could cancel under their standard terms and conditions. If I cancelled then I would lose a $1,000 deposit! This is a bad faith offer in my opinion. I am so upset with the way this was handled. I understand we are all suffering from the pandemic but Emerald Waterways needs to step up and do the right thing. Rest assured I will not be a future customer of Emerald Waterways."

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The Grand Danube Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Vienna

Highlights

  • Discover breath-taking Budapest, the Hungarian capital
  • Admire the wonderful Wachau Valley with a scenic tour
  • Explore Austria, Slovakia and Hungary with a relaxing river cruise

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Miramar hotel in Bellaria great holiday , lovely Room but are at the back of hotel ,so if you want to see the great view of the Adriatic you need to upgrade before you go as there is no chance of this when you are there ,hotel was full ,food was good lots of choices but on one cake or fruit for sweets most hotels we have been in Italy they have ice-cream for deserts ��, they give you beach towels which we used and went on the great beach opposite hotel 15 euros for two beds and brolly �� we had a great time"

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Treasures of the Danube
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River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Budapest, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Marvel at the elegance of Vienna’s ornate architecture, manicured gardens, and rich culture
  • Take in Dürnstein’s picture-perfect scenery and thriving vineyards
  • Discover the baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, in Melk
  • Expose yourself to the influential and political hub of Linz
  • Walk the historic cobblestones of Bratislava
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Themes

Cultural

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Grand Europe - Budapest to Amsterdam
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River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Vienna

Highlights

  • Take-in the striking skyline of Budapest
  • Admire the colorful buildings and cobblestone maze of Bratislava
  • Experience the thriving vineyards of Durnstein
  • Explore the joyus and historical streets of Nuremberg

Themes

Cultural

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Explore the Balkans
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Budapest, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sarajevo

Highlights

  • Delve into the communist past and progressive present of the Pearl of the Danube - Budapest, a city often underrated by travellers
  • Visit Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River and maybe explore the Petrovaradin Fortress – one of the most important landmarks in the city with a great view over the river. Then, immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter.
  • Explore the sobering Tito’s Bunker in Mostar – an underground facility that served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war.
  • Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.
  • Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. With medieval walls, Game of Thrones tours, hidden swimming coves and alleyway restaurants, this is the perfect spot to end your adventure.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Balkan Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Budapest, Budva, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Durmitor National Park, Kotor, Montenegro, Sarajevo

Highlights

  • Cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest – known as the Pearl of the Danube – and take the funicular up to Buda Castle for beautiful views over Pest.
  • After exploring the 15th-century family-run vineyard, sip the famous Croatian Traminac Premium wine at an included wine tasting in quaint Ilok – this wine was served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II!
  • Wander through Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter and grand 19th-century boulevards before launching into its animated nightlife. Then, take a day trip to the artists’ haven of Zemun.
  • Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river for centuries and visit Tito's bunker – one of the best-kept secrets in former Yugoslavia.
  • See the sights on a guided walking tour of scenic Sarajevo and learn about its recent history as a city under siege. Then, take a long drive to the stunning Durmitor National Park.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Budapest to Rome
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Budapest, Cinque Terre, Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Florence, Kotor, La Spezia, Ljubljana, Pantheon, Rome, Sarajevo, Split, Tuscany, Vatican City, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik (otherwise known as King’s Landing of Game of Thrones fame) along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline, then explore the white sands of Elaphiti Islands on a day trip with loads of free time to swim, relax or wander.
  • Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.  
  • Stroll through Plitvice Lakes National Park – a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site – marvelling at luminous lakes and azure waterfalls that look like they’ve been sketched by an artist. 
  • Journey to romantic Venice – like no other city in the world. Fall in love with its labyrinth of alleyways, canals, lagoon islands, and endless historic attractions and maybe hop on a gondola if you want to explore the city from a different perspective.  
  • Explore Cinque Terre's rocky coastal pathways, calling into the sleepy pastel villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore or Vernazza. Then enjoy a full day to explore this picturesque spot at your own pace.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Balkan & Dalmatia Discovery
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Budapest, Budva, Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Durmitor National Park, Kotor, Montenegro, Sarajevo, Split

Highlights

  • Sip the famous Croatian Traminac Premium wine at a wine tasting at a 15th century family-run vineyard in quaint Ilok
  • Witness Mostar's famous bridge divers hurl themselves from the stones of a bridge that has spanned the river here for centuries
  • Sarajevo is one of the most scenically located cities in Europe. See the sights on a guided walking tour and learn about its recent history as a city under siege
  • Spend a full day exploring the green island of Mljet – with its small seaside villages, lush national park trails, shimmering waters and largely untouched environment, you’ll never want to leave!

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Cycle the Danube
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna

Highlights

  • Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, small villages and lowland forests – the best way to see Eastern Europe is on two wheels!
  • Cycle leafy paths away from the traffic of main roads and cities, from vibrant Vienna to cosmopolitan Bratislava and bohemian Budapest. Away from the tourists, you’ll have a better chance of connecting with local cultures!
  • Spend some time at the domed Basilica of Esztergom – the biggest church in Hungary – and see how it’s reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend. Then, make your way into Budapest and indulge in one of the steaming public baths.
  • See the Roman remains at Carnuntum – one of Austria's most important archaeological sites. Wander the ruins and reconstructions and then hop back on your bike to the Slovak border.
  • Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom and soothe your sore muscles during one of the optional spa visits.
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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8 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Luxury

Danube River Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
70  Reviews
See all Danube River tour reviews
Excellent
29
Great
7
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
V

Victoria

Sep 2015

Written on

The trip was well organised and well

The trip was well organised and well thought out. It was only a 10 day trip but we saw so much in that time. Our tour guide provided us with options of what to do i...

