Essence of the Danube - Westbound
From $3,330 per person
6 days
3 countries
Ship: ms Joy
6 days, 5 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Arrive Vienna
- Day 2 - Imperial Vienna and an evening at a palace
- Day 3 - The Wachau Valley
- Day 4 - A Taste of Vienna
- Day 5 - Bratislava – the coronation city
- Day 6 - Journey home
Itinerary highlights
Over six days, our shortest Danube itinerary captures the essence of a river shaped by royal history, timeless music, and centuries of trade. Linked by culture and wine, the journey spans three capital cities across Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary – including the medieval villages of the Wachau Valley, with a palace dinner, museum visits, and vineyard bicycling along the way. From Budapest to Vienna, the Danube comes alive in the light of autumn, its warm colors glowing against the river. Experience three capital cities across three countries in a river cruise just under a week – a perfect introduction to the "River of Kings." Meet your Tauck riverboat in Budapest before exploring Bratislava on a guided walking tour. In Vienna, the choice is yours: tour the Habsburgs' summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace, or admire masterworks at the city's fine art museum – followed by a Tauck Exclusive evening of dining and waltzes at a private palace. Pause from city life in Melk and Dürnstein as you sail past ruins and vineyards through the iconic Wachau Valley, sampling its celebrated wines along the way. Return to Vienna for another day of guided sightseeing and local flavors.
Your journey, ashore & afloat.
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
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Why Book With Us
Booking Direct or Booking by Small Ship Travel
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Tauck or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $3,330 per person | From $3,330 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Tauck's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which lose their view and natural light when a second ship moors alongside |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
Pick your departure. (per person*)
Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The ms Joy.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the ms Joy, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Step aboard ms Joy, where elegance meets comfort on the picturesque Danube River. Lounge on the top deck, gaze at passing riverbanks, and toast to adventure with your favorite drink. Designed for intimate cruising, ms Joy offers space and serenity for up to 130 guests, providing an uncrowded and personalized experience. At 443 feet long, this ship maximizes comfort, featuring 67 cabins, including 22 stunning 300-square-foot Tauck Suites—the most luxurious offerings on any European river cruise ship. Eight innovative loft cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows deliver extra light and breathtaking views, creating a distinct sense of connection to the surroundings. With its exceptional design and warm atmosphere, ms Joy promises unrivaled memories for those who seek relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Join the festivities on board and let the journey inspire you!
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