Rhine to Danube via the Main-Danube Canal

About Rhine to River Danube Cruises

The Main River flows from the Rhine at Mainz, twisting and turning through vineyards, wine villages and ancient towns rich in medieval architecture. From Miltenberg with its ancient market place the Main reaches Wurzburg. Here the Prince-Bishop’s Residenz, a UNESCO World Monument, features the largest ceiling fresco in the world.

Bamberg on the Main is an architectural gem, its Old Town Hall decorated with lavish frescos. This marks the start of the Main-Danube Canal, winding 106 miles through rural Bavaria linking the Main with the River Danube at Kelheim. Only completed in 1992, the Canal includes 16 locks that rise to a height of 1330 feet near Nuremberg, the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe.

Explore Nuremberg’s 13th century city walls, complete with moats, watchtowers and gateways. From Nuremberg the Canal continues to meet the River Danube, which flows on to Passau, Vienna and Budapest, and eventually the Black Sea.

Cruise Collection 2018 / 2019

• Three Rivers

  7 Nights - Amsterdam to Nuremberg

  Choice of Ships

  Cruise along the scenic waterways of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers through the heart of Germany to discover medieval villages, ancient castles and picturesque vineyards 2019 - Apr, Jul Save 15%!

  Cruise Only
  From £1174pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £1529pp View Full Details

• Reflections of the Rhine and Main

  7 Nights - Amsterdam to Nuremburg

  Choice of Ships

  A superb full-board premium cruise along the beautiful Rhine River from Amsterdam to Nuremburg, travelling through Rüdesheim, Wertheim and Würzburg. Includes flights from the UK, excursions and unique Insider Experiences 2018 - Oct 2019 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct Save up to 50% on 2019 departures!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £1195pp View Full Details

• Medieval Germany

  7 Nights - Mainz to Regensburg

  Choice of Ships

  Explore the charming medieval towns of Wertheim and Miltenberg and charming Bamberg on this cruise along the Main and Danube rivers through the heart of Germany, with included excursions and return flights from the UK 2018 - Oct 2019 - May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct No single supplement!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £1199pp View Full Details

• Rhine and Danube Symphony

  7 Nights - Cologne to Passau

  Choice of Ships

  Explore the half-timbered towns of Wertheim and Miltenberg, the medieval city of Bamberg and the wine-making town of Rudesheim on this cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers through the heart of Germany 2018 - Oct 2019 - Sep Save 15% on 2019 departures!

  Cruise Only
  From £1230pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £1549pp View Full Details

• European Rivers and Castles

  7 Nights - Nuremberg to Luxembourg

  AmaDante

  Journey along the Moselle, Rhine and Main rivers through Germany's beautiful wine-producing areas and past historic castles. Includes shore excursions 2018 - Oct, Nov 2019 - May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov Save 25% PLUS exclusive £50pp discount!

  Cruise Only
  From £1561pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £1861pp View Full Details

• Legends of the Rhine and Main

  7 Nights - Nuremberg to Bernkastel

  Choice of Ships

  View magnificent architecture, breathtaking scenery and medieval ruins as you travel along the Moselle, Rhine and Main from Nuremberg to Bernkastel. Includes return flights from the UK, shore excursions and complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner 2019 - Jun, Aug, Sep Save £1650 per couple PLUS book a balcony suite for free drinks package or OBC!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £1570pp View Full Details

• Medieval Treasures

  7 Nights - Basel to Nuremberg

  AmaDante

  Discover the historic cities of Strasbourg and Frankfurt, UNESCO-listed town of Bamberg and architectural jewels on this 7-night cruise along the romantic Rhine and Main rivers, with included excursions and drinks with meal 2018 - Oct, Nov 2019 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov Save 25% PLUS exclusive £50pp discount!

  Cruise Only
  From £1611pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £1911pp View Full Details

• Heart of Europe

  14 Nights - Cologne to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Tour through the heart of Europe along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers from Cologne to Budapest visiting well-preserved historic towns in Germany and the impressive city of Vienna in Austria. Includes excursions and Eurostar from London St Pancras or return flights 2018 - Oct 2019 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct No single supplement!

