Danube River Cruise Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Prague to Budapest Through Five Countries
The Danube has always been a great connector. Cultural and political, east and west. For us the Danube is a link between bike paths and hiking trails. Between adult-friendly culture and kid-friendly frolicking. Find out how the adventures waiting along its shores can reconnect your family.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $9,479 - $10,779/person
Includes port fees
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Hike shady Bavarian woodlands, Austrian mountaintops and buzzy capital cities alongside local hosts
- Pedal scenic bike paths and rural roads through the vineyards, orchards and hidden villages of the Wachau Valley
- Voyage across a vibrant tapestry of cultures, landscapes and languages on an intimate custom-designed ship
- Kayak the urban riverside parks of Vienna and catch some culture in glittering Budapest
- Spot birds from your bike in the wetlands of a Slovakian national park and explore thousands of years of history at multiple World Heritage Sites
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Prague, Czech Republic Airport & Travel Details
- Enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch
- Hike in the Bavarian Forest, the largest protected woodland area in Central Europe
- Climb to Brotjacklriegel for stunning views of the countryside
- Dive into the spirit of the region with a festive welcome celebration complete with music and dancing
- Cross from Germany into Austria by bike
- Pedal to Passau, a 2,000-year-old city of splendid baroque architecture
- Kids set off on an urban scavenger hunt while adults marvel at the ornate buildings on a walking tour of the romantic city center
- Welcome to Austria! Hop a gondola up into the nearby Alps for rugged trails, vast views and sweet Tyrolean desserts at a cozy mountain hut
- Explore the bustling city of Linz.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
- Visit Melk, whose magnificent baroque abbey is perched high on a rocky promontory
- Spin along the Donauradweg bike path, passing vineyards, forests and hamlets
- The younger set gets medieval with an archery lesson on the grounds of preserved Schallaburg Castle
- Cycle or cruise the most stunning stretch of the Danube from Melk to Krems, amid quaint storybook towns and the vineyards of Wachau Valley
- Take to kayaks and glide along the peaceful urban waterways surrounding Vienna’s Alte Donau (Old Danube)
- Explore this World Heritage city on a private walking tour.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
- Bike in Donau-Auen National Park, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and herons
- Ride between two capital cities—Vienna and Bratislava—passing remnants of the former Iron Curtain
- Lunch at Schloss Hof, a famous castle and working farm with a wonderful petting zoo
- Explore Bratislava’s charming medieval center
- Adults get to know Budapest on a guided walk, while the kids experience a thrilling escape room activity
- Families enjoy an evening folklore show.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
End Budapest, Hungary Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
The biking terrain ranges from relatively level to rolling hills, with a few steeper climbs. Many routes follow quiet country roads and bike paths to avoid car traffic, though these paths are popular with other cyclists. Road quality varies by country, with some bumpy sections. We also ride through urban areas on both city streets and dedicated bike lanes—European cities are generally well-suited for cyclists.
Kid-friendly routes are shorter with minimal elevation gain, and alternate kids’ activities are available on days with longer rides. Some sections are on roads with traffic, so kids should be comfortable riding near cars.
Hiking and walking terrain includes well-maintained dirt and gravel trails, city roads, and narrower mountain single-track that can occasionally be steep or uneven.
All breakfasts, 7 dinners, 7 lunches
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
Access to all ship amenities and onboard activities, plus included excursions
All gratuities for ship staff and included onshore dining
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Off-ship lunches in authentic local settings
Snacks and beverages between meals
Wine and beer included with all onboard meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
