Imagine waking up each morning to a new postcard-perfect city framed by your stateroom window - the kind of scene you'd normally spend days trying to find on a map. On this 7-night journey along the Danube, you don't have to choose between Budapest's grandeur, Vienna's elegance, or Bavaria's storybook charm. You get all of it.
This is river cruising at its finest. No airports between cities. No luggage to drag. No exhausting commutes. You simply step off the ship and into the next remarkable place, then step back on at the end of the day to your floating home - where cocktails are waiting, dinner is extraordinary, and the river glides past beneath a golden sky.
Our group will sail aboard the AmaLea, one of AmaWaterways' most celebrated ships, purpose-built for this stretch of the Danube. She carries just 156 guests, meaning you'll enjoy an intimate experience that larger ocean ships simply can't offer. Twin balconies in many staterooms, a rooftop heated pool and swim-up bar, multiple dining venues including the intimate Chef's Table, a fleet of onboard bicycles, and a staff-to-guest ratio that makes you feel genuinely looked after - the AmaLea sets the standard.
But let's be honest: the ship is just where the magic pauses. The real story unfolds ashore, in the cobblestoned lanes, hilltop castles, vineyard-draped valleys, and centuries-old cathedrals that line the banks of one of Europe's greatest rivers.
This is your invitation to experience the Danube the right way - with the right people, on the right ship, at exactly the right time.
A river cruise is not like an ocean cruise. There are no sea days. Every day brings something new and exciting! Take a peek at what you will get to see and experience on this unforgettable journey!
Where East Meets West on the Banks of the Danube
Budapest doesn't ease you in gently β it overwhelms you with beauty from the very first moment. Straddling the Danube with Buda's medieval hilltops on one side and Pest's grand boulevards on the other, this is one of Europe's most dramatic and photogenic capitals.
The city's skyline is iconic: the ornate Hungarian Parliament building glowing golden at sunset, the chain-link elegance of the SzΓ©chenyi Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle presiding over it all from its hilltop perch. Budapest rewards both the sightseer and the wanderer β there's as much magic in ducking into a ruin bar or soaking in a century-old thermal bath as there is in climbing the turrets of Fisherman's Bastion for panoramic views over the river.
Europe's Most Underestimated Capital
Sandwiched between Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava is the Danube's best-kept secret β a compact, utterly charming capital that most visitors underestimate until they're completely enchanted by it. In just a few hours ashore, Bratislava manages to surprise, delight, and make you wish you'd booked more time here.
The Old Town is a labyrinth of pastel-colored baroque buildings, medieval lanes, and lively squares that open onto one cafΓ© terrace after another. Look up and you'll find Bratislava Castle dominating the skyline from its hilltop, its white towers visible from across the Danube. Look down and you might spot Δumil β the beloved bronze sewer worker peering cheerfully out of a manhole on a downtown street corner, one of the city's most photographed (and quirky) landmarks.
The Imperial City That Never Stopped Dreaming
If Budapest is passion, Vienna is refinement. The former heart of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna carries its history with breathtaking grace β in the sweep of its imperial palaces, the precision of its famous coffeehouses, the grandeur of its Ring Road, and the world-class performances of its opera house. A day here feels both overwhelming and not nearly enough.
Vienna was designed to impress, and it succeeds on every level. The wide boulevards are lined with monuments. The museums are world-class. The pastry shops are legendary. And beneath all the imperial elegance, there's a city that's quietly, confidently modern β with a thriving arts scene, innovative cuisine, and a cafΓ© culture that turns a cup of coffee into an afternoon.
A UNESCO Landscape Poured Glass by Glass
The Wachau Valley is where the Danube becomes a painting. A narrow 18-mile stretch of river winding through terraced vineyards, medieval villages, and castle ruins, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 β and once you see it, you'll understand exactly why. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of river in all of Europe.
Weissenkirchen β the "heart of the Wachau" β is a quiet, impossibly picturesque wine village where time seems to move more slowly. Its dominant landmark is a 14th-century Gothic church rising white and fortified above the rooftops, originally built as a defense against Turkish invasion. Today, the biggest battles are between wine producers competing for top marks at harvest season.
Where Baroque Old Town Meets Digital Future
Linz tends to get overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, which means the travelers who do stop here are rewarded with an authentic, unhurried city that's full of surprises. The capital of Upper Austria plays a fascinating double game: one foot planted firmly in its baroque past, the other striding confidently into a cutting-edge, tech-forward future.
The Old Town's Hauptplatz (Main Square) is one of the largest and most beautiful enclosed squares in Central Europe, lined with pastel baroque facades and anchored by a marble Trinity Column. A few minutes' walk brings you to the Lentos Art Museum β a striking glass building by the Danube housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And then there's the Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and society, which illuminates the city's skyline in ever-changing colors after dark.
Bavaria at Its Most Beautiful β Where Three Rivers Become One
The final stretch of the journey brings you into Bavaria, and it does not disappoint. Vilshofen an der Donau is a classic Bavarian market town β relaxed, warm, and authentically unspoiled by mass tourism. From here, excursions head to nearby Passau, one of the most dramatically situated cities in Germany and the undisputed highlight of the final days.
