Low water levels cause schedule adjustments in Vienna, the Wachau and towards Bratislava.
Experience Dürnstein, Bratislava and memorable moments along the Danube.
Leave Vienna behind and spend a memorable day on the Danube. Our day trips combine a relaxing cruise, culinary delights and plenty of time to explore fascinating destinations on shore.
Enjoy the journey and unwind on board before discovering what awaits at your destination. This way, the cruise itself becomes part of the experience.
Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley and Bratislava are among the most popular destinations for our day trips from Vienna. Enjoy a cruise along the Danube and combine relaxing hours on board with time to explore on shore.
In Dürnstein, historic streets and the picturesque scenery of the Wachau Valley invite you to explore, while Bratislava offers the vibrant atmosphere of the Slovak capital. Two different ways to experience the diversity of the Danube.
On selected dates, our day trips take you to seasonal events and special destinations along the Danube. In summer, highlights include the Apricot Festival in Krems and our Midsummer Special celebrating the Wachau solstice. During Advent, a trip to the Christmas Market at Schloss Hof combines a Danube cruise with a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere.
Whether you choose the Wachau Valley, Bratislava or a seasonal highlight, discover special destinations along the Danube and make the journey itself part of the experience.
Travel from Vienna to Bratislava aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and enjoy a relaxing day filled with Danube scenery, culinary delights, and city charm. Discover the Slovak capital and its picturesque Old Town at your own pace, while enjoying full catering throughout the entire cruise.
From Vienna to the Heart of the Wachau: Travel comfortably aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth to Dürnstein and enjoy a delightful day trip between the Danube and rolling vineyards. Explore the famous Wachau town at your own pace and take in the breathtaking river scenery along one of Austria’s most beautiful stretches of the Danube.
Discover Tulln on a Danube cruise accompanied by live music and enjoy a relaxing public holiday on the water.
Travel by ship to the Schloss Hof Christmas Market: This winter cruise to Hainburg combines scenic Danube views with the unique charm of one of Lower Austria’s most beautiful Christmas markets.
Martini Goose Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava: Enjoy an autumn day trip on the Danube with time to explore Bratislava’s historic old town at your own pace. On the return journey, a traditional Martini goose buffet with seasonal specialties awaits on board.
Culinary Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava with a visit to the Christmas Market. Explore the festively decorated Old Town and enjoy a relaxing cruise through the winter scenery along the Danube.
Experience a magical winter cruise through the Wachau aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth. Discover the romantic Christmas market in Dürnstein and enjoy a selection of culinary delights on board.
At first glance, MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with its elegance and distinctive appearance. The wrap-around outdoor deck offers a true cruise-like atmosphere and provides the perfect setting for memorable events on the Danube.
MS Admiral Tegetthoff combines a stylish atmosphere with authentic Danube flair. From the spacious, partially covered sun deck, you can enjoy beautiful views of the passing scenery and relaxed moments on board from the very start of your day trip.
Train + Ship + Melk Abbey
Discover the natural and cultural highlights of the Wachau by train and ship. At Melk Abbey, fascinating museum exhibitions and magnificent state rooms await.
Daily, 28 March – 01 November 2026 | MS Dürnstein, MS Wachau or MS Austria
Departure/Return: Vienna
Advance booking required: Available at all ÖBB ticket counters, online via theÖBB Ticket Shop Opens in new window or Rail Tours Ticket Shop, through the ÖBB app, at ÖBB travel agencies, or via ÖBB Customer Service on +43 (0) 5 1717-3
Organised by: Rail Tours Touristik GmbH
Discounts: With Vorteilscard: € 77,00, Adults: € 88,00, Children (6-15 years): € 49,00, Children (0–5 years): free of charge
Package includes:
DDSG Blue Danube offers a range of day trips, from cruises to Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley and Bratislava to seasonal excursions such as the Apricot Festival in Krems, the Midsummer Special for the Wachau Summer Solstice, and the Christmas Market at Schloss Hof.
Yes, DDSG Blue Danube offers regular Day trips from Vienna to Bratislava. Once in Bratislava, there is time to explore the Old Town and the main sights of the Slovak capital at your own pace.
For those who would like to spend more time in Bratislava, the Culinary Excursion to Bratislava is also available as a two-day trip on selected dates. This option allows for an extended stay and even more time to discover the city.
One of our most popular day trips is the day trip to Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley. Visitors have time to explore the historic town centre, including its famous blue church tower and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle at their own pace.
In addition, DDSG Blue Danube offers selected seasonal excursions and special cruises within the Wachau region. These include highlights such as the Apricot Festival in Krems and the Midsummer Special for the Wachau Summer Solstice.
The duration varies depending on the selected trip and destination. Detailed information on sailing times, departure schedules and time available at each destination can be found in the description of the respective day trip.
Most of our day trips depart from Vienna. The exact departure point for each cruise is listed in the description of the respective day trip.
Depending on the selected offer, day trips may include the cruise itself, catering on board, and additional services such as transfers or admission tickets. Detailed information about the services included can be found in the description of each individual day trip.
Yes, the day trips are ideal for a short getaway without an overnight stay. Destinations such as Dürnstein, Bratislava, Krems and Tulln can be conveniently combined with a cruise on the Danube. With travel, time at the destination and the return journey all taking place on the same day, these excursions offer an easy way to escape everyday life and discover new places.
The programme varies depending on the season. In addition to regular cruises to Dürnstein and Bratislava, DDSG Blue Danube offers a variety of seasonal excursions and special events throughout the year.