Best of the Danube ~ Cruise Norway

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, followThe Sound of Musicthrough sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Itinerary

Day 1 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship, perhaps exploring the city independently before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour and dinner. (D)

Day 2 | BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to 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. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3 | WACHAU VALLEY – MELK, AUSTRIA

Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | LINZ, AUSTRIA

Arrive in Linz, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, the old market and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český 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. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B,L,D)

Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day

Day 5 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Following your overnight in the “City of Waltzes,” visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. If you prefer to connect with nature, journey to the town of Cobenzl where you will embark on a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. Later in the day, explore Vienna at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, 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, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in the way Budapest’s magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
(B,L,D) – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day.

Ships

AmaMagna

As imagined by AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President Rudi Schreiner, the “Godfather of River Cruising,” the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna is the flagship of our award-winning river fleet. Twice the width of traditional European river ships and offering the luxury of space, four unique dining venues and more leisure opportunities, the innovative AmaMagna has redefined the river cruise experience! Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 sq. ft. with full balconies.

In addition to the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AmaMagna offers Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for AmaWaterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy, and the intimate Al Fresco Restaurant, serving up delicious vegetable-forward fare. Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views, while AmaMagna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center, two massage rooms and a refreshing juice bar. A brand-new full-size pickleball court will also be featured on the Sun Deck, debuting in 2023. With connecting staterooms and triple/quadruple accommodations available, AmaMagna is also the perfect river cruise ship for families and groups!

AmaLea

Designed with a soft palette of elegant pale pinks and blues and appointed with our signature twin balconies in most staterooms, AmaLea is a sleek river ship created with luxury yachts in mind. A host of comforts and conveniences fill her decks, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. The relaxing Sun Deck features a heated pool as well as a swim-up bar, while the vibrant Main Lounge provides an exhilarating stage for nightly performances. Enjoy an evening dining experience like no other at The Chef’s Table, where rustic wooden floors, contemporary lighting and a glass-enclosed kitchen combine to form the stunning backdrop for your gastronomic entertainment. And with a walking track on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

AmaReina

While there are no towers on AmaReina, you’ll feel like royalty in your very own floating castle. Luxurious comfort is afforded by the plush linens and soft robes within the staterooms, most of which feature view-enhancing twin balconies. A pleasing color palette with subtle floral and leaf designs brings you into the breathtaking scenery you’ll see outside. Your palace features plenty of public spaces in which to mingle with your kingdom, like the fireside library. The Main Lounge, with its baby grand piano, is the epitome of class and a romantic venue in which to grab a drink. You’ll also find fine dining fit for kings and queens in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table, where a multi-course tasting menu will be presented to you. Additional regal amenities include a walking track, heated swimming pool, fitness room, massage and hair salon, and specialty coffee station.