Embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the MS Amabella through the heart of Eastern Europe, tracing the paths of conquerors, crusaders, and kings across Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Cruise along the iconic Danube River, passing through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, and uncover the rich history and hidden mysteries etched into the hillsides. Discover legends brought to life at the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, carved into mountain cliffs and adorned with remarkably preserved medieval frescoes. Experience the enduring legacy of the Romans in Pecs, known as “the city of Mediterranean impressions,” and savor the flavors of Croatia’s celebrated wines. From the grand capitals of Budapest and Vienna to timeless villages steeped in folklore, immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and captivating stories of the extraordinary people and places along the way.
Highlights
Stroll Vilshofen’s charming streets, capturing its quaint Bavarian essence
Cruise Passau’s scenic rivers, admiring Gothic and Baroque architecture
Explore Linz’s cultural mile, uncovering its vibrant artistic heritage
Tour Belgrade’s ancient fortress and sample traditional Serbian delicacies
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.
Spend a leisurely morning stroll through the charming village of Vilshofen. Later, set sail for Passau, where you can explore the city in one of three engaging ways: join a walking tour to admire its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, including the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral; embark on a guided bike ride along the scenic Inn River; or opt for a hike to the historic Veste Oberhaus fortress for panoramic views.
The ship arrives in Linz, where you can have several excursion options. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, where you tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. You can also join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, or you can go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. Alternatively, on a full-day excursion, you can visit the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border.
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 can choose from several excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein 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 can find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also 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.
The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove, and your city tour will showcase its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more.
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 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 city views.
Today, you can 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 can 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.
Visit the 19th-century Godollo Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Godollo Restaurant. Afterward, head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain, where you tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century.
Welcome to Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral and catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You can also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the city's symbols. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohacs. Wine connoisseurs should go instead to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, which was established more than 2,000 years ago.
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour, where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Enjoy a Croatian wine tasting in the afternoon and tour the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or hike to the well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Slivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.
The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress – one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses and enjoy a tasting of locally sourced delicacies.
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you can also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, which has a 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 afterward visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Alternatively, you may opt to travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East." Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world.
Day 15: Giurgiu | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,799
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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