Travel to Europe

Romantic Danube River Cruise

November 3-10 2024

Sail past stunning castles, cathedrals, and countryside on a luxurious 7-night AmaWaterways river cruise down the enchanting Danube.

Romantic River Cruise Down the Legendary Danube

Join Shayla and Scott Copas on a specially curated cruise full of awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Relax and let the indelible landscapes of Central and Western Europe roll past you, including the bygone grandeur of Austrian palaces, charming baroque villages, rolling hills of valley vineyards, and the intoxicating “East-meets-West” mix of glamorous Budapest. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you’ll be able to enjoy your ship, the extraordinary AmaMagna, to its fullest—from al fresco dining to spinning with a view.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

5-Star Accommodations: Our ship is the AmaMagna, which offers spacious suites, full balconies, gourmet dining, and the ultimate way to explore the Danube with total ease
Taste all the delicious delicacies of the region on culinary-themed excursions, including chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz
Tour the grand Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, featuring sumptuous, richly textured rooms and a fascinating imperial history
Get a feel for both the modern and historical sides of Hungary, with walking tours of cosmopolitan Budapest and views of some of the country’s oldest settlements
Feel the hills come alive with a full-day excursion to Salzburg, setting for the beloved The Sound of Music and home to unparalleled Eastern Alp views

Day 1: Embarkation in Budapest

On our first day, you’ll board the sumptuous AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. Enjoy the luxurious on-board amenities—including a zen wellness studio, refreshing sun-deck pool, fireside libraries, and five different bars—or explore Budapest on your own. The city beckons with its spires that reach toward the sky, inviting cafe culture, and flamboyant architecture.

Day 2: A Tale of Two Riverbanks

Begin your journey in earnest today with a “Queen of the Danube” Tour. Get your bearings of this dynamic river city with a visit to the Great Market Hall, a gorgeous restored neo gothic indoor market, before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. On your tour you’ll discover many of Budapest’s historical and architectural treasures, including Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church.

During the afternoon, we’ll officially “set sail” out of Budapest, passing through the scenic Danube Bend where you can spy some of Hungary’s oldest settlements dotting the riverbanks, including Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre.

This evening, meet up for an exclusive Sip & Sail cocktail event with our group to celebrate our first full day on the river!

Day 3: Bratislava

Today you’ll balance a relaxing time on board with a visit to Bratislava, the alluring capital of Slovenia with a charming pedestrian historical center. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings.” You’ll discover all the palace intrigue during your walking tour of the old town, featuring red-roofed homes dating back to the 18th century and the imposing Bratislava Castle perched on a hill overlooking the capital.

Day 4: Vienna

Today we’ll visit Vienna, historically a refined intellectual powerhouse—once home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. Your city tour showcases Vienna’s regal splendor, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of Habsburgs. We’ll conclude our tour with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whose intricate towers have dominated the city skyline for centuries.

In the afternoon, visit Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the mainsummer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in Austria.

Once back on board for the evening, meet up for another exclusive Sip & Sail cocktail event with the group to “cheers” to another beautiful day on the river!

Day 5: Krems

Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is our starting point for an extraordinary visit to the lovely Baroque village of Durnstein. Stroll along Durnstein’s cobblestone streets and enjoy an intriguing culinary-focused tour exploring the area’s famous apricots, chocolates, and brandys.

During the afternoon, cruise through the vineyard-rinch Wachau Valley—one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced. In Spitz, we’ll visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube.

During the evening, enjoy an exclusive wine experience where you’ll taste some of the region’s most famous aromatic wines, including Gruner Veltliner and Riesling.

Day 6: Linz & Salzburg

The hills are alive with the sound of music! Today, you’ll embark on a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Alp town, Salzburg, in Austria. Fans of The Sound of Music will recognize many of the sites on your walking tour of the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, we’ll stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the film’s famous wedding scene was captured.

Day 7: Passau

Today, we’ll visit Passau in German Bavaria, a lush region known for its fairy tale-like forests and villages. Known as “The City of Three Rivers,” Passau features a charming and compact old town perfect for relaxed exploring. Join a guided walking tour and marvel at Passau’s gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

In the afternoon, we’ll sail on to the charming town of Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to a festive Barvarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with traditional music, beer, and pretzels.