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Vltava river and Charles bridge in Prague

The Romantic Danube

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard MS Amaserena
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Travel to legendary destinations on this European river cruise and land tour, beginning with a 3-night stay in majestic Prague followed by 8 days cruising from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest.
Passau at sunset, GermanyColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzExplore Vienna's beautiful gardens while touring through EuropeBudapest CityscapeVltava river and Charles bridge in Prague
Highlights
  • Celebrate 'Oktoberfest' in Vilshofen with beer, folk music and dance
  • Join a guided bike tour around the old city of Linz
  • Choose from a variety of excursions throughout your cruise
  • Tour Vienna's most famous sites, including the majestic Opera House
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Prague, Czech Republic

Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, choose between a standard city tour and a hike. Both reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Next, 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, Tyn Church and the statue of Jan Husek. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafés. 

Day 3: Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
Spend a day at your leisure, perhaps to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor café, or shop for local handicrafts.

Day 4: Regensburg | Vilshofen, Germany | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Depart Prague this morning and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue on to the charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen and board your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers at a private Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, with traditional beers and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Later, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner aboard the ship.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Check out of your hotel and depart Prague, stopping in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Continue on to Vilshofen to board your cruise ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing, and afterwards enjoy a welcome aboard wine toast. 

Day 5: Vilshofen | Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
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. 

Day 6: Linz, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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, you have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you can 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.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
The ship arrives in Linz where you have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you can 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.” Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. 

Day 7: Weissenkirchen, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Cruise to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein located in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein’s famed church tower, and savor a tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Or for the more active adventurer, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. 

Day 8: Vienna, Austria OR Melk, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Afterwards, 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.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Journey to Melk to tour its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries with stunning Baroque architectural details and numerous frescoes and religious artifacts. Alternatively, take a bike tour along the Danube River, soaking in views of the serene Wachau Valley. Later in the evening, be treated to a special cellar tour and wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner at the acclaimed Schloss Gobelsburg, which has a documented viticulture history dating back to the 12th century.

Day 9: Bratislava, Slovakia OR Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Experience the regal elegance of Vienna with one of three different excursions. Join a city tour that takes you by the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the world famous Spanish Riding School. Alternatively, join an exclusive tour to a famous Viennese café for a taste of sachetorte, a sinfully rich chocolate cake, and sekt, an Austrian sparkling wine. For those who prefer to get more active, you can cycle along the Danube and through the Donaupark. During the afternoon, enjoy free time or bike to the majestic twelfth-century Klosterneuburg Monastery.

Day 10: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. 

Wine-themed Cruise: 
Experience Budapest in one of two ways: on a city tour or a hike. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. Spend your last evening on board cruising around the famed Parliament Building as the city turns on all her dazzling lights. 

Day 11: Budapest, Hungary | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amaserena

Enjoy fine dining
Enjoy the view

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,779
AmaSerena E
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E
Piano deck, fixed windows
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D
Piano deck, fixed windows
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C
Violin & Cello deck, French Balcony
AmaSerena C
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BB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
AmaSerena AB
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BA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AB
Cello deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AA
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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AA+
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony
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Suite
Violin deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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