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Enjoy a quiet moment on the banks of the Danube

Gems of the Danube

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Amber
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Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Scenic Amber. Start your journey in Budapest, one of Europe's most stunning cities, before crossing into Austria to discover the elegance of Vienna. Vienna is a city that has nurtured great minds like Mozart, Sigmund Freud, and Beethoven, and it is a rich hub of culture and creativity. As you sail upstream toward Germany, encounter unforgettable destinations like Durnstein, Melk, and Regensburg, each offering its unique charm and history.
A view over the cultural hub of ViennaMarvel at the beauty of SalzburgDiscover the gorgeous architecture of BudapestEnjoy the tranquility of DurnsteinMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaEnjoy a quiet moment on the banks of the Danube
Highlights
  • Explore Budapest’s Buda and Pest, featuring a mix of architecture
  • Visit Durnstein, picturesque town with medieval castle and scenic vineyards
  • Discover Melk, magnificent UNESCO-listed abbey, high above the town
  • Explore Regensburg, medieval town, boasting Romanesque and Gothic architecture
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: Budapest | Embark

Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital, split by the Danube River with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. United in 1873 by a bridge, the city boasts an architectural mix from Gothic to Art Nouveau and beyond.

This afternoon, relax and settle into your ship. Many suites feature an all-weather balcony that transforms into a Scenic Sun Lounge, offering uninterrupted views of the scenic Danube River.

Please book your flight to arrive in Budapest before 05:00 PM.

Day 2: Budapest

Budapest is a dynamic city, blending rich culture with a lively atmosphere, famous for its thermal baths and vibrant nightlife. Its streets are a tapestry of Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, bohemian coffee houses, world-class opera, and a historic Jewish quarter that still bears the marks of WWII.

Freechoice

A range of Scenic Freechoice activities are on offer to choose from today:

Budapest in Depth: Explore this magical city by coach. Visit Buda and Pest, the two districts separated by the Danube that make up the city. From the Buda side, see the Várkert Bazár before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Pest side, where you can see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square. End your tour with a mesmerizing piano recital at the Institute for the Blind.

Budapest’s Jewish history: Discover Jewish history on a guided tour with an expert local guide and learn about the significant Jewish events from history that have shaped the culture of today. The tour includes a Synagogue, cemetery, memorial park, and a guided tour of the Jewish Museum (not available on Saturday).

Excursion to Szentendre: Journey to the riverside town of Pest County, Szentendre. Known for its museums, galleries and artists, this charming city will captivate you during a guided tour.

Guided hike to Buda Hill: Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Buda Hill. On your walk, see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens, all while enjoying great views over the Danube River and the city architecture.

Your ship will only depart Budapest later this evening, allowing you some free time to explore the city independently. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters, or perhaps set out to explore the Central Market Hall – the largest market in the city, built in neo-gothic style for a combination of shopping and sightseeing. Alternatively, check out the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.

Day 3: Bratislava

Today, perhaps wake to a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler. After breakfast, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail towards Vienna, or head to the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.

Slovakia's capital since independence in 1993, Bratislava, is a modern multicultural metropolis with an intriguing history. Its Old Town is glorious in medieval and Gothic architecture, and its well-preserved hilltop castle, which has a history dating back to the 9th century, still dominates the town. These charming historic sites contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture, evident around the city.

Freechoice

As you dock in the city center, this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice is just steps away.

Walking tour of Bratislava: Explore Bratislava with a knowledgeable local guide to see all the highlights of the city, such as the Hlavné Námestie, the main square, and the Old Town Hall while learning about the history of the city, including what everyday life was like under the Iron Curtain era, the political boundary that divided Europe after WWII.

Wines of Slovakia: Slovakian wines are quite young, but wine experts worldwide praise their flavor and quality. After the fall of Communism, new viticulture was born on the Banks of the Danube and all over this country, taking advantage of the cold weather and optimal soils. Embark on a journey through the different regions of Slovakia while tasting various wines in one of Bratislava's cellars.

Day 4: Vienna

Vienna is Austria's imperial capital – a city full of grandeur, featuring the world's most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. Also known as the City of Music, Vienna fostered musical geniuses such as Mozart and Beethoven. Sigmund Freud also lived and worked here in the late 19th century.

Freechoice

Explore your way with a selection from today's Scenic Freechoice activities:

Schonbrunn Palace: Explore Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family, one of the most prominent dynasties in European history, as you wander its countless ornately designed rooms, hear tales about the royal family that lived here and see the impressive gardens.

Cycle to Danube Island: Explore a different side of Vienna on a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, a recreational playground where locals come to enjoy bathing, boating, cycling, and relaxing on its beaches and open spaces.

Central Vienna with extended Free time: The city center of Vienna is brimming with history, elegance, and diverse architecture. During this tour, your expert local guide will delight you with stories from the city before allowing you free time to explore the city as you wish.

