Sometimes you ought to leave the damn guide book HOME.
Not that they don’t have any merit. Jeez. If not for the Lonely Planet, I never would have found that wonderful French astronomer ... Full Journal »
Blue Danube Discovery and Prague
« All MS Amalyra cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Budapest, Hungary
- Day 2 Exploring Budapest
- Day 3 Free Morning Budapest / Embark
- Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Day 5 Exploring Vienna
- Day 6 Durnstein / Melk
- Day 7 Linz / Passau, Germany
- Day 8 Regensburg
- Day 9 Nuremberg
- Day 10 Nuremberg / Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic / Prague
- Day 11 Exploring Prague
- Day 12 Prague
- Day 13 Depart Prague / Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Cat E | Cat D | Cat C | Cat B | Cat A | Junior Suite | |
| Jun 9 '13 |
$4,049 | $4,248 | $4,628 | $4,828 | $4,938 | $5,948 |
| Port Charges: $147 per person. | ||||||
Aug 4 '13 Aug 18 '13 |
$3,949 | $4,148 | $4,528 | $4,728 | $4,838 | $5,848 |
| Port Charges: $147 per person. | ||||||
Apr 23 '14 Oct 22 '14 |
$4,349 | $4,598 | $4,998 | $5,198 | $5,328 | $6,348 |
| Port Charges: $161 per person. | ||||||
| May 7 '14 |
$4,449 | $4,698 | $5,098 | $5,298 | $5,428 | $6,448 |
| Port Charges: $161 per person. | ||||||
| Oct 8 '14 |
$4,549 | $4,798 | $5,198 | $5,398 | $5,528 | $6,548 |
| Port Charges: $161 per person. | ||||||
Day 1 Arrive Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2 Exploring Budapest
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy a spectacular view of the twin cities spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the massive Heroes’ Square and more. (B)
Day 3 Free Morning Budapest / Embark
After checking out of your hotel in Budapest, you will have your choice of a free morning to explore Budapest on your own or join an optional excursion to Puszta, the great Hungarian Plain which stretches across eastern Hungary. This excursion includes a savory traditional lunch with delicious Hungarian goulash. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Bratislava. (B,D)
Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia
This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. You have your choice of two tours today: a walking tour of the city’s major sites, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral; or a “Communist History” tour that includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Spend the evening in Bratislava before the ship cruises to magnificent Vienna later tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Exploring Vienna
This morning enjoy a guided tour of romantic Vienna that will include the majestic Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join an optional tour this afternoon to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, a glorious example of Baroque architecture. Tonight, enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Durnstein / Melk
Reach the Wachau Valley early this morning for your walking tour of Dürnstein, one of the prettiest towns along the Danube, filled with cobblestone streets, 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, King of England, was held for ransom in 1192. This afternoon, you can enjoy a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled) or relax onboard as you cruise the beautiful Wachau Valley. Your ship arrives in Melk late this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Benedictine Abbey that inspired the novel The Name of the Rose. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Melk, one of Europe’s great cultural heritage sites. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Linz / Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 ago. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Regensburg
In the afternoon the ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have your choice of three tours: a guided walking tour, in which you will see the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D.; an afternoon bike ride to the Walhalla Temple, which honors distinguished Germans throughout history (capacity controlled); or a trip to the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where you will take a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or production line (subject to availability, capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 9 Nuremberg
Enjoy a scenic morning as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal and leisurely cruises through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. This afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions in Nuremberg: a “Medieval History” tour that will show you the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and Old Town Hall; or a “WWII Tour” that focuses on the city’s role during the Third Reich. You will visit the infamous Zeppelin field Hitler used to hold Nazi rallies and the Justice Palace courtroom where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available). The ship moors in Nuremberg overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Nuremberg / Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic / Prague
This morning, depart Nuremberg after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to Prague and check into the hotel. (B)
Day 11 Exploring Prague
Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals 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. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafes. This evening, an optional “Folklore Dinner Show” provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions (B)
Day 12 Prague
Spend a day at your leisure. Stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor café, or shop for local handicrafts. This afternoon, participate in an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp that is now a memorial to those who perished, or an optional excursion to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)
Day 13 Depart Prague / Return Home
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Please note: Cruise fare does not include port charges.Included Features:
- 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest including daily Buffet Breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Budapest
- 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies (Twin Balconies on select vessels)
- Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
- Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
- Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
- Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
- Multiple Dining Venues on select vessels
- Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
- Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
- Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
- Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
- Services of Professional Cruise Manager
- All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- All local Taxes
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $600, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 121 days or more | $400 per person |
| 120-90 days | $600 per person |
| 89-60 days | 40% trip cost |
| 59-30 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29-0 days | 100% trip cost |
MS Amalyra
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- River Cruise Ship
Launched in 2008, the MS Amalyra is part of the newest, state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe. This vessel sets new standards in European river cruising and offers a number of features which no other European river cruise ship can match. The MS Amalyra carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.
This vessel features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great waterways of Europe.
The latest high-tech features onboard:
BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
STATEROOMS: Inside your exquisitely decorated stateroom, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding, a cozy sitting area, Infotainment System, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space. All staterooms and Jr. Suites are outside; over 82% feature large French balconies, which are a true delight when relaxing in your stateroom.
JUNIOR SUITES: Although rarely found on European river cruise ships, Junior Suites aboard our ships are extra spacious at 255 square feet. They feature a comfortable sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies and luxurious, extra spacious bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. The suites sell quickly, so early reservations are recommended.
Technical Data
Built: 2009
Built in: Holland
Length: 360 feet
Width: 38 feet
Crew: 41 (European)
Staterooms: 71
Jr. Suites: 4
Ship Registry: Built in Switzerland
Home port: Basel
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat E 170 sq. feet. 6 cabins on Piano Deck. Picture window, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #108-113. |
 | Cat D 170 sq. feet. 7 cabins on Piano Deck. Picture window, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #101-107. |
 | Cat C 170 sq. feet. 6 cabins on Cello Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #225-230. |
| Cat B 170 sq. feet. 24 cabins on Cello Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #201-224. |
| Cat A 170 sq. feet. 28 cabins on Violin Deck. French balcony, sitting area, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #305-332. |
 | Junior Suite 255 sq. feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck. French balcony, sitting area, bathtub and shower, Infotainment system, safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, A/C, ample closet space. #310-304. |
