Overview
Cruise From: Vilshofen to Budapest
Those longing for the romance and festivity of Old World Europe will travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned, and some of the world's greatest music was composed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. The timeless Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe's grandest cities continue to inspire wonder around the world, but these are only a taste of the incredible sites you will visit along the Danube. Admire the beauty of Salzburg and the Czech Republic's charming mountain town, Cesky Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrate the holidays ahead of the crowds aboard some of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS: Danube
Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stationsMini-fridge, desk and sitting areaBottled water replenished dailyAN ARRAY OF AMENITIESWellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packagesInternet and Wi-Fi accessSun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking trackFitness room, massage services and hair salonMain Lounge with panoramic views and barDaily entertainment including cultural performancesAWARD-WINNING DININGAll onboard dining in a variety of venuesRegionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredientsThe Chef's Table specialty restaurantWelcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala DinnerLa Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experienceUnlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinnerUnlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfastSip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinksTapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main LoungeA WORLD OF EXPLORATIONImmersive tours in every destinationGentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikesSpecial interest toursKnowledgeable guidesPersonal headset for easy explorationAirport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 : PRAGUE
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that 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 will find the capital's famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 3 : PRAGUE
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 the city of 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 more than 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 the Czech's beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
Day 4 : PRAGUE - REGENSBURG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey on to Vilshofen, where you will board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)
Day 5 : VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
Explore Vilshofen's beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers.'Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the 'Veste Oberhaus,'Passau's Castle Hill; or go on a Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
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 famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : WEISSENKIRCHEN
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Durnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Durnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you'll enjoy the region's finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Gruner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : VIENNA
The 'City of Waltzes'offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
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)
Day 10 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Today you have the opportunity to 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 will 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)