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Beautiful interior of a mosque in Istanbul

The Grand Danube - Cruise Only

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard MS AmaMagna
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Framed by rolling hillsides, well-tended vineyards and medieval castles, the Danube has been an inspiration for generations of Europeans. Experience its magic yourself, beginning with a 3-night stay in Prague before embarking upon your river cruise. Savor Wachau Valley wine, embrace the elegance and history of Vienna and Budapest, and traverse the legendary passage known as the Iron Gates. Disembark in Rousse, Bulgaria and conclude your sojourn with two nights in beautiful Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.”
The Blue Mosque of Turkey, IstanbulFamous Chain Bridge, linking historic Buda and modern PestEnjoy a beautiful river view at sunset.Elegant and classic architectureBeautiful interior of a mosque in Istanbul
Highlights
  • Explore the 2000-year-old city of Passau and St. Stephen's Cathedral
  • Take an excursion to one of three Austrian landmarks, including Salzburg
  • Tour Dürnstein and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery
  • Sightsee in Vienna on a panoramic tour
  • Visit the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo
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: Vilshofen | Embarkation

Embark your cruise in Vilshofen. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. 

Day 2: Vilshofen | Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon take a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets and Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 

Day 3: Linz, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria or choose a guided bike tour that shows you around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center. Later, you have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where you can take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by "The Sound of Music.” The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. All three regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Day 4: Weissenkirchen

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. You have three choices of how to explore Dürnstein today. The first is a walking tour along the town’s cobblestone streets followed by a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk, one of Europe’s largest and most famous monastic sites, home to religious relics and a library filled with medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you may join a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or enjoy an Apricots and Sweets tasting instead. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. 

Day 5: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna’s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries. 

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, where have three choices of excursions. The first is a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral. The second is a Slovakian specialties tasting where you can enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine, sample a creamy soup made from sheep's cheese, and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. Finally, you can also join a hike up to Bratislava Castle, which includes visits to the Castle Upper Terrace and Court of Honor. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. 

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. See famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, opt to join a hike up to Castle Hill on which you can see Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Parliament Square. After dinner, enjoy a special Illuminations Cruise past the glittering riverfront of Budapest. 

Day 8: Budapest

  • 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), watch an amazing performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Enjoy warm Hungarian hospitality and a traditional lunch before returning to the ship in Budapest. 

Day 9: Mohacs | Pécs | Villany

  • 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 10: Vukovar, Croatia | Novi Sad

  • 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, 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 11: 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 choose 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 12: 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 13: 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, and 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 14: Giurgiu | Veliko Tarnovo | Rousse

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, enjoy a visit to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. See the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, and the Patriarchal church and the Baldwin’s Tower. Or you may choose to hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. Return to the ship afterward and enjoy a free evening. 

Day 15: Rousse | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark your cruise in Rousse. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amamagna

MS AmaMagna (AMA Waterways)

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,098
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Category E
Located on the piano deck with a fixed window, 205 sq ft.
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Category D
Located on the lower deck with a fixed window, 205 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Located on the main deck with an outside balcony, 252 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 252 sq. ft.
AmaMagna
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Category SB
Located on the middle deck with an outside balcony, 355 sq. ft.
AmaMagna
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Category SA
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 355 sq. ft.
AmaMagna
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Category GS
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 474 sq. ft.
Amamagna Suite
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Category OS
Located on the upper deck with an outside balcony, 710 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 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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