C

Chris

Sep 2015

Written on

Brilliantly organised and value for money.

Brilliantly organised and value for money.

T

Tim

Sep 2015

Written on

The trip was fun, interesting and you

The trip was fun, interesting and you experience a different culture to Western Europe.

D

Dee

Aug 2017

Written on

They Made It Difficult For Me To Get Money Back

I booked a 981euro holiday with Intrepid in July 2017. They emailed me a few days after booking to tell me that trip was cancelled and that I was entitled to a refun...

N

Nadia

Oct 2015

Written on

Small groups are ideal! Like that the

Small groups are ideal! Like that the tour leader is ...

Write a Review

Danube River Tour Selection Trips

  • Because the Danube is Europe’s longest river outside Russia, you have several choices of routes.
  • The most popular stretch flows from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary (or reverse).
  • Allow at least eight days for your cruise (for the Nuremberg-Budapest itinerary) and up to two weeks or more to sail farther into Eastern Europe.
  • Going downriver – from west to east -- tends to be a smoother voyage, though seasickness is seldom a problem.
  • To judge the best value as opposed to just the lowest price, watch for how many “extras” are included in the base rate – port excursions, alcohol, balcony cabins -- that could add to the cost.
  • Many Danube itineraries include options for intriguing side trips away from the river – such as to Salzburg in Austria or to medieval Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
  • You can combine a Danube river cruise with a Rhine river cruise through Germany all the way to Amsterdam via a canal replete with locks.
  • For maximum privacy and comfort, consider splurging on a balcony cabin, where you can relax and watch the changing riverside tableau pass by.
  • May through September is the most popular (and expensive) season on the Danube (September often offers the most pleasant weather with fewer crowds).
  • Don’t overlook the magic of Yuletide cruises, when the entire region comes alive with colorful outdoor Christmas markets.
  • Some Danube River cruise lines market almost exclusively to baby boomers aged 50 and up, while others also cater to younger passengers.
  • If you plan on traveling alone on your cruise, check into policies on charging for single supplements; they might match you with a same-sex roommate to avoid the extra charge.
  • Some luxury river cruise lines offer special evening events on shore – such as private concerts or dining in palaces – or provide complimentary bicycles for sightseeing and exercise.

Additional details

Danube River cruises and tours are available in a variety of lengths, either focusing on a specific section of the river or covering the entire distance. You will often see an itinerary listed as “Westbound” or Eastbound”. This can be helpful when determining your pre and post cruise activities.

The average length of a Danube River cruise is between one and two weeks. Longer Danube River cruises often also visit the Black Sea and a few other rivers in Europe - you’ll see so much of Europe in comfort gliding along the water, and only unpack once!

Many shorter departures along the Danube include cycling excursions, such as those with Butterfield and Robinson. If you travel on a Danube River cruise that’s 6 days or less, chances are you’ll begin or end in Budapest, Hungary visiting three or four other countries along either an Eastbound or Westbound route.

What to Wear on a Danube River Cruise

The Danube is one of the largest rivers in Europe, both by length and width. Given this, it will always be slightly cooler on the boat than on the shore.

Light layers should suffice for most of the year, heavier outerwear for the winter when it will commonly be snowing. Christmas markets are a very popular wintertime activity in Europe and many Danube River Cruises operate during this time, visiting markets along the way.

While most river cruises don’t have strict dress codes, they do cater to an older audience more likely to dress up for dinner.

Danube River Weather

The weather on the Danube is generally mild, though expect to encounter a lot of microclimates as you travel, regardless of the length of your trip. Since you’ll be passing through numerous countries and regions, it’s difficult to pinpoint an easy weather pattern.

The Danube is a popular destination year round - you have the joyous and magical Christmas markets in the wintertime, the lovely springtime with flowers blooming and sunshine peeking through, summertime when it’s warm and small towns and villages vibrant with tourists, and the fall when you can see beautiful changing leaves along the shore and up in the hills.

Weather on the Danube River in August

August is universally one of best months to travel. This is when you’ll find some of the best weather (in the northern hemisphere at least), and the crowds are not quite as heavy as the peak summertime months of June and July, but not so dissipated that certain activities and destinations are shut down to tourism.

In Europe and along the Danube, August is an ideal month, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the mid 90s fahrenheit.

Weather on the Danube River in September

Like August, September is one of the more ideal times to travel. Even less crowds than August, and the weather is usually still warm, but not blazing hot. Expect lows in the 50s especially at night, and 60s and 70s during the day (fahrenheit). You also might get to see some early changes in nature from your cruise deck.

Weather on the Danube River in March

In March, expect the weather on the Danube River to be a bit nippy, though not unbearable. You will be spending time outside though, on the viewing deck, out on the water. So definitely bring a warm jacket so you can spend more time outside. Temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s, mid 30s at night.

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