Uniworld Boutique River Cruises was founded in 1976 by Yugoslavian entrepreneur Serba Illich. Based in California, the company began operating river cruises along the waterways of Europe in 1993. Uniworld sails through some of Europe’s most spectacular cities and towns, in addition to offering river cruises that explore the wonders of Russia, the magic of Egypt, and the ancient civilizations of China, Vietnam and Cambodia. But today, we will look at the Danube.

Uniworld’s River Duchess in Belgrade. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

Enchanting Danube – 8-days Budapest to Passau

This eight-day itinerary from Budapest to Passau, or reverse, gives travelers the chance to see four countries in one sailing. In Vienna, guests can visit Schönbrunn Palace, or the Vienna Art History Museum; as they continue on their journey guests have a chance to venture to Melk Abbey to see its famous library; while docked in Linz guests have the option to visit Salzburg, where the iconic Sound Of Music movie was filmed; and so much more. Overnights in Budapest, Vienna, and Passau give guests the chance to see more of the cities, and venture out into town after dinner if they so desire.

Countries visited: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Stops in: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau

Overnights in: Budapest, Vienna, Passau

Delightful Danube – 8-days Budapest to Nuremberg

The Delightful Danube itinerary goes just past the route outlined above, however they are not many repeat ports – only Budapest, Vienna, and Passau. The ports in this itinerary vary from the other Danube itineraries that we’ve looked at so far, which is one of the reasons that Uniworld’s Danube itineraries stand out from some of its competitors.

A visit to Spitz allows guests to attend a wine reception at a castle; a stop in Engelhartszell gives guests the option to take a bike tour, where they will ride all the way to Passau to meet their ship; docked in Regensburg, guests can visit a BMW factory or, for the more active types, take a hike; and that is just the beginning of the tours offered by Uniworld on this itinerary.

Countries visited: Germany, Austria, Hungary

Stops in: Budapest, Vienna, Spitz, Engelhartszell, Passau, Regensburg, Roth, Nuremberg

Overnights in: Regensburg, Nuremberg, Budapest

This itinerary is also offered on with a Prague extension, which will add two nights in Prague either before or after the cruise.

Authentic Danube – 8-days Nuremberg to Vienna

This eight-day itinerary takes guests from Nuremberg to Vienna. Remember that the first itinerary we looked at took guests through four countries. This itineraries only takes guests through two. So what does that mean? That you get to go more in depth in the two countries you’re visiting, and seeing the best that each has to offer.

One other thing that makes this itinerary special is its Jewish Heritage excursions. These include Jewish Nuremberg And WWII; Jewish Regensburg; and Jewish Vienna. This tours provide guests with a Jewish heritage perspective in the cities they are offered. Excursions may include visits to synagogues and Jewish museums.

Other highlights of the sailing include a glass factory visit, vineyard hike, and a mystery tour in Vienna, where guests will hear about ghosts, hauntings, and more.

Countries visited: Germany, Austria

Stops in: Nuremberg, Regensburg, Straubing, Deggendorf, Vilshofen, Passau, Engelhartszell, Weissenkirchen, Vienna

Overnights in: Nuremberg, Vilshofen, Vienna

This itinerary is also offered on with a Prague extension, which will add two nights in Prague either before or after the cruise.

Highlights Of Eastern Europe – 10-days from Bucharest to Budapest

The Highlights Of Eastern Europe itinerary is Uniworld’s only standalone Lower Danube itinerary. This 10-day sailing takes guests from Bucharest to Budapest, or reverse, where they will visit five different countries. Highlights of the sailing include a visit to Ceausescu’s Palace; a home baking experience in Bulgaria; a bike ride in Belgrade; and more.

Countries visited: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania

Stops in: Bucharest, Giurgiu, Rousse, Vidin, Golubac, Belgrade, Osijek, Budapest

Overnights in: Bucharest, Budapest

Portraits Of Eastern Europe – 19-days from Prague to Bucharest

The longest itinerary on the list, this 19-day sailing is a combination of some of Uniworld’s Lower and Upper Danube itineraries. Guests on this sailing will be able to visit eight countries, and sail all the way from Nuremberg to Giurgiu, with overnights in Prague and Bucharest bookending the cruise.

Countries visited: Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania

Stops in: Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Engelhartszell, Spitz, Vienna, Budapest, Osijek, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse, Giurgiu, Bucharest

Overnights in: Prague, Budapest, Bucharest

To see how Uniworld’s prices for Danube river cruises compare to its competitors see our price comparisons: Danube River Cruise Pricing Charts 2020