The Danube is far more than a river. It is a waterway that flows through centuries of European history, connecting imperial capitals, medieval towns, UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, and places where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive.
With Riverside Luxury Cruises, sailing the Danube means going beyond the discovery of its most iconic destinations. It means stepping into them, experiencing them from within, and embracing carefully curated moments designed to transform every stop into an unforgettable memory.
The philosophy behind Riverside Luxury Cruises is rooted in the belief that true luxury lies in the freedom to choose. Every guest can shape their own journey according to their interests and passions. Excursions are far more than guided tours—they are privileged opportunities to connect with the authentic soul of each destination. Whether it is exclusive after-hours access to an imperial palace, a private tasting at a centuries-old winery, a scenic bike ride through vineyards and castles, or a leisurely walk along the streets of a medieval town, Riverside Luxury Cruises invites guests to experience the Danube in a truly personal and extraordinary way.
The capital of music, the city of emperors, and the birthplace of great artists, Vienna welcomes visitors with an atmosphere where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Here, the journey may begin with an experience unlike any other: the VIP Evening at Upper Belvedere, an exclusive Riverside Luxury Cruises event that opens the doors of one of the city's most magnificent landmarks at a time usually reserved for only a privileged few. Guests wander through beautifully illuminated Baroque galleries, admire the frescoes of the Painted Hall, the grandeur of the Grand Staircase, and the elegance of the Marble Hall, while the evening is enhanced by the enchanting atmosphere of a private concert.
The most memorable moment comes when standing before one of the world's greatest artistic masterpieces: The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. Admiring this iconic painting without the crowds, surrounded by the museum's serene elegance, transforms a simple visit into an intimate encounter with one of Europe's most celebrated works of art.
Guests wishing to explore Imperial Vienna can join the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace excursion, an immersive journey into the world of the Habsburg dynasty. The former summer residence of the imperial family reveals the lives of Empress Maria Theresa, Empress Elisabeth "Sisi," and Emperor Franz Joseph through its magnificent state rooms, private apartments, and historic halls that witnessed pivotal moments in European history. From the spectacular Great Gallery, adorned with magnificent frescoes, to the elegant Chinese Cabinets, every room reflects the splendour of an era when Vienna stood at the political and cultural heart of a vast empire. Following the guided visit, the palace gardens offer one of the city's most breathtaking panoramas, crowned by the Gloriette overlooking Vienna from above.
Panoramic Vienna with Ringstrasse offers a fascinating introduction to the city's most celebrated landmarks. Guests admire the Vienna State Opera, Parliament, the neo-Gothic City Hall, the twin museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, and the elegant Ringstrasse, the grand nineteenth-century boulevard that transformed Vienna into the modern capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Accompanied by an expert guide, visitors also discover the remarkable figures who shaped the city's cultural identity, including Mozart, Johann Strauss, Schubert, Gustav Klimt, Sigmund Freud, and the legendary Empress Sisi.
For those seeking a more active perspective, Vienna & Prater Park by E-Bike offers a completely different way to experience the Austrian capital. Beginning on the banks of the Danube, the route follows scenic cycling paths to the famous Prater, the historic park that once served as the imperial hunting grounds before becoming one of Vienna's most beloved landmarks.
The splendour of Imperial Vienna also comes to life through the Hofburg Palace & Treasury Guided Visit, an experience dedicated to the political heart of the Habsburg Empire. For more than six centuries, the Hofburg served as the centre of imperial power. Today, its magnificent rooms reveal the private lives of the ruling family, from elegant Rococo interiors to the personal belongings of Empress Sisi. Vienna's extraordinary musical heritage is celebrated through Highlights of Vienna with Mythos Mozart Experience, combining the city's iconic landmarks with an immersive multimedia journey dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, bringing the composer's genius to life through music, storytelling, and innovative technology.
During the Christmas season, Vienna becomes even more enchanting. Special excursions to the city's traditional Advent markets invite guests to experience a magical world of festive lights, seasonal aromas, and timeless traditions. From the charming Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace to the historic stalls in the city centre, where mulled wine, handcrafted sweets, and artisanal gifts create an unforgettable winter fairy tale, the Austrian capital reveals its most enchanting side.