  No Fly Cruise
  From £1899pp View Full Details

• European Gems

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Explore the heart of Germany and Austria on this superb-value premium itinerary. Includes flights from the UK and shore excursions 2018 - Oct, Dec 2019 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug Save up to 50%!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £1995pp View Full Details

• Across Europe

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Journey from Amsterdam to Budapest along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, passing stunning castles, picturesque vineyards and lively cities 2019 - Apr, Jul Save 15%!

  Cruise Only
  From £2342pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £2649pp View Full Details

• Magnificent Europe

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  An all-inclusive, luxury cruise through five magnificent countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, with exclusive signature experiences, guided excursions, home pick-up service and travel from the UK 2018 - Oct, Nov, Dec 2019 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec Save up to £2300pp on 2019 departures PLUS exclusive £50pp discount!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £2545pp View Full Details

• Splendours of Europe

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Visit the imperial capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and the quaint towns of Bamberg, Passau and Melk as you journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers past story-book castles perched high above terraced vineyards. Includes return flights from the UK, shore excursions and complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner 2018 - Oct, Dec 2019 - Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct Save £500pp on 4 Dec 2018 departure - Cat B suite from just £3995pp!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £2995pp View Full Details

• Jewels of Europe

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Discover the cultural and historical highlights of Europe along the legendary Rhine and Danube rivers on this 14-night all-inclusive luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, with return flights from the UK, butler service, all gratuities and a choice of superb included shore excursions 2018 - Oct, Nov 2019 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov Save up to £1000pp on 2019 departures!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £3095pp View Full Details

• Grand European River Cruise

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Viking Longships

  A 14-night river cruise on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers from Amsterdam, visiting charming riverside towns in Germany and Austria, and the magnificent cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Includes excursions and travel package from the UK 2018 - Oct 2019 - Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov Save £500pp PLUS free gratuities and Silver Spirits Beverage Package on 2019 departures!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £3345pp View Full Details

• European Jewels

  14 Nights - Budapest to Amsterdam

  Choice of Ships

  This fantastic itinerary takes you through four magnificent countries to Europe's most scenic destinations, uncovering European art, history and culture. Includes guided excursions, unlimited complimentary drinks and gratuities 2018 - Oct, Nov 2019 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct Save up to 10% on 2019 departures!

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £4049pp View Full Details

• Magnificent Rivers of Europe

  14 Nights - Amsterdam to Budapest

  Choice of Ships

  Cruise through the heart of Europe along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest following the route of emperors and kings through five magnificent countries. Includes guided excursions and drinks with meals 2019 - May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep Exclusive savings of up to £750pp on 2019 departures!

  Cruise Only
  From £4364pp Fly-Cruise Package
  From £4664pp View Full Details

• Highlights of the Danube

  9 Nights - Budapest to Nuremberg

  Royal Crown

  Explore the contrasting capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, and admire the verdant scenery of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley on this 9-night luxury, all-inclusive Danube River cruise on Royal Crown 2019 - Jul

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £4450pp View Full Details

• Bavaria to the Moselle

  11 Nights - Regensburg to Trier

  Royal Crown

  Dine like royalty at an exclusive banquet in a medieval castle, sample regional wines at an ancient monastery and sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge on this luxury river cruise through Germany on board Royal Crown

  Fly Cruise Package
  From £4695pp View Full Details

Rhine to River Danube Highlights

Bamberg (Germany)

The wonderfully-preserved city of Bamberg has a four-steepled cathedral and half-timbered houses edge the winding lanes, contrasting with the vast 'New Residence' which was the seat of the prince-bishops and has a delightful Rose Garden. The old Town Hall can be found on the Island City in the River Regnitz, along with Little Venice - an area of brightly-painted fishermen's houses. A visit to a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus is an opportunity to taste the locally brewed smoky-tasting beer, Rauchbier.

Frankfurt

The skyscrapers on Frankfurt's skyline reflect the city's importance as a centre of finance in Europe. The Romer is an old patrician residence which now houses the Town Hall, and there are several public gardens including the baroque Bolongarogarden and the Nizza.

