Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.

Highlights & Itinerary

Optional Hosted Two-night Pre-Cruise tour: Budapest (October 18-21, including travel)

Spend an extra two nights staying in the beautiful city of Budapest to give you a chance to get over your jetlag and have more time to explore this beautiful city. Details of this tour are being developed and will be announced soon.

This pre-tour will be hosted by Stewart Travel Group.

Day 1: Travel Day

Overnight flight from Canada to Budapest

Day 2: Budapest (October 21)

Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaSonata (D)

Day 3: Budapest

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 Matthias Church. As an alternative, you can hike up Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city and the riverscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Tour Options:

• "Queen of the Danube" Tour
• OR Castle Hill Hike
  
  

Day 4: Bratislava

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)

Tour Options:

• "Coronation City" walking tour
• OR Tastes of Slovakia
• OR Bratislava Castle Hike
  
  

Day 5: Vienna

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. (B,L,D)

Tour Options:

• "Imperial Vienna" tour
• OR Vienna City Tour by Bike
  
  

Day 6: Weissenkirchen

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. (B,L,D)

Tour Options:

• Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey
• OR Dürnstein with wine and apricots
• OR Dürnstein fortress hike
• OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour
  
  

Day 7: Linz

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. In the afternoon, you can also choose to visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Tour Options:

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

*Note: Not available with full-day Salzburg excursion

Day 8: Passau

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. (B,L,D)

Tour Options:

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

Day 9: Vilshofen

Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Optional AmaWaterways Hosted Tour Extension to Prague

Join the AmaWaterways optional 3-night tour extension to Prague in the Czech Republic.

• This portion of the tour will not be hosted by Stewart Travel Group.