Belvedere Museum: Visit one of Europe's most stunning Baroque landmarks and explore the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day, complemented by the work of international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Max Beckmann.
 
This afternoon, you are free to wander around Vienna, so perhaps join the provided shuttle to the city center or relax on board your ship. 

Enrich

Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein this evening as you relish an exclusive private classical concert. Enjoy a glass of fine Austrian Sekt and listen to the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart performed by a renowned orchestra. An experience only shared with your fellow Scenic guests; be seated in Vienna's largest secular baroque hall, an ornate space where royals and nobles have sat for centuries. Accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists and surrounded by world-famous art, this will be a concert you can remember for a lifetime.

Day 5: Durnstein | Melk

Your ship will dock in the quaint town of Dürnstein this morning, where you have time to wander. Surrounded by vineyards, the town has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. 

As you continue sailing the scenic Wachau Valley, be mesmerized by the sloping vineyards and charming villages. This afternoon, dock in the small and picturesque town of Melk. The breathtaking UNESCO-listed Benedictine Abbey, built high over the city, is the most spectacular building in the region.  

Freechoice

There are a variety of Scenic Freechoice excursions to choose from today:

E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk: Embark on a guided e-bike ride to soak up the scenery along the Danube as you cycle from the quaint village of Dürnstein to Melk. Pass by small villages and through rolling vineyards, enjoying the river views.

Glorious Melk Abbey: No visit to Melk would be complete without a guided tour of its magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey. Wander its 900-year-old hallowed halls, visit the decorated Marble Hall and the library, filled with more than 80,000 books, and be awed by the Abbey Church, adorned in frescoes and intricate statues.

Artstetten Castle: Meet the current owners of Artstetten Castle, which dates to the 13th century. It was once home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked the beginning of WWI in 1914. See the family crypt and visit the on-site museum.

While you indulge in the spectacular views this afternoon, it's also the perfect opportunity to indulge in some delicious local produce from the Wachau Valley. Your Cruise Director will organize a special treat for you and invite a local producer to share some famous regional delicacies in this region. Sample some Apricot dumplings and local schnapps, among other delights, in this breathtaking location.

Day 6: Brandstatt | Passau

Freechoice

Today, choose from three completely different yet equally fascinating Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Full-day excursion to Salzburg: This morning, disembark your ship in Brandstatt, where you journey via coach to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by alpine peaks and on the banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is best known as the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. This storybook city has a thriving art scene, music and concert halls filled with classical music, a Baroque old town where you can find Mozart's birthplace, and Hohensalzburg, Central Europe's largest intact fortress, which sits high above the rooftops with panoramic views of the city. During a guided tour, explore this incredible city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant and having some free time to explore. Return to your ship in the German town of Passau.

Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov: From Brandstatt journey via coach to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This delightful UNESCO World Heritage town is brimming with charm. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Cesky Krumlov is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe with its vast array of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Wander this fairy-tale location with your local guide and explore the historical center before delighting in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After some free time to explore, return to your ship in the German town of Passau.

Highlights of Passau: Stay on board this morning as you cruise to Passau. Situated at the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meeting point, Passau has been an important trading route for centuries, particularly for its trade of the 'White Gold,' Salt. Visit the Old Town on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the three rivers and admire the brightly colored buildings that line the waterways. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral: originally built in 450, the church proudly stood in Passau's Old Town until a devastating fire ripped through it in 1662. It was rebuilt in its current form with an Italian-style exterior complete with a Baroque stucco interior. Nowadays, it houses the world's largest Catholic church organ, boasting 17,974 pipes and 233 registers.

Day 7: Regensburg

Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Within its narrow laneways, the city claims to have the highest concentration of bars in the country.
 
Freechoice

This afternoon, Regensburg offers up a selection of Scenic Freechoice touring activities to choose from:

Walking tour of Regensburg: Join your local guide for an afternoon walking tour of the Old Town of Regensburg. Be in awe of the many preserved medieval buildings that have stood sentinel over the Danube for centuries.

Weltenburg Abbey: Take a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded by monks in approximately 600 AD. Explore the Abbey and Cloister Church, then sample the award-winning beer produced on-site, produced here since the year 1050, making it the oldest monastic brewery in the world.

Thurn and Taxis Active Walking Tour: Join an active walking tour from the ship to Thurn und Taxis Castle, where you can enjoy a guided tour followed by free time. Thurn und Taxis is a German noble family who can trace their history back to the 12th century.

Day 8: Regensburg | Disembark | Munich

  • 1 Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking a lifetime of wonderful memories.  

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Amber

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

2-for-1 Savings 26570
Connect with a Trip Planner to discuss 2-for-1 fares on select sailings.  Valid on new bookings.
Applies to select departures and subject to availability.

Per person starting at
$9,590 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
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
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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