Heidelberg (Germany)

Heidelberg is a beautiful city where visits usually include Germany's oldest university and the picturesque ruins of Heidelberg Castle, from where there are wonderful views of the Neckar River valley. The Altstadt is the charming old town, district, and a funicular can be taken to the top of the Konigstuhl Mountain.

Mainz (Germany)

Leafy Mainz offers two fascinating highlights. Mainz was the birthplace of Johann Gutenberg, and the city's Printing Museum exhibits the first two copies made of his famous Bible. In St Stephans' church there are wonderful, vivid blue stained-glass windows created by the great 20th century artist, Marc Chagall.

Miltenberg (Germany)

Miltenberg has rows of richly-timbered houses huddled together on the town's narrow streets and squares. It is well-known for the Crooked House, Main Castle and the Royal Inn, which has been in continuous use as an hotel since the 15th century. The area around Miltenburg is renowned for glass-blowing. Close by is 18th-century Schloss Kleinheubach, a magnificent castle with lovely grounds.

Nuremberg (Germany)

The medieval city of Nuremberg was the site of the War Crimes Tribunal at the Justice Palace. Other World War II sites include the Court House and the Nazi rally grounds at the Zeppelin Fields. The old city is surrounded by 900-year old ramparts which enclose Albrecht Durer's house, the Hesperides Gardens and the Market Square with its fountain. Rulers of the Holy Roman Empire resided at Nuremburg Castle, which includes the Kaiserburg Fortress.

Wertheim (Germany)

Wertheim is a quaint village located on the confluence at the Tauber and Main rivers, near Frankfurt in South West Germany. It has maintained its character of an old, small Franconian town with its medieval alleways, half-timbered houses and imposing castle ruins.

Wurzburg (Germany)

The magnificent Bishop's Residenz in Wurzberg is one of Germany's largest and most ornate Baroque palaces. It houses paintings by Tiepelo and the famed Residenz Wine Cellar, sometimes open for tastings of Franconian wine and is said to have the most beautiful staircase in existence. Tours along the 'Romantic Road' through the Bavarian Alps to Rothenburg are often available. This medieval walled town has a glorious rural setting, gothic churches and gabled buildings, and the Puppen and Spielzeug Museum of dolls, dollhouses and miniature trains.

Customer Reviews

"Grand European Tour - Sept 2013" by Pat.B

Brilliant holiday. Viking worked hard to mitigate effect of lock-keepers' strike. Cabin smaller than ocean cruises but had all that we needed. Highly recommended, we have already booked again!

"Highlights of Germany" by vbuckley

We had a most enjoyable Highlights of Germany river cruise arranged through Bluewater Travel in September on the Avalon Waterways ship Luminere. The ship was lovely, very clean and well equipped cabins, beautiful meals in the delightful dining room and lovely communal bar areas. Everything was extremely well organised with every detail seen to. Excursions were delightful being so organised with expert guides taking charge so no danger of missing anything, or getting lost ourselves!! The first three days were spent in the beautiful hotel Sofitel in Munich, which was really fabulous with tours arranged but plenty of free time to explore the great beer gardens and get the feel the German way of life. The Cruise Director Bart was so helpful, amusing and went above and beyond to make sure everyone's needs and expectations were met! All staff were polite and helpful to the extreme. All entrance fees were and excursion expenses were included so no unexpected extras! So all in all it was a marvellous holiday! Would certainly recommend both Bluewater and Avalon to anyone wishing to experience river cruising! Thanks to all concerned!

"thank you" by STEVE

 

 THIS IS NOT A CRUISE REVIEW BUT TO TELL EVERYONE HOW WELL I HAVE BEEN TREATED BY REBECCA AND HER SUPERVISOR AT BLUE WATER HOLIDAYS. WE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY BOOKING AND THE FINAL OUTCOME COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER, THEY DEALT WITH IT SUPERBLY. I CAN TELL YOU THAT IF YOU THINK OF BOOKING A HOLIDAY WITH THEM YOU WILL GET 100% SERVICE AND A POSITIVE OUTCOME. THANKS TO YOU BOTH. STEVE. 

 

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