The Beautiful Blue Danube Cruise

Welcome to Budapest! Upon arrival to Budapest’s airport, your driver will be there to greet you, kicking off this grand adventure with a private transfer to your AmaWaterways ship waiting in the port. Hop aboard, enjoy a welcome drink, settle into your stateroom, and get to know your home for the next week. If you arrive early, drop off your bags and explore unencumbered. The shopping and entertainment districts are both close by, along with multiple attractions. Or, unwind at one of the outdoor cafes while soaking up the atmosphere, returning in time to prepare for this evening’s Captain’s cocktail and dinner onboard.

Meals Included: Dinner

Cruise to your first destination, the “Coronation City of Kings.” Slovakia’s capital was the host for the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between the mid-16th and 19th centuries. Explore the highlights on a guided walking tour while learning more about its past or if you prefer more active exploring, join the guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Its lofty position provides awe-inspiring views over the city. Cycling enthusiasts can take the guided biking tour. There’s also a tasting tour ideal for foodies who can sample some of the tastiest Slovakian bites, learning more about the city through its flavors.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Bratislava walking tour
– “Tastes of Slovakia” food tour
– Bratislava Castle hike
– Bike tour

While cruising to Melk, you’ll enjoy one of the highlights of the trip: the Wachau Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site right along the banks of the Danube, it looks like a postcard, covered with vineyards and charming villages. Be sure to have your camera ready for the many outstanding photo ops. Upon arrival to the hilltop city of Melk, you’ll have the chance to explore one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe, Melk Abbey which houses a museum with a library that displays medieval manuscripts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Melk Abbey visit

Nearing the border of Germany, your ship will dock at Linz where you can take a tour of is historic and contemporary architecture. That includes marveling at the 16th-century Mozart House, a Renaissance building where Mozart composed his Linz Symphony and Linz Sonata in only three days. Alternatively, take a day trip to Salzburg for a ‘Sound of Music’ themed day, stopping at Basilica St. Michael, one of the filming locations. You’ll explore Salzburg’s Residenz Square, Old Market, Mirabell Gardens, and the historical center. Or, head to Czechia for a visit to the mountain town of Cesky Krumlov.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
– “Cultural Mile” bike tour
– Full-day Salzburg city tour
– Full-day Český Krumlov excursion

A relaxed morning brings magnificent views as your ship makes its way to Vienna. Soak up the scenery or enjoy the ship’s facilities, perhaps a pampering massage which is sure to feel amazing after taking part in so many activities. Once in the Austrian capital, you can choose from various tour options. That includes exploring the historic center in a horse-drawn carriage, complete with a traditionally attired coachman guide who will provide intriguing insight along the way. Avid cyclists will enjoyed the guided ride through the city, pedaling alongside the Danube Canal to the Ringstrasse Boulevard encircling the Innere Stadt district.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– “Imperial Vienna” carriage tour
– Vienna by bike

You’ll have a full day in Vienna that includes a tour of UNESCO-listed Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, one of the city’s top attractions and one of Austria’s most important architectural and historical monuments. Constructed in the 18th century, the Baroque palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburgs, featuring over 1,440 rooms. Nature lovers who prefer more active exploring might join the guided trek through the Vienna woods, the very place that inspired Johann Strauss II to compose a waltz. No matter which tour you choose, the rest of the day is yours for exploring what interests you most.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
– Vienna Woods hike

The ship returns to Budapest today where you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. The city is divided in two by the Danube, with one side “Buda” and the other “Pest.” You’ll wander through the Castle District on the Buda side and visit Fisherman’s Bastion renowned for its storybook turrets and breathtaking panoramic view. Stop at Matthias Church with its colorfully tiled roof and soaring tower. Or give your legs a workout with a guided hike ascending Castle Hill. You’ll explore the Pest side this afternoon, including the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, the vast Hungarian Parliament Building, and Heroes’ Square.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursion Options Available:
– Buda city tour
– Castle Hill hike
– Pest tour

After cruising the Danube for a week round-trip from Budapest, the most difficult part of your journey has arrived, the farewells. Your driver will be there to provide a private transfer to the airport where you can catch your flight home or head elsewhere to continue your travels. You can also choose to take transfer to a local hotel if you want to spend more time in Budapest, perhaps some pampering at one of the famous thermal baths.

Meals Included: Breakfast

N.B. Excursions offered by AmaWaterways may vary from those listed in this itinerary. Full excursion options will be made available to you ahead of travel and upon embarking the ship. While excursions are included on AmaWaterways, there may also be some optional excursions available for a supplement.