In light of Australians’ love of the Danube, AmaWaterways has launched a new Best of the Danube tour taking in cities Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava.
AmaWaterways told Cruise Passenger a whopping 40% of reservations taken for Australians travelling in 2025 and 2026 have been for its Danube itineraries.
“The Danube runs through 9 countries and offers an incredible variety of culinary, architectural and historical experiences. Aussies and Kiwis are loving the idea of exploring the grand capitals along the Danube and travelling further into Eastern Europe,” AmaWaterways Australia Managing Director, Steve Richards told Cruise Passenger.
“Plus, we have a selection of beautiful ships sailing this particular itinerary, including our exclusive AmaMagna. She is double the width of regular river ships, yet takes only 20% more guests, so there’s plenty of space to enjoy all her amenities and the luxury of space onboard.”
New tour, Best of the Danube
The new “President’s Choice” tour, created by AmaWaterways co-founder, Rudi Schreiner will take to the rivers with 15 departures in 2025 and 14 in 2026 in early-season sailings in an attempt to beat the crowds flocking to a European summer getaway.
The Best of the Danube itinerary sails roundtrip from Budapest departing 23 February and 2 March, 2025 and 8, 15, 22 February and 1 March, 2026 on AmaWaterways’ flagship, AmaMagna. Later season departures in 2025 and 2026 will sail on AmaBella, AmaReina, AmaViola and AmaLea.
“The Danube flows through the heart of Europe, offering a river cruise that combines the charm of three capital cities—Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava—with the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley,” co-founder and president of AmaWaterways, Rudi Schreiner said.
“These cities are close to each other, ensuring short cruising distances and ample time to explore. Vienna, with its rich history, classical music scene, charming wine villages, coffee houses, and imperial sites like Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palace, is a highlight. Easily accessible with roundtrip flights to Budapest, it’s a year-round itinerary, ideal for any season.”
Itinerary taking in Danube sights
The seven-night itinerary takes guests through the capital cities of three countries – Austria’s Vienna, Slovakia’s Bratislava and Hungary’s Budapest – spending full days in each. Excursions are plentiful with bike and walking tours, food tasting opportunities, visits to cathedrals and palaces, hikes, and time to freely explore some of Europe’s most popular sites.
Highlights include sampling the traditional foods and beers of Slovakia; touring the UNESCO site of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous active monasteries dating back to the 11th century; a thrilling guided bike ride along the Danube Canal and through the city, heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard; and exploring the many treasures of Budapest with the city’s Castle District and breathtaking panorama views on the Buda side and the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side.
Onboard the state-of-the-art AmaMagna (23 February and 2 March sailings), guests can relax in the heated sun deck pool and whirlpool, participate in various exercise and relaxation classes, play a round of pickleball at the ship’s onboard court, enjoy an onboard massage or salon service at the spacious Zen Wellness Studio, just to name a few options. Guests can also extend their river cruise with a two-night pre-cruise land package in Budapest that is fully escorted by AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers.
AmaWaterways cruises includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, and a complimentary Wellness Program in Europe.
Keen to sail but not sure if the Danube is right for you? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Danube.
