Region: Cruises, Europe Type: Cruises Length: 8 Days Tap Rating: TAP Economy
Cruise from Vilshofen, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary aboard the AmaSofia and be swept into a storybook journey through the heart of Old-World Europe. This 7-night luxury river cruise is a dazzling blend of elegance, history, and cultural immersion.
Picture yourself sipping wine on the sun deck as you glide past medieval castles, grand abbeys, and vine-covered hillsides. Each day brings a new adventure—explore the baroque beauty of Vienna, the imperial charm of Bratislava, and the vibrant soul of Budapest.
Choose from guided bike rides, castle hikes, or leisurely walking tours through UNESCO World Heritage Sites and fairy-tale towns like Český Krumlov and Salzburg. With gourmet dining and local wines, this cruise is more than a vacation—it’s a romantic passage through time.
AmaWaterways sets itself apart in the river cruise world by blending luxury, innovation, and active exploration in a way few others do, offering a chic yet comfortable atmosphere—think upscale service without the stuffiness. Their ships feature locally sourced cuisine fresh from markets along the route, served in multiple dining venues including the Chef’s Table, with no assigned seating.
AmaWaterways was the first river cruise line to offer bicycles on board, encouraging guests to explore destinations actively with guided hikes and bike tours. Add in warm and personalized service and a culture of thoughtful touches—from umbrellas in your stateroom to blankets on the sun deck—and you have a river cruise experience that’s both indulgent and deeply engaging.
TTC
Board the ship for your Romantic Danube cruise. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.
( Dinner )Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )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. You may also choose to 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. 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 bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valley. 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 and regional wine from a local boutique.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )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.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )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.
( Breakfast Lunch Dinner )Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.
( Breakfast )Tour Highlights:
- Spacious Staterooms
- An Array of Amenities
- Award-Winning Dining including unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- A World of Exploration that includes several options of sightseeing daily