Looking into a Viking Danube tour next June but am worried about low/high water, also don't get to go to Salzburg. Nuremberg to Budapest is my trip with addition trip to Prague. or Rick Steve's bus tour that makes all the stops I want and I would have to do Prague after on my own. Do you have any reviews about Rick Steve's tours?

The Rick Steves tours are generally well regarded - small size and good guides. Why not go to the Steves web site? A river cruises is a very different tour. If the RS tours goes where you want to go, then do it.

I did go to his website and have a tour ready to be booked. I have read so many reviews from different tours that are lousy things weren't as expected and was just trying to get insight on his. His reviews are all good.
Another question, Would you go on a river or bus tour in June or Beginning of October?

Have you considered going without a tour? This area is very easily visited on one's own.

I assume the river is the Danube? We did a Danube river sail and Salzburg was offered as a daytrip from the ship - can you check and see if your company offers that? At my stage of life (60+) I would probably opt for the river cruise just because I find the packing and unpacking a pain, even tho I TRY to pack light! I still like land trips but have now have to stay at least 4 nights, preferably more, before packing up and moving on. I 've not taken a Rick Steves tour but have heard good things. And if you want to put the time into planning, you could DIY - now you'll have to decide what's best for you.

....that are lousy things weren't as expected ..... Maybe needs little editing but I don't understand that statement. With any tour - boat, bus, airplane -- things happens. We have been on dozen of trips where small things happen. We are very good at rolling with the punch so we have NEVER had a bad trips. Others are more picky. I have seen people make big issues over not getting "lemon pepper" or coffee is not hot enough or to hot. Weather conditions on river are more critical - high water, low water - so river cruises could be subject to more changes. On our last river cruise in southern France the last full day we were unable to make our last dock because there had been thunderstorms up river for two days dumping a lot of water so we could not get under one bridge by a couple of inches. So that day we had some long bus trips and people grumbling about the long bus rides. We saw what was promised but long time in a bus. So you need to be flexible with any type of tour.

Hi, I have traveled independently often, asll over the world, and on river cruises (Russia/Europe/Alaska). I think your age might be a consideration here. When younger i liked the freedom to come/go as I pleased when I wished. Now older and do like to have one nice room on a river ship to come back to, or crash for a day, and not have to schluck my luggage all over. I also like to add on a few days at end/start of any cruise to see more of an area. I thnk this is a personal choice. Sue