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Admire the artistry of Linz

Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only

Budapest - Vilshofen - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amaverde
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Embark on an 8-day river cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen aboard the MS Amaverde. Sail along the legendary Danube and discover why this iconic river has captivated artists, poets, and musicians for centuries. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and art in the grand capitals of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Feel the magic of Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District, where the hills echo with the sounds of music. Glide through the picturesque Strudengau Valley as the Danube’s timeless melodies guide you on an elegant journey through Europe’s cultural and artistic treasures.
BratislavaBudapest CityscapeCruise the beautiful blue DanubeSail past the royal palace of BudapestVienna Opera House, AustriaPassauAdmire the artistry of Linz
Highlights
  • Explore Budapest’s vibrant charm along the Danube’s historic riverbanks
  • Hike Bratislava Castle’s scenic path offering stunning city vistas
  • Admire Vienna’s regal landmarks, from the Opera House to Imperial Palace
  • Visit Melk Abbey’s Baroque beauty with its grand library and frescoes
Activities
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

Step into the vibrant city of Budapest and embark on your ship, where adventure awaits you.

Day 2: Budapest

Today, you can explore both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start your journey on the Buda side, where your guide will lead you through the city's Castle District. Here, you can admire the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion and enjoy the breathtaking panorama below. Visit Matthias Church, famous for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. If you're up for a more active experience, consider hiking up Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, focus on Pest, where you can admire the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building, explore Heroes' Square, and pay your respects at the poignant "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial.

Day 3: 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 can 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.

Day 4: 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.

Day 5: Weissenkirchen | Grein

After reaching Weissenkirchen, 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 and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above.

Day 6: Linz

The ship arrives in Linz where you have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and 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, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.

Day 7: Passau | Vilshofen

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 River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive. 

Day 8: Vilshofen | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amaverde

AmaVerde

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Mar 31, 2025from $3,539
  • May 26, 2025from $4,239
  • Jun 23, 2025from $4,239
  • Jul 21, 2025from $4,239
  • Aug 18, 2025from $4,339
  • Oct 13, 2025from $4,539
  • Nov 10, 2025from $3,739
  • Dec 22, 2025from $4,139
  • Mar 30, 2026from $3,849
  • Apr 27, 2026from $4,349
  • May 25, 2026from $4,449
  • Jun 22, 2026from $4,449
  • Jul 20, 2026from $4,449
  • Aug 17, 2026from $4,549
  • Sep 14, 2026from $4,849
  • Oct 12, 2026from $4,749
  • Nov 9, 2026from $4,349
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Per person starting at
$3,539
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Category E
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category D
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
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Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 350 sq ft
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 

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