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The Romantic Danube

7 night Vilshofen to Budapest

and 3 nights land tour in Prague

 

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to romantic destinations, beginning with a 3-night stay in majestic Prague followed by 7 nights on the Danube River cruising from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year-old city and visit Europe’s largest pipe organ; savor local wines throughout the Wachau Valley and have your senses heightened with the timeless beauty and rich history of Vienna and Budapest.

 

Romantic Danube Cruise Itinerary

 

Day 1 DEPART USA/CANADA

Board your overnight flight to Czech Republic.

Day 2 ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 3 PRAGUE

Your morning sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Your tour begins with a scenic drive. You will see the Dancing House and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before visiting the thousand-year-old castle. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and the historic city center that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The balance of the day is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square or experience one of the city's charming cafés or restaurants. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B)

Day 4 PRAGUE

Spend a day at your leisure to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and artwork. You may also join an optional tour, such as an excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)

Day 5 PRAGUE - REGENSBURG - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN

This morning, depart Prague after breakfast, taking in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia by motor coach. Stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities; its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, your transfer continues to the quaint 1200-year old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, on the confluence of the Vils and Danube rivers. You will board your luxurious ship here and meet your fellow passengers at an evening Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. The evening has a special treat in store: an "Oktoberfest" presented by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, songs and dances set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen's distinctive local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to greet you and wish you a successful journey along the Danube. (B,D)

Day 6 VILSHOFEN - PASSAU

This morning, feel free to explore Vilshofen's beautiful Old Town on your own, and take in the view of the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, known as "The Town of the Three Rivers." Enjoy a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, the city fortifications and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Prior to dinner, there will be an onboard wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 7 LINZ, AUSTRIA

This morning, choose to participate in a walking tour of Linz, the second largest city in Austria, followed by some free time. Alternatively, you will have an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border, and home to Bohemia's second largest castle. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your third option is to take an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the "Sound of Music" and as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria's Lake District and Salzkammergut. Onboard this evening, enjoy a sumptuous Captain's Dinner paired with specially-selected wines. (B,L,D)

Day 8 MELK - DÜRNSTEIN

This morning your ship cruises to Melk and its famous Benedictine Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this morning, followed by a visit to a local vineyard near Durnstein for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. (B,L,D)

Day 9 DÜRNSTEIN - KREMS

Your morning in Dürnstein begins with a walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with quaint 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. One of Austria's smallest towns, with only 1,000 inhabitants, Dürnstein is regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. The ship will cruise to Krems after lunch, arriving in the early afternoon. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn about the town's thriving wine culture during an afternoon visit to a Wachau winery. This evening enjoy another insightful wine lecture on board. (B,L,D)

Day 10 VIENNA

Arrive this morning in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour includes the opulent Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. An optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace is available in the afternoon or enjoy free time to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening's exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a charming Viennese wine tavern to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed local wine. (B,L,D)

Day 11 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. Arriving mid-afternoon in Budapest, you will have a guided sightseeing tour that includes the historic Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. This evening, enjoy a farewell wine dinner with Hungarian folk music. The ship will also sail a special "Illuminations Cruise" along Budapest's river front. (B,L,D)

Day 12 BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION

Your magnificent Wine Cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

 

 

Melodies on the Danube

Journey on the Danube River

7 night Budapest to Vilshofen
and 3 nights land tour in Munich or Prague



Travel on the beautiful Danube through four European countries. Experience the sights and sounds that have long inspired musicians, poets and artists. Begin your cruise in magnificent Budapest, continuing on to legendary Vienna, the birthplace of the waltz. Cruise through the scenic wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley. Visit a spectacular Benedictine Abbey and explore fairy-tale cities founded more than 2,000 years ago. Conclude your journey with three nights in magnificent Munich.

 

Day 1 DEPART USA/CANADA

Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Day 2 ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION

Arrive in Budapest and embark on your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D)

Day 3 BUDAPEST

Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest on both sides of the river. Your tour also features the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and sample various wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 4 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in Vienna. Your afternoon guided city tour will include the opulent Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening's exciting options: an optional Mozart and Strauss concert or an excursion to a rustic wine tavern to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed locally grown wine. (B,L,D)


Day 5 VIENNA - KREMS

Spend a free morning in Vienna or choose to take an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace before enjoying a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley en route to Krems, wine capital of this region. Later this evening, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history and culture. After a light buffet dinner on board, head to a Wachau winery for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The ship overnights in Krems. (B,L,D)

