Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered, like the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans' influence firsthand in Pecs, 'the city of Mediterranean impressions,' and the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfastDetailed Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 : PRAGUE
Discover fairytale Prague and its magical church spires via a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 3 : PRAGUE
Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was established. Beer is vital to the country's national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the world. (B)
Day 4 : PRAGUE - REGENSBURG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg. After a local highlights tour, drive to Vilshofen where you will board your ship. Later in the day, enjoy a festive Oktoberfest celebration - an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,D)
Day 5 : VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square-also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or join a guided hike up to the the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, which offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. 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, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city's famed 'Cultural Mile' and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day excursion
Day 7 : WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA
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 Durnstein 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The 'City of Waltzes' is a treasure trove, 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 the UNESCO-designated historic city center 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. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : VIENNA
Explore Bratislava, host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, thus earning this city the title 'Coronation City of Kings,' on your guided walking tour, which includes a visit to Bratislava's charming Christmas Market. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. You can also opt to visit the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market, with its giant Christmas tree and festive atmosphere.
Day 10 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
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. Afterwards, you'll visit one of the city's festive Christmas Markets. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : BUDAPEST
Start by heading to the 18th century Godolls Palace. Explore its labyrinth of 31 colorful rooms lit by elaborate chandeliers as you learn the palace's history through striking art galleries and antiquities. After touring the royal residence and the Baroque theatre, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then head for Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain stretching across the East. Here you can find Hungarian cowboys still wearing traditional dress and practicing the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Next, we will tour a genuine Hungarian csarda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world-champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship before returning for the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : MOHACS, HUNGARY
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. In the afternoon, you can take a guided tour to Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, where you will visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pecs Christmas Market. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohacs. For wine connoisseurs, travel to to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 13 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. You can also choose to experience the city on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, travel to the Serbian city of Novi Sad for a full day tour that begins at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 14 : BELGRADE, SERBIA
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 15 : GOLUBAC - SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
Visit Golubac Fortress - one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe - before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)
Day 16 : VIDIN, BULGARIA
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
Day 17 : ROUSSE, BULGARIA - GIURGIU, ROMANIA
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East.' Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)
Day 18 : GIURGIU - DISEMBARKATION - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to Bucharest where you will board your flight to Istanbul. Upon landing, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 19 : ISTANBUL
Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B)
Day 20 : ISTANBUL
Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul's fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)
Day 21 : DEPART ISTANBUL
Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
