Best river cruises from Vienna

The Austrian capital is the ideal place from which to launch your European river cruise.

Already firmly in love with ocean cruising at home and abroad, Australians have also acquired a distinct taste for river cruises. Especially in central Europe.

Because tourist traffic along waterways such as the Danube River - your embarkation point in Vienna - has been perfected over decades and the relative distances between key points on the itinerary is small (compared to Australia anyway), you score a holiday jackpot.

Every day, you wake up in a new city or town where guides are waiting for you and you only have to unpack once. Better still, it's all about just watching some of Europe's most historic sites and charming towns drift by from the deck or your cabin balcony. And yes, they'll bring you wine.

Vienna is the perfect place to start a river cruise.

Why start in Vienna?

Because it's the most underrated city in Europe when it comes to history, culture and cakes. Trust us, you want to visit. Definitely spend a couple of days here before your cruise takes off. First up, make your way to cafe Sacher for a slice of the eponymous Sacher torte - a storied part of traditional Austrian cuisine, take in a classical music concert at the Vienna State Opera House and gawp in wonder at the scale of the Schönbrunn Palace. The main summer residence of Hapsburg Empire it is like nothing we have back in 'Straya and the St Stephen's Cathedral rivals any in Europe. The Hofburg Palace is pretty spesh too.

Viking Cruises Capitals of Eastern Europe, 17 days, from $9,295 per person.

Viking's river cruise ships are next level luxe.

Travelling in roughly a southeastern direction from Vienna, this cruise is a grab bag of picturesque cities such as Bratislava and Budapest in Hungary (do not miss the Buda Castle), historic towns like Novi Sad in Serbia and a never ending flow of castle ruins and stunning architecture spooling by your floor to ceiling cabin windows. Other highlights include sailing the famously breathtaking scenery of the Danube bend and charming towns like Ilok in Croatia for wine tastings.

Book here

Avalon Waterways Christmas on the Danube, 7 days, from $4055 per person

A room with a view on Avalon Waterways.

As suggested by the title, this itinerary which tracks westwards from Vienna to Nuremburg in Germany, ticks off a host of picturesque cities like Regensburg and historic towns like Passau, but is also stacked with Christmas Markets in almost every port. One of the most unforgettable experiences on this cruise are guided tours of the Melk Abbey. In terms of art and culture, the Benedictine icon is especially mesmerising during the holiday season. All in all one impressive abbey and a highlight of the Wachau Valley region. There is a diverse range of other tours on offer, such as the Nuremburg Rally Grounds. Even if you don't go in the festive season, this cruise allows plenty of free time to stroll the streets of Vienna for a day before you set off on the luxury journey aboard your Suite Ship.

Book here

Uniworld Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube with Prague, 10 days, from $6319 per person

Uniworld's Europe river cruisers ares sleek and chic.

Some many stunning views of the countryside on the slow meander through centuries of culture. Passau, Deggendorf, the Unesco World Heritage site Regensburg and Nuremberg are the main destination but unlike most cruises, Uniworld is all about choice of excursions. For example, on day three at Spitz, guests can choose between a village day or a vineyard hike. If you're travelling in summer, we'd definitely recommend the latter. And if you'e ever invited to the captain's dinner, definitely go. Skippers have some of the world's best travel yarns and secret sights to visit.

Book here

What other cruise lines offer river cruises in Europe?

Other cruise lines to consider include Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, Tauck River Cruises and AmaWaterways.

Are flights included in the price of river cruises in Europe?

This varies from cruise line to cruise line but more often than not, budget for flights on top of the price listed for the cruise.

What is included in your river cruise?

Again this is dependent on which cruise line you choose. At AmaWaterways, for example, all meals, unlimited wine and beer, snacks and tours are all rolled into the price.

Originally published as Best river cruises from Vienna