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Budapest Cityscape

Grand Danube Cruise

Example 22 Day Cruise aboard MS Amacerto
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Celebrate the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg across the Continental Divide, and along the way visit charming towns and marvel at beautiful vistas. Enter Austria and cruise along the Wachau wine region. Visit three grand old capitals, magnificent Vienna, charming Bratislava and vibrant Budapest. Continue to Croatia and Serbia and cruise through the Iron Gates, a very narrow passage dividing the Balkan mountains from the Carpathian mountains. End your grand European river cruise by sailing along the Romanian/Bulgarian border.
Morning view on Bratislava cityPanoramic view of VilshofenMelkViennaBudapestEvening in Vienna, AustriaPrague City and the Charles Bridge at SunsetBudapest Cityscape
Highlights
  • Explore historic Prague, including Prague Castle and the city center
  • Join an Oktoberfest festival in Vilshofen, with traditional Bavarian beer
  • Enjoy optional excursions, such as hikes and guided bike tours
  • Tour Vienna's hidden treasures and highlights, like the Opera House
Activities
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: Prague, Czech Republic

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
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. See Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. 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.

Day 3: Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
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. 

Day 4: Embark | Nuremberg, Germany

Board your ship in Nuremberg.

Day 5: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam, and Courtroom 600 if the courtroom is not in session. En route to Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the manmade marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Day 6: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities Regensburg on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample some Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, and for those who wish to be more active, join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. 

Day 7: Passau | Linz, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a walking tour along Passau's cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For guests looking for a more active morning, you can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress for panoramic views overlooking three rivers. Later in the day, set sail for Linz. 

Day 8: Melk | Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley; or go on a walking tour along Dürnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, famed church tower. Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. 

Day 9: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour. 

Day 10: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with 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 the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative, 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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast this morning, take an excursion to Puszta, the vast Hungarian plain that stretches to the eastern border of the country. This area is home to Hungarian cowboys who still wear traditional dress and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. After touring a typical csarda (farm), see an amazing performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Enjoy warm Hungarian hospitality and a traditional lunch before returning to the ship in Budapest. 

Day 12: Mohács | Pécs | Villány, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Mohács around breakfast time and depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the city was an important cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. See St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, as well as either a mosque that has been converted to a church or the restored synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohács. 

Day 13: Vukovar, Croatia | Novi Sad, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, enjoy a Yugoslav Civil War tour of Vukovar that shows you the Ovcara Memorial and Cemetery, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. After a walking tour of the city, later in the evening see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached and that is now home to a hotel, museum and artists’ studios.

Day 14: Belgrade, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that includes visits to Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. This afternoon you have your choice of one of three excursions. Your first option is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became the first President of Yugoslavia. Your second option is a tasting of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich Distillery. Your third option is a guided bike tour through Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island. 

Day 15: Cruising Through The Iron Gates

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today take a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. 

Day 16: Vidin, Bulgaria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle. Afterwards, visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where you can enjoy a fascinating historical re-enactment. You may also opt instead for a Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour on which you can see sights like the Ottoman post office and visit the synagogue. The ship departs early afternoon. 

Day 17: Rousse | Giurgiu, Romania

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 and Bulgarian medieval art.

Day 18: Giurgiu | Disembark | BraȘov, Romania

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, you'll travel to the lovely village of Brașov. Enjoy a tour of the town and then check into your hotel. 

Day 19: Brasov | Sighisoara

  • 1 Breakfast
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.”

Day 20: Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to visit the enchanting Peleș Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, check into your hotel. 

Day 21: Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
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, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world.

Day 22: Depart Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Burcharest as you prepare for your homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amacerto

AmaCerto-Fitness
AmaCerto-Salon

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
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Cat E
Piano Deck, Fixed Window. 148 sq.ft.
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Cat D
Piano Deck, Fixed Windows. 148 sq.ft.
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Cat C
Violin & Cello Deck, French Balcony. 170 sq.ft.
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Cat BB
Cello Deck, French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
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Cat AA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
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Cat AA+
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 290 sq.ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 350 sq.ft.
Included
  • 20 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 19 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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