Sponsored by AmaWaterways
It has witnessed the spectacular rise and fall of empires; served as one of the world’s most vital and strategic trade routes, and stands as a place-making narrative stuffed with Europe’s most cinematic landmarks and cultural turning points. The mighty meandering Danube is the lifeblood of the European continent, stitching the east and west while engulfed in some of history’s greatest (and most unbelievable) stories.
And while the Danube has seen humanity’s most ferocious flaws, it’s also witnessed Europe’s prosperous rise as the cradle of civilisation and the wellspring of humanity. It’s this incredible history that makes itself known with each turn as you float down the Danube with AmaWaterways, constantly pulling passengers into the pages of this seemingly endless storybook.
You won’t want to turn the channel on this cinematic masterpiece as you witness the Danube’s dynamism from your stateroom. Life on board consists of sea days spent eating exceptionally well through regionally inspired, farm-to-ship cuisine and thoughtful specialty restaurants, quiet moments of reflection and restoration with comprehensive wellness treatments, and daily entertainment with smart cultural performances.
Life on land? That’s a whole different story, pieced apart by AmaWaterways with carefully planned excursions designed so guests can choose between bike paths, hiking trails and special interest tours. There are numerous ways to form a deep connection to each stop, working off the unparalleled knowledge that sits behind AmaWaterways and its long history of sailing the Danube. The ultimate European travel experience awaits.
AmaMagna on the Danube from $4244 per person
Feel the power and passion of Europe’s grand architecture as you sail AmaMagna between Budapest and Vilshofen on this multisensory 7-day itinerary. Whichever direction you choose for this journey, you’re piercing the heart of the continent’s magnificent Baroque masterpieces, giving yourself entirely to Europe’s epicurean delights, and soaking up the cultures of four different countries.
One day, you’re gazing at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion on the hilly side of Budapest, looking over the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building to complete one of Europe’s dreamiest dioramas. The next? Sliding into the shadows of Hungarian kings and queens as Bratislava unfolds in front of you. You might choose to hike up to some of the world’s most admired castles or search the streets for Slovakia’s culinary credentials, either choice giving you an entirely different perspective of this underrated European capital.
The majority of your week will be spent in Austria, starting in Vienna and then snaking down to the old city of Linz. This essential old world corridor is big, beautiful and Baroque, hosting a wealth of adventures that AmaWaterways has cleverly designed to give you a wider scope that still feels focused and fully fleshed out. Dive into Vienna’s historic city centre, dream big amidst Durnstein’s romantic cobblestoned streets before hiking the wineries of Spitz, get lost in the timelessness of Salzburg, and discover the old city of Linz.
Depending on your direction, your first or last day wraps up in the charming German town of Vilshofen, where AmaWaterways has curated its own full-throttle Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels.
Gems of Southeast Europe from $4673 per person
Five countries in seven nights might sound overly ambitious, but Gems of Southeast Europe has been shaped with a studied sense of balance. Get closer to history than ever before as you sail the lower Danube, threading through Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand Baroque cities to better understand the passage between Budapest and Giurgiu.
AmaWaterways provides plenty of value at each stop with multiple excursions to choose from, shooting in all sorts of directions so you have focused, attentive ways to engage with the land. One minute you could be biking Belgrade’s epic Kalemegdan Park while the next spurs you through Croatia’s wineries, museums and important archaeological sites. This adventure is about daring to dream big, with a distinct commitment to diversity.
Active adventures are part and parcel to any AmaWaterways adventure, so there are many ways to dial up the drama of this region’s underrated natural splendour. Pair restorative hikes and scenic bikes with a seemingly endless trove of cultural treasures, whether they’re stalking the catacombs of St Peter’s Basilica in the ancient Hungarian city of Pecs, or mulling over the medieval architecture of Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo.
Day five is particularly special on this itinerary. After visiting the fortified town of Golubac Fortress, you can witness history as you cruise through the iconic Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Watch the world go by from your stateroom as you navigate a series of wondrous gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains.
Grand Danube from $8827 per person
Fix a grand scope of the mighty Danube with this overarching two-week itinerary, taking you between the historic German town of Vilshofen and the Romanian city of Giurgiu. True adventure awaits at every port, smartly split into various options so you can choose how you want to see the world in a way that best resonates with you. Whether that’s an open-air adventure exploring some of Europe’s most staggering pops of nature, or sticking close to the cobblestoned cracks, darting between bars, museums and churches to build a better picture of day-to-day life in imposing capitals like Budapest and Vienna.
The paths of conquerors and crusaders become bridges so you can step back into the mysteries of yesteryear and wrap yourself in the highs and lows of seven different countries. Between the high-culture horizon of Vienna’s majestic institutions and the hidden treasures of Bulgaria, you won’t just walk away with a load of memories from your Danube river cruise, but a singular understanding of what makes this part of the world so special.
Key inclusions of your AmaWaterways voyage
- Choose up to 6 excursions daily
- All meals, multiple venues
- Premium wine, beer & soft drinks
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
- Cruise Manager on entire journey
- Gratuities
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Bicycle fleet
The Danube Differences with Ama
- Multiple stateroom configurations (triple and quad share)
- Wellness Program
- Farm-to-Ship produce and dining
- AmaMagna, double-wide ship
- Golf, Wine, Christmas Market Cruises and Smithsonian Journeys
