Grand Danube River Cruise - 14 nights

From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colourful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.

Cruise through the magnificent scenery and experience the cultural delights of Austria as you cruise the Danube from southern Germany into Austria and on to Bratislava.

Then touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube.

Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe.

Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park.

Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town.

Be treated to the flavours, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.

Please bear in mind that all of our European River Cruise holidays are tailor made and can be tailored with pre and post cruise accommodation or touring.

Day 1: Fly UK to Munich

Fly to Munich with British Airways (or with your preferred airline).

On arrival in Munich you will be met and transferred to board your AMA Waterways cruise.

Board your ship for your Legendary Danube cruise.

Day 2: Vilshofen - Passau

Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen.

Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways.

Take a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress.

Day 3: Linz

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.

Or join a morning 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.

During the afternoon, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.

Day 4: Wiessenkirchen

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’ll be treated to several choices of excursions.

Take a walking tour of Dürnstein 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’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below.

You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour.

For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner.

Day 5: Vienna

The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendours, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs.

Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city centre 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.

Day 6: Bratislava

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.

Day 7: Budapest

You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.”

Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river.

Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 8: Budapest

Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain.

Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers.

Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash.

Day 9: Mohacs - Pecs

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans.

Ships

View Holidays in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Danube River Cruise Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.