Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered, like Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, or the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals—Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered—Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders; the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos; and the 14th-century Bran Castle, once home to Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals—Bucharest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered, like Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, or the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals—Istanbul, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, SlovakiaAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, SlovakiaAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
RIVERS:
Danube
Grand Danube Cruise (Wine Cruise)
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.
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Grand Danube Cruise.
| Day 2 | Rousse | Bucharest Excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights |
|
Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You can also choose to 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. In the afternoon, enjoy a Vidin Walking Tour or participate in a Vidin Wine Tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Iron Gates | Scenic Cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| Mohacs | OR Guided bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | Gödöllő Palace and Pustza excursion |
|
Visit the 19th-century Gödöllő Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Gödöllő Restaurant. Afterward, head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
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 11 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna City Tour by Bike |
|
The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove 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 the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Weissenkirchen | Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey |
|
| | OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricot tastings |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Strudengau Valley |
|
| Grein | Exclusive castle visit with private reception |
|
Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR "Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion |
|
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 Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)
| Day 1 | Bucharest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Bucharest | “Paris of the East” tour |
|
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament. Or step back in history with a walking tour through Bucharest’s Old Town. (B)
| Day 3 | Brasov | Transfer to Brasov |
|
| | Bran Castle visit and Brasov tour |
|
Check out of your Bucharest hotel and Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour around Braşov. Later in the day, transfer to Brasov and check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 4 | Brasov | “Dracula’s Birthplace,” Sighișoara excursion |
|
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara,
birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It’s
hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored
buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad’s place of birth. His home is
still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” (B)
| Day 5 | Sinaia | Transfer to Sinaia |
|
| Giurgiu | Transfer to Giurgiu |
|
Your first stop on the road will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you’ll visit Peleș Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Following your excursion, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Grand Danube cruise. (B,D)
| Day 6 | Rousse | Bucharest Excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights |
|
Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You can also choose to 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. In the afternoon, enjoy a Vidin Walking Tour or participate in a Vidin Wine Tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Iron Gates | Scenic Cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| Mohacs | OR Guided bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Budapest | Gödöllő Palace and Pustza excursion |
|
Visit the 19th-century Gödöllő Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Gödöllő Restaurant. Afterward, head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
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 15 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna City Tour by Bike |
|
The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove 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 the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Weissenkirchen | Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey |
|
| | OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricot tastings |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Strudengau Valley |
|
| Grein | Exclusive castle visit with private reception |
|
Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR "Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion |
|
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 Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 18 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)
| Day 19 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Regensburg | UNESCO City Highlights tour |
|
Disembark the ship and enjoy a stop in Regensburg. After a local highlights tour, head to Prague where you will check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 20 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Discover fairytale Prague and its magical church spires via a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
| Day 21 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was
established. Beer is vital to the country’s national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers
of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the
world. (B)
| Day 22 | Prague | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Prague as you prepare for your flight home.
| Day 1 | Istanbul | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Istanbul | Topkapi Palace |
|
Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women’s quarters) and the Imperial Treasury’s vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. (B)
Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul’s fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)
| Day 4 | Istanbul | Hotel check-out |
|
| Bucharest | Transfer to Giurgiu |
|
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Grand Danube cruise.
| Day 5 | Rousse | Bucharest Excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights |
|
Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You can also choose to 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. In the afternoon, enjoy a Vidin Walking Tour or participate in a Vidin Wine Tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Iron Gates | Scenic Cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| Mohacs | OR Guided bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | Gödöllő Palace and Pustza excursion |
|
Visit the 19th-century Gödöllő Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Gödöllő Restaurant. Afterward, head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
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You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
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| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
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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 14 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
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| | OR Vienna City Tour by Bike |
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The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove 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 the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Weissenkirchen | Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey |
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| | OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricot tastings |
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| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
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| | OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour |
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| Scenic Cruising | Strudengau Valley |
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| Grein | Exclusive castle visit with private reception |
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Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
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| | OR "Cultural Mile” bike tour |
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| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion |
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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 Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
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| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
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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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)
| Day 18 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
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| Regensburg | UNESCO city highlights tour |
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Disembark the ship and enjoy a stop in Regensburg. After a local highlights tour, head to Prague where you will check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 19 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
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Discover fairytale Prague and its magical church spires via a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
| Day 20 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
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Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was
established. Beer is vital to the country’s national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers
of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the
world. (B)
| Day 21 | Prague | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)