First edition · November 2026
Gordon Sadler TravelRiver Cruising Guide
Illustration: Melk Abbey on its rock above the Danube at sunsetIllustration
Themes

Cruising by interest

Wine, music and Christmas markets on the Danube.

Some cruises are built around an interest. These are the themes the Danube does best.

Steep terraced vineyards above a Wachau village
Theme

Wine

The Danube between Passau and Budapest runs through some of central Europe's best white wine country.

The Vienna State Opera at night, with traffic light trails in front
Theme

Music

Vienna's musical history is the strongest reason many people choose this river.

Illustration: Budapest Parliament at sunset from a riverside promenade
Theme

Christmas markets

The Christmas markets usually run from mid-November to late December, and in that season the classic Danube becomes one of the most popular winter river…