Situated on the banks of the Danube, Linz surprises visitors with its remarkable blend of historic heritage and contemporary creativity. One of its most exclusive experiences is the VIP Evening at Lentos Art Museum, a private evening dedicated to modern art. The museum itself, with its striking glass façade illuminated along the riverfront, is an architectural masterpiece. After the museum has closed to the public, guests enjoy exclusive access to its collections in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, admiring works by renowned masters such as Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, and Marc Chagall without the crowds.
The Linz City Walk with Cathedral Visit offers a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, taking in the magnificent Hauptplatz, the Old Town Hall, elegant historic buildings, and the impressive Mariendom, the city's neo-Gothic cathedral, celebrated for its monumental scale and spectacular stained-glass windows. For guests who prefer outdoor adventures, Hike up Pöstlingberg Hill provides a rewarding journey through one of Linz's favourite local landmarks. The scenic trail leads to the Baroque basilica at the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the Danube and the surrounding countryside.
During the Advent season, Linz embraces the festive spirit with Christmas in Linz, an experience celebrating Austrian Christmas traditions through music, charming Christmas markets, freshly baked seasonal treats, and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine. From Linz, guests may also enjoy a memorable day trip to Salzburg with Christmas in Mozart's Salzburg, where the birthplace of Mozart is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Between the cathedral, the historic Getreidegasse, and enchanting Christmas markets, this excursion captures the timeless charm of Austria during the festive season.
Further along the Austrian Danube, the picturesque town of Grein has preserved its authentic character, where castles, centuries-old traditions, and idyllic riverside scenery tell the story of generations past. The destination's signature experience is the Private Concert at Greinburg Castle, an exclusive Riverside Luxury Cruises event that welcomes guests into Austria's oldest residential castle still inhabited today. Built between 1488 and 1495 and now owned by the Ducal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Greinburg Castle opens the doors to remarkable spaces rarely accessible to visitors, including the Knights' Hall, the castle chapel, the Sala Terrena adorned with mosaics made from Danube pebbles, and the atmospheric Diamond Vault, where architecture and light combine to create an unforgettable setting.
For those who enjoy active exploration, the Guided Hike to Gobelwarte Observation Tower offers a scenic journey through Grein and its surrounding landscapes. After passing through the historic centre and beneath the imposing Greinburg Castle, the trail climbs to the Gobelwarte Observation Tower, rewarding hikers with magnificent panoramic views over the Danube Valley. Alternatively, Charms of Grein by E-Bike provides a sustainable and dynamic way to discover the region, cycling from the charming old town into the scenic Strudengau landscape, with its rolling hills, dramatic gorges, and spectacular viewpoints.
Medieval history comes vividly to life with Captivating Castle Clam with Knights' Battle, an unforgettable visit to Castle Clam, whose origins date back to the twelfth century. Guests explore the private apartments of the Clam family, admire the chapel, elegant courtyards, remarkable art collections, and impressive displays of historic armour before witnessing an exciting live re-enactment featuring medieval knights in combat. The cultural heritage of Grein is further revealed through Highlights of Grein with Austria's Oldest Theater, a guided walk through the town's historic streets, churches, and Austria's oldest continuously operating theatre, enriched by fascinating stories about theatrical traditions and audiences of centuries past.
Krems, the eastern gateway to the Wachau Valley, is an ideal destination for travellers seeking to combine culture with authentic regional flavours. Among its most captivating excursions is Renaissance Rosenburg Castle with Falconry & Wine Tasting, a journey back in time to one of Austria's finest Renaissance castles. Guests travel to Rosenburg Castle, where they are welcomed by the aristocratic Counts of Hoyos, the owners of this magnificent residence. A guided tour reveals the castle's historic interiors, including the Armoury, the Knights' Hall, and elegant music salons, each reflecting centuries of noble history. The highlight of the visit is a spectacular falconry demonstration, showcasing one of Europe's oldest aristocratic traditions, followed by an exclusive wine tasting in the castle's cellar, hosted by an expert sommelier.
Guests wishing to discover the Wachau's architectural and culinary heritage can join the Stein Walking Tour & Apricot Schnapps Tasting, a guided stroll through the charming riverside village of Stein an der Donau. Along the way, visitors admire the eleventh-century Göttweigerhof Chapel, the parish church, the Baroque Town Hall, and the monument dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of rivers and bridges. The excursion concludes with a tasting of the region's celebrated Marillen Schnaps, the iconic apricot spirit for which the Wachau is renowned.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Kreuzberg & Krems Hiking Adventure, which offers an entirely different perspective on the region. Beginning directly from the ship, the route winds through Krems' historic centre before climbing into the vineyards of Kreuzberg, where sweeping views of the Danube Valley await. Wine lovers, meanwhile, can immerse themselves in the exceptional Sandgrube 13 Wachau Wine Experience, an interactive journey into the region's celebrated wine culture. Through vineyards, historic cellars, and innovative multimedia exhibits, guests discover every stage of local winemaking—from traditional cultivation methods and the preservation of prestigious vintages to a refined wine tasting in an elegant setting.