Day 6 DÜRNSTEIN - MELK

This morning you will arrive in Dürnstein and take a walking tour along medieval cobblestone streets lined with 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns. One of Austria's smallest towns, home to only 1,000 inhabitants, regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau, you'll marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in 1192. The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of a spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon, followed by a visit to a local vineyard for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. (B,L,D)

Day 7 LINZ

We arrive this morning in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you may take a walking tour of Linz and enjoy some free time. Alternatively, take an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. As a third option, enjoy an excursion to Salzburg, where you will have a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the "Sound of Music." Enjoy free time on your own before rejoining the ship in Linz. This evening, the Gala Captain's Dinner takes place on board. The ship departs for Passau. (B,L,D)

Day 8 PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN

Arrive this morning in Passau and take a walking tour through this fairytale city, where you will see Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, ancient city fortifications and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Midday depart for Vilshofen, a quaint 1200-year-old Bavarian town. This evening, enjoy a special "Oktoberfest" presented by the townspeople of Vilshofen, with Bavarian folk music, songs, dancing, local beer and traditional pretzels. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 9 VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION - REGENSBURG - MUNICH

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen and depart for Munich. Stop in Regensburg for a walking tour of one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. You will have some free time afterwards to explore Regensburg's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your transfer to Munich. Enjoy the scenic countryside en route to your hotel in Munich, Germany's third-largest city. With a history that dates back to the middle ages, Munich is an important industrial, educational and cultural center, renowned for its breweries, beer gardens and boisterous Oktoberfest celebrations. (B)

Day 10 MUNICH

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Munich followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. You will see such iconic sights as the famous Glockenspiel at Munich's New Town Hall and the Frauenkirche, the "Cathedral of Our Lady." The afternoon is free for you to explore Munich on your own. (B)

Day 11 MUNICH

Today, you will visit the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, inspiration for Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty Castle." The palace was built in the 19th century by "Mad" King Ludwig II of Bavaria as an homage to composer Richard Wagner. After a tour of the castle, arrive in Fussen, where you will have free time for lunch on your own before returning to Munich. (B)

Day 12 DEPART MUNICH

Bid farewell to Munich and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

 

 

 

2023 Per Person Cruise Fares

Cruise
Departure
Ship:
Piano Deck - Cat E w/window
Piano Deck - Cat D w/window
Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft
Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid
Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies
Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies
Violin Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies
Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies
DEPARTURES FROM VILSHOFEN
20-Mar-23 AmaBella $2,999 $3,298 $4,098 $4,698 $4,898 $5,098 $5,298 $6,598
25-Mar-23 AmaViola $2,999 $3,298 $4,098 $4,698 $4,898 $5,098 $5,298 $6,598
4-Nov-23 AmaViola $3,599 $3,898 $4,698 $5,298 $5,498 $5,698 $5,898 $7,198
12-Nov-23 AmaLea $3,399 $3,698 $4,498 $5,098 $5,298 $5,498 $5,698 $6,998
                   
Cruise
Departure
Ship:
Piano Deck - Cat E w/window
Piano Deck - Cat D w/window
Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft
Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid
Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies
Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies
Violinr Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies
Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies
DEPARTURES FROM BUDAPEST
27-Mar-23 AmaBella $3,099 $3,398 $4,198 $4,798 $4,998 $5,198 $5,398 $6,698
1-Apr-23 AmaViola $3,199 $3,498 $4,298 $4,898 $5,098 $5,298 $5,498 $6,798
21-Aug-23 AmaVerde $3,999 $4,298 $5,098 $5,698 $5,898 $6,098 $6,298 $7,598
5-Nov-23 AmaLea $3,599 $3,898 $4,698 $5,298 $5,498 $5,698 $5,898 $7,198
11-Nov-23 AmaViola $3,399 $3,698 $4,498 $5,098 $5,298 $5,498 $5,698 $6,998

 

 

$210 per person port tax for 2023

3 Night land program in Prague - $900 per person additional for 2023

2 Night land program in Munich - $940 per person additional for 2023

2 Night land program in Budapest - $560 per person additional for 2023

rates include: standard or SLIDING GLASS DOOR CABIN or CABIN WITH A USEABLE BALCONY, excursions, free internet 1 hour happy hour each evening and wine with dinner


* indicates reverse itinerary

LINK TO AMA SHIP DETAILS AND PICTURES: Amacerto, Amaverde, Amaprima

LINK TO AMA DECK PLANS: Amacerto, Amaverde, Amaprima