Destination:
Austria,
Hungary,
Slovakia,
Duration:
8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period:
June 2028 - September 2028
Gallery
Overview
7-night from Budapest to Budapest
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, follow
The Sound of Music
through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.What's Included
- Check out of your hotel and board your luxurious ship, with the option to explore Budapest on your own before gathering for evening briefings, cocktail hour, and dinner.
- Spend a leisurely morning cruising from Austria to Slovakia before arriving in Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings.” Choose a walking tour to admire its historic sites, enjoy surprise musical performances along the way, or sample local flavors on a “Tastes of Slovakia” culinary tour. More adventurous passengers can hike to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views or join a guided bike tour through the city.
- Spend the morning soaking in the postcard-perfect scenery of Austria’s UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Later, arrive in Melk to visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, perched above the Danube. This revered Baroque monastery, founded in the 11th century, features a museum, a historic library filled with medieval manuscripts, frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, and a live choir performance to complete your visit.
- Arrive in Linz and choose from several excursions. Stroll through the old city center past the Mozart House, explore the old market, or take a guided bike tour through the city. For a full-day adventure, visit Salzburg to see its historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, the Old Market, and Mozart’s Birth House. In the afternoon, guests not joining Salzburg can explore the charming Czech town of Český Krumlov, wandering cobblestone streets, admiring Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and touring the impressive Krumlov Castle.
- 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)
- Following your stay in the “City of Waltzes,” trace the footsteps of legendary composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert by visiting their former residences, museums, and grand monuments. Explore the interactive House of Music, where you can feel sound waves and even conduct a virtual Vienna Philharmonic performance. Or, enjoy a nature escape with a hike through the Vienna Woods in Cobenzl.
- Begin your adventure in Buda, exploring the Castle District with Fisherman’s Bastion, panoramic views, and Matthias Church. Active travelers can hike Castle Hill. In the afternoon, enjoy a classical music tour at the Hungarian State Opera House and Franz Liszt Memorial Museum, or explore Pest’s landmarks, including the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and “Shoes on the Danube Bank.” In the evening, admire the city’s illuminated skyline from the Sun Deck or on a stroll.
- Begin your journey home
Start:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Tripcode:
1214-2028
Dates & Prices
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Budapest
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Day 2 - Bratislava
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Day 3 - Melk
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Day 4 - Linz
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Day 5 - Vienna
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Day 6 - Vienna
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Day 7 - Budapest
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Day 8 - Budapest
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Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is an award‑winning luxury river cruise company renowned for delivering immersive, culturally rich journeys along Europe’s most iconic waterways and beyond. Founded by river cruise pioneers, AmaWaterways combines elegant ships, personalised service, fine regional cuisine, and curated shore excursions - often led by local experts - to create an enriching and relaxed travel experience designed for curious, discerning travellers.
Price from
$5,244*
per person*
Tripcode: 1214-2028
Start:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Type:Group tour (max 228)
Tripcode:
146781
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