Experience the magic of the Danube on this 15-day cruise from Vilshofen to Rousse, aboard the luxurious MS Amabella. Savor Wachau Valley wine, embrace the elegance and history of Vienna and Budapest, and traverse the legendary passage known as the Iron Gates. Framed by rolling hillsides, well-tended vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube has been an inspiration for generations of Europeans.
Highlights
Take part on optional excursions such as hikes and guided bike tours
Visit the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, one of Europe’s largest monastic sites
Participate in local wine and food tastings
Explore Vienna's city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cruise through the Iron Gates of the Danube, a series of magnificent gorges
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.
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon take a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets and Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second-largest city in Austria, or choose a guided bike tour that shows you around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center. Later, choose between three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you may take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by "The Sound of Music.” The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. All three regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. You have three choices of how to explore Dürnstein today. The first is a walking tour along the town’s cobblestone streets followed by a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk, one of Europe’s largest and most famous monastic sites, home to religious relics and a library filled with medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you may join a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom or enjoy an Apricots and Sweets tasting instead. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.
This morning, savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall, and Vienna University. Afterward, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna’s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where you have three choices of excursions. The first is a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The second is a Slovakian Specialties tasting where you can enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, sample a creamy soup made from sheep's cheese and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. Finally, you can also join a hike up to Bratislava Castle, which includes visits to the Castle Upper Terrace and Court of Honor. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own.
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. See famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may also opt to join a hike up to Castle Hill, on which you can see Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Parliament Square. After dinner, the ship sails a special Illuminations Cruise past the glittering riverfront of Budapest.
After breakfast this morning, take an excursion to Puszta, the vast Hungarian plain that stretches to the country's eastern border. This area is home to Hungarian cowboys who still wear traditional dress and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. After touring a typical card (farm), see a fantastic performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Enjoy warm Hungarian hospitality and a traditional lunch before returning to the ship in Budapest.
Arrive in Mohács around breakfast time and depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the city was a substantial cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. See St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, and either a mosque that has been converted to a church or the restored synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohács.
This morning, enjoy a Yugoslav Civil War tour of Vukovar that shows you the Ovcara Memorial and Cemetery. This monumental cross serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s most significant historical treasures. After a walking tour of the city, later in the evening, see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached, and that is now home to a hotel, museum, and artists’ studios.
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that includes visits to Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. This afternoon choose one of three excursions. Your first option is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became the first President of Yugoslavia. Your second option is a tasting of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich Distillery. Your third option is a guided bike tour through Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island.
Today take a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, an unforgettable highlight of your adventure.
Your time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle. Afterwards, visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where you are treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment. You may also opt instead for a Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour on which you may see sights like the Ottoman post office and visit the synagogue. The ship departs early afternoon.
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.
Day 15: Giurgiu | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,4792-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 day ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
4 days ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
Sarika FREY
4 days ago
Very efficient and responsive.
Patricia
5 days ago
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.
