River Cruises in Bavaria
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10 best river cruise Bavaria tours
Compiled by

MelissaBavaria travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of the Rhine and Main
- German Riverscapes from Passau to Trier (Passau - Trier)
- Main River Discovery Frankfurt - Nuremberg 2026
- Rhine & Danube Symphony (Cologne - Passau)
- Main River Discovery Nuremberg - Frankfurt 2025
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Frankfurt to Nuremberg, 2026)
- Classic Christmas Markets (2026) (Nuremberg to Frankfurt, 2026)
- Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague 2025 (from Prague to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Festive Season in the Heart of Germany 2026 (from Nuremberg to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Festive Season in the Heart of Germany 2025 (from Frankfurt-am-Main to Nuremberg)
Duration 9 days Destinations Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Ochsenfurt, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Miltenberg, Koblenz, CochemSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus RivaAMADEUS Amara Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,944
15% Off- NZ$2,503You save $441
A-ROSA CLEA visits 7 historic ports over 8 days in Bavaria's heartland. The itinerary features Bamberg's 1000-year-old architecture, Würzburg's Marienberg fortress, and Nuremberg's famous Christkindlmarket. Guided tours and gourmet meals complement sailing the scenic Main River for approx. $130 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Aschaffenburg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Nuremberg Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German River Main Operator A-ROSA From
15% Off- NZ$1,909
Duration 8 days Destinations Cologne, Rudesheim am Rhein, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus BrilliantAMADEUS Queen Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,709
15% Off- NZ$3,153You save $556
A-ROSA CLEA travels Bavaria's scenic Main River, stopping at Nuremberg's medieval quarter and Bamberg's UNESCO site. Wine culture flourishes in Würzburg while Miltenberg showcases Bavarian charm, complemented by premium beverages and regional cuisine onboard.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nuremberg, Bamberg, Schweinfurt, Bad Marienberg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
15% Off- NZ$1,909
The S.S. Elisabeth glides along the Main River through Bavaria's Christmas wonderland. The route connects Frankfurt's Altstadt to Nuremberg's grand market square, visiting medieval Wertheim and UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. Passengers admire river views of Bamberg's Old Town while sampling regional specialties and glühwein.
Duration 8 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Wiesbaden, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Kitzingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Nuremberg Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Elisabeth Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,499
10% Off- NZ$6,749You save $749
The luxurious S.S. Elisabeth sails through Bavaria's winter wonderland, featuring riverview staterooms and gourmet dining. The route from Nuremberg to Frankfurt includes stops at medieval Bamberg and Würzburg's baroque Residence palace. Guests browse traditional Christmas markets in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and join mulled wine demonstrations in historic Wertheim.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nuremberg, Bamberg, Kitzingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Wertheim, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Elisabeth Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $8,699
10% Off- NZ$7,829You save $869
Bavarian waterways unfold before you aboard Avalon Illumination, with Panorama Suites featuring Wall-to-Wall windows. The itinerary includes Würzburg's baroque Bishop's Residence, Bamberg's Christmas markets, and Miltenberg's medieval architecture. Regional cuisine awaits in the Panorama Dining Room with scenic views from the Sky Deck.
Duration 8 days Destinations Prague, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Panorama River Main Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$5,720+$250 upfront costs
Luxurious river voyage through Bavaria aboard Avalon's premium ships highlights Nuremberg's Christmas markets, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and Würzburg's baroque Bishop's Residence. The journey features regional specialties in the Panorama Dining Room, daily entertainment, and guided tours of medieval Bavarian villages. Guests retreat to sophisticated suites furnished with wall-to-wall windows.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Avalon IlluminationAvalon Imagery II Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$5,004+$275 upfront costs
Avalon's luxury vessels wind through Bavaria's winter landscape. The journey encompasses Würzburg's Bishop's Residence, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and Nuremberg's famous Christmas market, while Bavarian specialties enhance onboard dining.
Duration 6 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Imagery II River Main Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$6,757+$250 upfront costs
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Bavaria
When is the best time of year to take a river cruise through Bavaria?
River cruises in Bavaria are at their best from May through October with pleasant temperatures and less rain. The region sees a spike in visitors during December for the Christmas markets particularly in Nuremberg which features Germany's biggest holiday market. Budget-conscious travelers might consider April or November when prices drop but weather remains suitable for cruising. Summer provides ideal conditions for activities beyond the ship like cycling in Passau or exploring Würzburg's vineyard paths. A TourRadar traveler commented "We took our cruise in September and had perfect weather for exploring the Christmas markets and medieval towns along the Main River."
What types of cabins are available on Bavaria river cruise ships?
Ships cruising Bavaria's rivers offer accommodations from basic river-view rooms to expansive suites. The S.S. Elisabeth sets itself apart with Royal Suites reaching 506 square feet making them Europe's largest river cruise accommodations. The Amadeus Brilliant features French balcony cabins with sliding glass doors while the A-ROSA CLEA provides standard rooms and premium balcony suites with extras like bathrobes. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Our French balcony cabin on the Amadeus Brilliant was spacious and comfortable with stunning panoramic views of the Bavarian countryside."
Which Bavarian cities are typically included on river cruise itineraries?
River cruises through Bavaria stop at key historical cities including Nuremberg's medieval quarter Bamberg's UNESCO Heritage Site Würzburg along the Romantic Road and Regensburg's preserved medieval center. Routes often include visits to smaller locations such as Miltenberg and Wertheim. A TourRadar traveler shared "Each stop offered something unique - from Bamberg's incredible architecture to the wine tasting in Würzburg's Residenz Palace every day brought new discoveries."
What shore excursions are typically included on Bavaria river cruises?
Shore activities range from urban walking tours to cultural programs. Travelers can join guided walks through Nuremberg's old town explore Würzburg's Residenz Palace or sample wines in Franconia's wine region. For active guests there are bicycle tours along the Danube and trails in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Avalon Waterways organizes excursions in three categories: "Classic" "Discovery" and "Active." As one TourRadar traveler noted "The included walking tour of Regensburg with visits to the Gothic cathedral and historic merchants' houses was fascinating and well-organized."
How many passengers do Bavaria river cruise ships typically accommodate?
River ships in Bavaria carry between 100-200 guests creating a more personal atmosphere. The MS Douce France hosts 160 passengers across 79 cabins while the River Princess accommodates 130 guests in 65 rooms. The S.S. Elisabeth focuses on luxury with fewer but more spacious accommodations. A TourRadar traveler remarked "The smaller size of our Amadeus Brilliant with just 150 passengers meant we could dock right in town centers and enjoy a more personal experience than on larger ocean cruises."
What kind of dining experiences are offered on Bavaria river cruise ships?
Dining on Bavaria's river cruises combines regional dishes with international options. A-ROSA vessels provide à la carte menus with local wine selections included in the fare. Uniworld's River Princess emphasizes farm-fresh ingredients with an all-inclusive beverage program. Ships like the Amadeus Brilliant offer multiple venues from main dining rooms to casual bistros and outdoor seating. A TourRadar traveler shared "The dining on our CroisiEurope cruise was exceptional - we enjoyed traditional Bavarian specialties paired with local wines while taking in views of castles along the river."