Melodies of the Danube - A Taste of Christmas Markets by AmaWaterways

Day 1

Budapest   

EMBARKATION

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Day 2

Budapest   

Buda city tour

OR Castle Hill hike   

Pest city tour

Today you have the opportunity to 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 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, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Bratislava   

Scenic cruising

“Coronation City” walking tour

OR Tastes of Slovakia   

OR Bratislava Castle hike   

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. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Vienna   

“Imperial Vienna” tour

OR Vienna city tour by bike   

Free time

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Weissenkirchen   

Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey visit

OR Dürnstein with wine and apricots   

OR Dürnstein fortress hike   

OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour   

Scenic Cruising   

Strudengau Valley

Grein   

Exclusive Greinburg Castle visit

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Linz   

Full-day Salzburg excursion*

OR Český Krumlov excursion*   

OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour   

OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour   

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll 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 may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky 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. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)

*Note: Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Day 7

Passau   

“City of Three Rivers” walking tour

OR Passau Castle hike   

OR Passau River Inn bike tour   

Vilshofen   

Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Vilshofen   

DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Ships:

AmaLea: https://www.amawaterways.com/ships/amalea-river-cruise-ship

AmaViola: https://www.amawaterways.com/ships/amaviola-river-cruise-ship

AmaSonata: https://www.amawaterways.com/ships/amasonata-river-cruise-ship