Melodies of the Danube: Budapest to Vilshofen
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Discover the romance of Old Europe on this river cruise from Budapest. Before sailing, explore Austro-Hungarian landmarks in Budapest. Then board your river vessel and cruise the Danube, stopping in little-seen Bratislava, the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg, and finally Vilshofen, where you’ll disembark.
This 11-day Central European vacation takes you along the Danube from Budapest to Bratislava to Vienna and finally Vilshofen. It features deluxe accommodations, shared tours, and is a great way to explore several Central European cities on one itinerary.
Your journey begins in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and former co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The grand city tour by bus will showcase some of the most popular landmarks in this gorgeous city, including Heroes’ Square, the Royal Palace, the Chain Bridge, and the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, the largest in Europe. The next day, head on a full-day excursion to explore the Danube Bend by the water, seeing the old towns of Visegrad, Esztergom, and Szentendre. That evening, head to the Citadel in Budapest to enjoy a three-course meal and folklore show as you admire stunning views of the city lit up at night. On your final day, head on another quick city tour to see the sites you missed on your first few days, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill.
In Budapest, you’ll board the AmaSonata, a 5-star river vessel that provides comfortable accommodations, most with twin balconies. Relax on the sun deck, enjoy cocktails in the main lounge, and dine on multi-course 5-star cuisine in the Chef’s Table restaurant. The AmaSonata will be your home during your cruise along the Danube. First stop is Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, known as the Coronation City since 11 kings and queens of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were crowned here. You’ll head on a walking tour of the often-overlooked city, either focusing on the local food in the old town or heading to reconstructed Bratislava Castle for views over the river.
Next stop is Vienna, the Austrian capital, where you’ll further explore the treasures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You’ll visit the famous Opera House and the former Imperial Palace, as well as have the chance to go bike riding throughout the old city. In the afternoon, take advantage of free time to visit one of the famous art or history museums in the city core. Continue along the river and reach Weissenkirchen, the gateway to Durnstein. You can head on a walking tour of Durnstein and see the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, or explore the hillsides and visit the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was held captive in the Middle Ages. In the evening, enjoy a folklore show as you taste vintages of Riesling and Gruner Veltiner.
While in Austria, you’ll have the option of visiting Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and musical epicenter, or touring the city of Linz and the Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov. After either touring the Czech countryside or visiting Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, you’ll cross the border into Germany and reach Passau, the City of Three Rivers. You can hike up to the Veste Overhaus, the massive fortress that overlooks the city, or head on a bike ride along the riverside. You’ll then reach Vilshofen, where you’ll bid farewell with an Oktoberfest celebration.
You’ll then disembark and connect to the airport for your flight home.
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Budapest Airport to Hotel in Budapest
| Duration | 30 Minutes |
|---|
Museum Hotel
The property is centrally located, close to the National Museum, Vaci Street, St. Steven's Basilica and the Jewish Synagogue.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Museum Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Museum Hotel
The property is centrally located, close to the National Museum, Vaci Street, St. Steven's Basilica and the Jewish Synagogue.
The property is centrally located, close to the National Museum, Vaci Street, St. Steven's Basilica and the Jewish Synagogue.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Airport Shuttle (Surcharge)
- Babysitting Services
- Bar
- Car Hire
- Free WiFi
- Ironing Service
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Luggage Storage
- Meeting Rooms Available
- Newspapers
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Safety Deposit Box
- Sauna
- Shoeshine
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Grand City Tour
Are you ready to discover Budapest? We are prepared to show you the Hungarian capital in 3 hours so get ready to engage by this city. The Heroes Square, the State Opera House, the Hungarian Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Citadel (photostop) cannot wait for you to see them. The buses are air-conditioned and they all have a live guided. During the Grand City Tour you will also go on a walk in the Castle District to enjoy its unique medieval atmosphere. The tour ends in the city center.
Sights Include: Parliament, Margaret-Bridge (Margaret-Island), Royal Castle on the Buda side, Fishermen's Bastion (Castle Walk), Matthias Church, Gellert Hill (Photostop), Heroes' Square, the Opera, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
| Duration | 3 Hours |
|---|
Danube Bend Tour
Take an excursion into Hungary's history on this popular Danube Bend full day trip. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, you'll visit the gorgeous old towns of Visegrad, Esztergom and Szentendre, enjoy a three-course lunch and take a River Danube cruise - a highlight of any trip to Hungary!
Sights and elements include: The Danube Bend, Visegrad, Royal Residence, 3-course lunch menu, Esztergom, interior visit of the Cathedral, Slovakia (photostop), Artists' Village Szentendre (guided walk), and return by boat (Boat trip May 1 - September 30)
| Duration | 9 Hours |
|---|
Folklore Evening Tour
Did you know that you can see Budapest illuminated (from the Citadel), have a delicious meal (3 course menu with wine) and also enjoy a great folklore show during one night? Your three-course meal begins with an aperitif, and is accompanied by wine. Then sit back and enjoy the varied music and dance of a traditional folkloric show. On your return to Budapest, you will have a marvelous view of the illuminated city.
Sights and Elements: The illuminated 'Paris of the East', traditional restaurant, 3-course menu with wine, folkloric show-program, and a marvelous view on the illuminated city from the Citadel.
| Duration | 4 Hours |
|---|
Budapest Hotels to Budapest Port/Pier
| Duration | 30 Minutes |
|---|
Embarkation - Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
AmaSonata |
-
AmaSonata
Introduced in 2014, the AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe's great rivers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations. A soft color palette in …
Introduced in 2014, the AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe's great rivers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations. A soft color palette in each stateroom calms the mind for relaxation, but when you're ready to get active, head to the fitness center or up to the Sun Deck to the heated pool. Crisp white tablecloths and napkins grace the tables in the subdued Main Dining Room, while The Chef's Table specialty restaurant highlights its 5-star multi-course cuisine with gold-hued tones and a twinkling overhead centerpiece. With a stunning Main Lounge, tranquil library, Sun Deck walking track, massage and hair salon, and gift shop, you'll never find a dull moment--and will sing AmaSonata's praises while sailing on board.
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
Budapest
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture, tradition and even a secret labyrinth of caves under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You'll see Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Bratislava, 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. Or join a special "Tastes of Slovakia" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
*Please Note: Wine Cruise itineraries are modified and will not visit Bratislava. Instead of visiting Bratislava, guests will enjoy visiting the charming wine making town of Gobelsberg.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Vienna, Austria
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.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Weissenkirchen - Grein
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Durnstein, 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, join a guided bike tour to Melk or hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. 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. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Linz, Austria
The ship arrives in Linz where you can opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg and 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 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. Later in the day, visit the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Passau, Germany - Vilshofen
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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration-- an AmaWaterways exclusive.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Vilshofen - Disembarkation
Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2022: Date to be advised
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Transfers between Budapest airport and hotels
- 3 nights' First Class accommodation is Budapest
- Transfers between hotel and pier in Budapest
- Half day Grans City tour of Budapest
- Full day Danube Bend Tour
- Half day Evening Folklore Tour
- 7 nights AMA river cruise in select stateroom including;
- Personalized service from a Cruise Manager throughout sailing
- All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner) including a Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Selection of guided day trips daily
- Port charges
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Transfer from Vilshofen to Munich
- Visa fees if applicable
- Food and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities and items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
27 Oct 2020