During the Christmas season, Krems reveals an even more enchanting atmosphere through its Advent-themed excursions. Old Town Krems with Christmas Market & Apricot Schnapps Tasting leads guests through the illuminated streets of the historic centre, the charming Christkindlmarkt, and the seasonal flavours that define Austrian Christmas traditions. Meanwhile, Wachau Wine Experience with Krems Christmas Market perfectly combines a visit to a family-owned winery with the festive magic of one of the region's most atmospheric Christmas markets.
Among the Danube’s most iconic villages, Dürnstein immediately captivates visitors with its distinctive blue-and-white bell tower, cobbled streets, and medieval castle ruins overlooking the valley. The Charms of Dürnstein with Abbey Wine Tasting excursion offers an authentic journey through this jewel of the Wachau region, beginning with a guided walk through the historic centre. Guests stroll along the village’s ancient lanes, admire its beautifully preserved historic buildings, and reach the town’s iconic abbey, where a tasting of the region’s renowned wines awaits.
For those seeking a more active experience, Riverside Luxury Cruises presents Dürnstein Castle Hike & Wachau Food Tasting, an excursion combining nature, history, and gastronomy. After a scenic climb to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, guests are rewarded with breathtaking views over the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. Here, the guide reveals the fascinating legend of Richard the Lionheart, who, according to tradition, was imprisoned within these very walls. The day concludes with a tasting of local Wachau specialities, offering an authentic encounter with the flavours and traditions of the region.
For guests who enjoy combining outdoor activity with spectacular scenery, Dürnstein to Melk by E-Bike offers one of the most scenic experiences of the entire itinerary. Riding state-of-the-art electric bicycles, participants follow the most beautiful stretch of the Danube Cycle Path, travelling through vineyards, forests, and medieval villages before reaching Melk.
Rising majestically above the Danube from its hilltop setting, Melk Abbey is one of Austria’s most extraordinary landmarks. The Magnificent Melk Abbey, Jewel of the Wachau excursion invites guests to discover this Baroque masterpiece, founded by the Benedictines in 1089. During the guided visit, guests explore the abbey’s most spectacular spaces, including the Imperial Staircase, the Marble Hall, the library housing more than 130,000 books and ancient manuscripts, the remarkable spiral staircase, and the richly decorated abbey church adorned with gold, marble, and frescoes.
Another exclusive experience is Artstetten Castle, a Family Affair, an excursion that reveals the history of the residence connected to the family of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 changed the course of European history. Guests visit the castle, still inhabited by the family today, and discover the daily life of Austrian aristocracy through historic rooms, personal artefacts, and the museum dedicated to the Archduke.
For those with a passion for culinary experiences, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers Austrian Pastry Workshop & Bee Farm, an authentic excursion introducing guests to a family-run pastry workshop where they learn the secrets behind traditional Austrian desserts. The experience continues at a local apiary, where guests discover the fascinating world of bees and taste handcrafted honey-based products.
During Advent, Melk becomes the setting for a series of special Christmas experiences, from visits to the abbey combined with festive markets and local wine tastings, to gingerbread-making workshops and experiences celebrating Austria’s cherished coffeehouse tradition.
Crossing the border into Hungary, Riverside Luxury Cruises introduces guests to a more authentic and lesser-known side of the Danube. The Esztergom Basilica Library & Lost Recipes from the Cardinal’s Table excursion reveals the magnificent Basilica of Esztergom, one of the largest churches in Europe. The visit includes the historic library, home to an extraordinary collection of medieval manuscripts, and uncovers the intriguing story of long-lost recipes once served at the Cardinal’s table during the nineteenth century. The experience concludes with a tasting inspired by these rediscovered culinary traditions.
