Thanks to the extensive network of breathtaking rivers that are weaved through Europe, river cruises are a popular (and luxurious) form of travel to sightsee. However, one of the undisputed best river cruise routes is from Amsterdam to Budapest. Starting in the Netherlands and ending in Hungary, these cruises take you through the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, giving you unprecedented access to Europe’s best vineyards, castles and picturesque villages. If you’ve been considering a Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise, now is the time to do it! Read on for our top picks.
The best Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise 2024

01
Grand European Tour
from $5,495 at Viking River Cruises
Set sail upon the majestic Rhine River as you cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Over 15 nights, you’ll be treated to unrivalled front-row seats of the Rhine Valley as you sail through four of Europe’s most magnificent countries. Along the way you’ll visit the cathedrals of Cologne, sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley, gaze at Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and enrich yourself in Nuremberg’s World War II history.
On board one of Viking River Cruises’ luxurious longships, you’ll tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers as you float your way through the heart of Europe.
Key stops:
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
- Cologne, Germany
- Koblenz, Germany
- Miltenberg, Germany
- Würzburg, Germany
- Bamberg, Germany
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Regensburg, Germany
- Passau, Germany
- Melk, Austria
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary

02
Jewels of Europe 2024
from $5,815 at Tour Radar
Get ready to explore Europe like you never have before on board the Jewels of Europe cruise. Spanning over 15 days, you’ll begin in the vibrant city of Amsterdam where you can explore the winding streets and trace the famous canals that run through the heart of town. Then, you’ll hop on board and begin your journey to Budapest. Along the way, you’ll float down three of Europe’s most magical rivers, the Rhine, Main and Danube.
Stopping first in Germany, you’ll visit charming riverbank villages that are steeped in incredible history and have an array of culinary delights on offer.
Then, watch the scenery change from the comfort of the ship as castles and vineyards becoming the rolling hills of Austria and the vibrant cityscape of Budapest.
Key stops:
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cologne, Germany
- Rüdesheim, Germany
- Miltenberg, Germany
- Würzburg, Germany
- Bamberg, Germany
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Regensburg, Germany
- Salzburg, Austria or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Melk, Austria
- Dürnstein, Austria
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary

03
Amsterdam to Budapest: All-Inclusive Riverside Luxury Cruise with Butler Service, Excursions & Premium Drinks
from $13,999 at Luxury Escapes
Experience the true magic of the journey from Amsterdam to Budapest in luxury on board Luxury Escapes’ Riverside Debussy. On board the opulent ship, you’ll be immersed in grandeur with a private butler on call, premium spirits and a selection of fine wines at your fingertips, and a personal minibar stocked with your favourite drinks.
As your sail in style, you’ll begin your cruise in Amsterdam and then journey through The Netherlands and into Germany. In Germany, you’ll stop into Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim and Nuremberg before heading into Austria where you’ll have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of famous composers such as Mozart and Strauss. Your ship will then make it to your final destination, Budapest, Hungary, where you can marvel at the impressive architecture and indulge in the city’s famed nightlife.
Key features:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Utrecht, Netherlands
- Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rüdesheim, Germany
- Miltenberg, Germany
- Freudenberg, Germany
- Karlstadt, Germany
- Würzburg, Germany
- Bamberg, Germany
- Nüremberg, Germany
- Regensburg, Germany
- Passau, Germany
- Linz, Austria
- Melk, Austria
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary