Melodies of the Danube River Cruise with AmaWaterways

DAY 1 – Budapest

Hotel check-in

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 – Budapest

“Hidden Budapest” tour

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler.

DAY 3 – Budapest

EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D)

DAY 4 – Budapest

“Queen of the Danube” tour
OR Castle Hill hike

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.

DAY 5 – Bratislava

“Coronation City” walking tour
OR Tastes of Slovakia
OR Bratislava Castle hike

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – Vienna

“Imperial Vienna” tour
OR Vienna city tour by bike
Free time

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.

DAY 7 – Weissenkirchen

Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey

OR Dürnstein with wine and apricots
OR Dürnstein fortress hike
OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour

Scenic Cruising
Strudengau Valley
Grein

Exclusive castle visit with private reception
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception.

DAY 8 – Linz

Full-day Salzburg excursion

OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – Passau

“City of Three Rivers” walking tour
OR Passau bike tour
OR Passau Castle hike

Vilshofen

Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive.

DAY 10 – Vilshofen

DISEMBARKATION

Transfer via Regensburg

Regensburg

UNESCO city highlights tour

Prague
Hotel check-in

Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague.

DAY 11 – Prague

“Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour

OR Prague Castle hike

Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)

DAY 12 – Prague

Czech beer tasting

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)

DAY 13 – Prague

Return flight home

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home.