THE ROMANTIC DANUBE- 7 NIGHT CRUISE - Various departure dates!
Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. We highly recommend flying into Prague a few days before your cruise so you can explore this wonderful city. You will cruise from nearby Vilshofen to Budapest in 8 days. Explore a 2,000 year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest!
When you travel with AmaWaterways, you do more than simply visit a destination – you experience it in a truly authentic and in-depth way. With no need to navigate from place to place, you’ll find a sense of adventure and a sense of home all in one vacation!
The AmaViola - features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. With their exclusive Twin Balconies, available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet (this is considered large on a river cruise) they also have four suites measuring 350 sq. feet as well as entry level window cabins.
As a passengers you will enjoy:
- Gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues
- Heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar
- Fitness center and spa
- Complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand
- A fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours
- And much more!
BB Category Room on the Cello Deck
C Category with French Balcony
Window Category Room on the Main Deck
Vilshofen to Budapest
Day 1 Vilshofen
EMBARKATION
Private Oktoberfest
Welcome Dinner
This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Reception and Dinner. (D)
Day 2
Vilshofen Free Time
Passau Walking tour
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Linz
Linz walking tour OR Linz Culture Mile Bike Tour
Austrian Lake District tour OR Cesky Krumlov excursion OR Salzburg excursion
The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria or choose a guided bike tour that will show you around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center. Later, you will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by "The Sound of Music.” The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. All three regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Weissenkirchen
Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Apricots and Sweets tasting
Wine tasting at local winery
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. You have three choices of how to explore Dürnstein today. The first is a walking tour along the town’s cobblestone streets followed by a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk, one of Europe’s largest and most famous monastic sites, home to religious relics and a library filled with medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you may join a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or enjoy an Apricots and Sweets tasting instead. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Vienna City tour OR Alte Donau bike tour
Free time OR Klosterneuburg Monastery bike tour
This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your two choices of different excursion. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Bratislava Walking tour OR Slovakian Specialties tasting OR Bratislava Castle hike
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you will have three choices of excursions. The first is a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The second is a Slovakian Specialties tasting where you will enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, sample a creamy soup made from sheep's cheese and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. Finally, you can also join a hike up to Bratislava Castle, which includes visits to the Castle Upper Terrace and Court of Honor. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Budapest City tour OR Castle Hill hike
Illuminations Cruise
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may also opt to join a hike up to Castle Hill on which you will see Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the glittering riverfront of Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Budapest DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Contact one of our Cruise Specialists for more details on this trip and to find the best value! Call us toll-free on 1.800.665.1882 or click on the contact us button above to get in touch with us!
