Melodies of the Danube

Experience the magic of Budapest! Upon your arrival, seamlessly transfer to your hotel and begin your unforgettable journey.

Budapest, often called the “Queen of the Danube,” is one of Europe’s most regal and historic cities, with many iconic landmarks lining the riverbanks. Renowned for the Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and the majestic Hungarian Parliament, this vibrant city also holds countless hidden gems beyond its famous sites. On this guided excursion, venture beyond the Danube to uncover Budapest’s rich history, culture, and lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored.

Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship.

Today, you can visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District, where you can marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes Square, and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.

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 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 city views.

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems, and your city tour will showcase 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 visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore this iconic city further.

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.

The ship arrives in Linz, where you have several excursion options. 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 take a 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.

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. Alternatively, choose between a guided hike to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen and be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive.

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

Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your city tour, or you can hike to the grand castle. 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 can find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock.

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 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 over 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 Czech beer some of the best in the world.

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home.