Adventure seekers can choose E-Biking on Both Sides of the Danube, an excursion that crosses two countries in a single journey. Departing from Esztergom, the route follows the river into Slovakia, offering spectacular views of the basilica and the surrounding mountains. A unique insight into Hungarian rural life is offered through Breier Family Farm Visit: From Soil to Table, which invites guests to discover a family farm where agricultural heritage and sustainability go hand in hand. From cheese and cured meat production to wine tastings and local specialities, the experience reveals the deep connection between the land and Hungarian gastronomy.
The capital of Slovakia and a fascinating crossroads of cultures, Bratislava charms visitors with its blend of imperial heritage, relaxed atmosphere, and contemporary creativity. Among its most captivating excursions is Magical Bratislava, a guided walk through the historic heart of the Slovak capital. The experience introduces guests to the city’s most iconic landmarks: Bratislava Castle, rising above the city with its medieval origins; the Old Town with Main Square; the historic Opera House; St. Martin’s Cathedral; and Michael’s Gate. The excursion also includes a visit to the magnificent Primate’s Palace, a Neoclassical masterpiece, while revealing fascinating details of the city’s past, from the famous Čumil statue—the charming “man at work” emerging from a manhole—to the visible traces of the Napoleonic bombardments that remain on historic buildings.
For guests wishing to experience the region in a more dynamic way, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers E-Biking Through the Beautiful Bratislavan Wetlands, an electric cycling adventure revealing a completely different side of the capital. Leaving from the ship, guests cross the Old Bridge and follow the Danube route towards the peaceful wetlands at the foot of the Little Carpathians. Surrounded by nature, this itinerary offers the perfect opportunity to observe riverside landscapes, wildlife, and panoramic views far beyond the urban environment.
Wine and gastronomy enthusiasts can choose Wine & Beer Tastings at Pálffy Manor, an excursion beyond the city to the historic village of Svätý Jur. At Pálffy Manor, a national cultural monument, guests discover the history of the noble family that once lived there, explore the ancient cellars, and enjoy a tasting of local wines, including the renowned Riesling of the Little Carpathian wine region. The experience concludes with a visit to the manor’s craft brewery, where guests sample a selection of locally produced beers.
Art lovers can discover Modern Art at the Danubiana Museum, an excursion to one of Europe’s most spectacular contemporary art museums. Built on a peninsula in the Čunovo reservoir and inspired by the shape of a Roman ship, the Danubiana Museum is itself a work of art. During the guided visit, guests admire important Slovak, European, and international collections, as well as outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the museum’s striking sculpture park.
For those wishing to explore Slovakia’s culinary traditions in greater depth, Riverside Luxury Cruises also offers Old Town Bratislava with Slovakian Beer Tasting, an experience combining historic heritage with brewing traditions. After a walk through the Old Town, passing landmarks such as St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Old Town Hall, guests visit a local brewery and taste a selection of Slovak beers. Wine enthusiasts may instead choose Undiscovered Wines of Slovakia, a journey into the Little Carpathians discovering a winemaking tradition that dates back even before Roman times. The excursion includes visits to local vineyards, meetings with producers, and a tasting accompanied by stories of the region’s remarkable revival after the Communist era.
Just a short distance from Vienna, Tulln represents a privileged gateway to the cultural heritage of Lower Austria. Among its most exclusive experiences is Uniquely Tulln: Castle Wine Tasting, an excursion to Gobelsburg Castle, one of the oldest wine estates in the Danube region. Here, Cistercian monks began cultivating vines as early as the 12th century. Guests explore the castle’s historic interiors, ancient cellars, and vineyards, concluding the visit with a tasting of award-winning wines accompanied by elegant musical entertainment.
Another cultural highlight is Klosterneuburg Abbey and its Treasury Visit, an excursion to the magnificent Augustinian Abbey of Klosterneuburg, one of Austria’s most important religious complexes. During the guided tour, guests admire the renowned Habsburg Treasury, home to extraordinary historical and artistic treasures, including the famous Verdun Altar and the Archducal Hat. For those seeking a more active experience, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers E-Biking through the Austrian Countryside, an electric cycling excursion through the idyllic rural landscapes along the Danube. The route passes through historic villages, natural areas, and the Austrian countryside, with a scenic stop in Greifenstein offering views of the hilltop castle and the flowing river below.
