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Budapest

The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

Vilshofen to Budapest - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amalea
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Embark on an 8-day Romantic Danube cruise aboard MS Amalea. Start your Danube River cruise in Vilshofen with a festive Oktoberfest celebration. Explore the old town before sailing to Passau, where you can tour the city or hike to Veste Oberhaus. In Linz, choose a full-day trip to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, or explore the city’s cultural district by bike. Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau Valleys to Weissenkirchen, where you can visit Melk Abbey, hike to Durnstein Fortress, or cycle through vineyards. Discover Vienna’s imperial landmarks on a walking tour or bike ride, then explore Bratislava’s historic center or hike to the castle. In Budapest, visit both Buda and Pest, including Matthias Church and the Parliament Building, or hike to Castle Hill for panoramic views.
Passau at sunset, GermanyColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzJohann Strauss statue, ViennaMorning view on Bratislava cityBratislavaBudapest
Highlights
  • Celebrate Oktoberfest with music, dancing, and Bavarian beer in Vilshofen
  • Visit Salzburg’s Mirabell Gardens and historic Old Town landmarks
  • Discover Cesky Krumlov’s medieval charm and sprawling castle complex
  • Bike through Vienna’s historic streets and cultural highlights
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vilshofen, Germany | Embark

Start your cruise in Vilshofen with a special Oktoberfest celebration filled with local beer, Bavarian folk music, and festive dancing.

Day 2: Vilshofen | Passau, Germany

Discover the charm of Vilshofen’s old town before sailing to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers.” Choose a guided walking tour, hike up to Veste Oberhaus for panoramic views from Castle Hill, or enjoy an active bike ride along the River Inn.

Day 3: Linz, Austria

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 famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.

Day 4: Weissenkirchen, Austria

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll 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. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique.

Day 5: Vienna

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia

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.

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.

Day 8: Budapest, Hungary | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.

Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amalea

Lounge Area
Spa
Gym

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 17, 2025from $4,239
  • May 31, 2025from $4,239
  • Jun 14, 2025from $4,239
  • Jul 26, 2025from $4,239
  • Aug 9, 2025from $4,239
  • Aug 23, 2025from $4,439
  • Sep 20, 2025from $4,639
  • Oct 4, 2025from $4,639
  • Oct 18, 2025from $4,439
  • Nov 1, 2025from $4,139
  • Nov 15, 2025from $3,939
  • Mar 14, 2026from $3,449
  • Mar 28, 2026from $3,849
  • Jul 4, 2026from $4,449
  • Jul 18, 2026from $4,449
  • Aug 1, 2026from $4,449
  • Aug 15, 2026from $4,549
  • Aug 29, 2026from $4,749
  • Sep 12, 2026from $4,849
  • Sep 26, 2026from $4,849
  • Oct 10, 2026from $4,749
  • Oct 24, 2026from $4,549
  • Nov 7, 2026from $4,349
  • Nov 21, 2026from $4,149
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Deals

Complimentary Land Package 27628
Book by June 30, 2025, for select 2025 and 2026 Europe river cruises and receive a complimentary land package of up to 4 nights, which can be enjoyed either before or after your cruise. This offer is valid exclusively for new bookings made by past AmaWaterways travelers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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Triple Savings 27714
Book by June 30, 2025, and enjoy Triple Savings on select 2025 and 2026 Europe cruises! Save up to $2,000 per stateroom, receive a complimentary stateroom upgrade, and enjoy $100 onboard credit on select itineraries. This offer is valid on new bookings, is subject to availability, based on double occupancy, and cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.

Promo Code TRIPLESAVINGS 
 
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Per person starting at
$3,449
Category E
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E
160 square feet. 4 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category D
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D
160 square feet. 8 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category CB
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CB
155 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony.
Category CA
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CA
170 square feet. 14 cabins on Violin and Cello Deck, French balcony.
Category BB
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BB
210 square feet. 15 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category BA
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BA
210 square feet. 12 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AB
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AB
235 square feet. 10 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AA
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AA
235 square feet. 8 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category Suite
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Suite
350 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony, mini-bar, sofa and two chairs, expansive bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • 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 

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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