The Mauthausen stop represents a moment of profound historical and cultural significance during Riverside Luxury Cruises itineraries, with excursions that invite reflection through places deeply connected to Austria’s identity and collective memory. Among the most remarkable experiences is St. Florian Monastery, Baroque Jewel of Austria, an excursion discovering the magnificent Monastery of St. Florian, one of Austria’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Founded in the 8th century and still inhabited today by the Augustinian Canons, the monastery preserves extraordinary spaces, including the Imperial Rooms, the spectacular Marble Hall, the library containing ancient manuscripts, and the abbey church where Anton Bruckner, one of Austria’s greatest 19th-century composers, is buried.
An excursion of profound historical significance is Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial, dedicated to a visit to the memorial site of the former Mauthausen concentration camp. Through a guided tour, guests explore the history of the camp, established in 1938 following Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany, and learn about the essential role the site plays today in preserving the memory of the victims of the Nazi regime. It is an intense yet respectful experience, offering insight into one of the most difficult chapters of modern European history and the way Austria continues to confront and remember its past.
Passau marks the entrance into Bavaria, Germany, a city of unique charm where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, creating an extraordinary natural setting. The Passau Walking Tour reveals a city with more than 2,500 years of history. Accompanied by a local guide, guests stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic centre, admire the elegant Baroque buildings, the Town Hall with its richly decorated façade, historic markers recalling the city’s frequent river floods, and the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. With its distinctive green domes and one of the largest organs in the world, the cathedral represents the spiritual and artistic heart of Passau.
For those seeking a more creative experience, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers Artistic Passau With Workshop Visit, an excursion dedicated to the city’s local artists and craftspeople. During the visit, guests meet a regional artisan and discover the creative process behind disciplines such as ceramics, jewellery making, painting, and other traditional art forms. It is a unique opportunity to experience the most authentic and personal side of the city.
A particularly engaging experience is Passau Walk & a Taste of Bavaria, an excursion combining cultural heritage with regional gastronomy. Following a guided tour of the historic centre, guests enjoy a tasting of traditional Bavarian specialities, including sweet and savoury local delicacies, regional liqueurs, and craft beers.
During the Christmas season, Riverside Luxury Cruises also offers Festive River Walk & Bavarian Christmas Celebration, an immersive journey into the magical atmosphere of Bavarian Advent traditions. The walk along the River Ilz leads to a charming local farm, where guests take part in a festive celebration featuring live music, traditional carols, seasonal culinary specialities, and typical Christmas beverages.
Another exceptional destination along the Danube is Regensburg, a city preserving one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Classic Regensburg With Sausage Tasting excursion introduces guests to the historic heart of the city. The guided walk leads through ancient lanes, medieval fortifications, elegant aristocratic residences, and important historic churches, culminating at the famous Stone Bridge, built during the Middle Ages and still one of Regensburg’s most iconic landmarks. The experience concludes at the historic Wurstkuchl, one of Germany’s oldest traditional kitchens, where guests can taste the city’s famous sausages served with fresh bread and Bavarian beer.
For those who enjoy combining physical activity with spectacular landscapes, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers eBike Ride to Walhalla, an electric cycling excursion along the Danube to the magnificent Walhalla monument. Participants follow the riverbanks before reaching this extraordinary Neoclassical structure, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens and commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in the 19th century. After climbing the 350 marble steps, guests are rewarded with breathtaking views over the Danube plain and the Bavarian Forest.
Choosing a Riverside Luxury Cruises journey means experiencing far more than a luxury voyage defined by impeccable service, refined elegance, exceptional comfort, and meticulous attention to detail. It means having the opportunity to step ashore and continue the journey through an authentic and privileged way of discovering each destination.
From Vienna’s imperial palaces to Austria’s magnificent Baroque abbeys, from the vineyards of the Wachau Valley to medieval fortresses, from contemporary art museums to Bavaria’s culinary traditions, every excursion is designed to transform each port of call into an authentic encounter with the history, culture, and unique spirit of the places along the Danube.
The true distinction of the Riverside Luxury Cruises experience lies in its ability to offer a complete and multifaceted journey: luxury does not end within the elegant spaces of the ship, but continues through the thoughtful design of every itinerary and the exceptional experiences offered ashore. Each traveller can discover the Danube according to their own interests and passions, choosing the pace and perspective that best reflects their personal style: being inspired by the grandeur of art and history, immersing themselves in breathtaking landscapes, exploring local traditions and authentic flavours, or enjoying exclusive experiences that reveal the most intimate and unexpected sides of each destination.
Giorgia Lombardo