Passau is called the "City of Three Rivers" because it sits precisely where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers converge β a geographical drama that shaped centuries of history as a powerful trading city. The baroque Old Town occupies a narrow peninsula between the rivers, making it feel almost like an island, and its skyline is dominated by St. Stephen's Cathedral, whose baroque interior houses the largest cathedral pipe organ in the world.
Make the Most of Your Time in Europe
The Danube is extraordinary β but so are the cities that bookend it. AmaWaterways offers optional land extensions that let you arrive early to discover Budapest more deeply, or linger after the cruise ends with an unforgettable journey through medieval Germany and the golden city of Prague. Whether you add one, both, or neither, these extensions are designed to feel seamlessly connected to your cruise experience β with guided excursions, hand-picked hotels, and the same AmaWaterways care you'll enjoy on the ship.
August 19 - 21, 2027
Arrive Early, Explore Deeper
The cruise begins in Budapest β but two days is barely enough to scratch the surface of this magnificent city. The pre-cruise extension gives you the gift of time: time to wander, to discover hidden corners, and to settle into the rhythm of a city that rewards slow exploration.
You'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, with a dedicated AmaWaterways Cruise Manager on hand before you ever set foot on the ship. Over two full days, guided excursions take you both above and below the surface of Budapest.
Day 1 β Arrive Budapest Arrive at your leisure and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours β a perfect opportunity to take your first stroll along the Danube, watch the Parliament building glow at sunset, and ease into the energy of the city over dinner in the Pest neighborhoods.
Day 2 β "Hidden Budapest" Tour Most visitors follow the same well-worn path through Budapest's famous sights. Today, you won't. Your guide takes you deeper into the city, uncovering fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler β the kinds of places that locals know and tourists rarely find. This is Budapest as it really lives, beyond the postcard landmarks.
Day 3 β Budapest: Buda & Pest City Tour β Embarkation Your final morning ashore brings a full exploration of both sides of the Danube. On the Buda side, you'll follow your guide through the medieval Castle District β marveling at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gazing over the breathtaking panorama of the river below, and admiring Matthias Church with its striking tower and famous colorful mosaic roof. (Prefer something more active? Opt to hike up to Budapest's Castle Hill instead.)
In the afternoon, cross to the Pest side to take in the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, the sweeping Heroes' Square, and the quietly moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial β 60 pairs of iron shoes cast at the river's edge, honoring those who lost their lives there during World War II. Then it's time to board the AmaLea and begin the cruise.
From: $680 per person
Included: Breakfast daily; lunch and dinner on embarkation day. All guided excursions.
August 28 - 31, 2027
End the Adventure in the Golden City
When the cruise concludes in Vilshofen, the journey doesn't have to. The post-cruise extension whisks you across the border into the Czech Republic, stopping first in one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities before arriving in Prague β one of the most enchanting capitals in all of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage city center that genuinely takes your breath away.
Day 1 β Vilshofen β Regensburg β Prague Depart the ship and travel overland toward the Czech Republic, stopping in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of this remarkably intact medieval city. Regensburg's old town β its narrow Gothic lanes, ancient stone bridge, and soaring cathedral β looks much as it did in the 13th century, and it's a remarkable contrast to the baroque grandeur of the Danube cruise you've just completed. After the tour, continue on to Prague and check into your hotel.
Day 2 β "Golden City of a Hundred Spires" Prague City Tour Prague is one of those cities that stops you in your tracks. Today's guided city tour covers the UNESCO-designated historic center from end to end: the Rudolfinum concert hall, the whimsical Hundertwasser Dancing House, and then the crown jewel β the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle complex, with St. Vitus Cathedral rising dramatically from its hilltop perch above the city. Walk the romantic Charles Bridge, flanked by baroque statues, to reach the Old Market Square and find the famous Astronomical Clock β still ticking since 1410. (Prefer to earn the views? Opt for the Prague Castle hike instead of the guided tour.)
Day 3 β Czech Beer Tasting & Leisure Beer is not simply a drink in the Czech Republic β it's a point of national pride and centuries of craft tradition. The Czechs are, per capita, the world's biggest beer consumers, and it shows: the country is home to over 100 breweries producing everything from well-known pilsners (Pilsner Urquell was invented here in 1842) to small-batch microbrews. Today, join a guided Czech beer tasting and discover firsthand what makes these brews so beloved. The rest of the day is yours to wander Prague's lanes at your own pace β browse the antique shops of MalΓ‘ Strana, seek out a quiet courtyard cafΓ©, or simply sit on the Charles Bridge and watch the city move around you.
Day 4 β Depart Prague Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your flight home β carrying with you the memories of eight extraordinary days on the Danube, and a few days more in some of Europe's most storied cities.
From: $1080 per person
Included: Breakfast daily. Guided excursions in Regensburg, Prague, and the beer tasting.
The first thing to note is that NO ROOMS ARE CURRENTLY BEING HELD!
All pricing below is based purely on what's available at the time of your booking.
Some room categories will GO FAST - SO SECURE YOUR ROOM EARLY!
A $400 per person deposit will reserve your room. (50% of your total deposit is non-refundable)
Your final payment will be due on or before May 23, 2027.
ONBOARD CRUISE INCLUSIONS :
Β» 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
Β» Fine dining on board in multiple venues
Β» Unlimited hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch/dinner
Β» Small group guided shore excursions with a variety of choices, including exclusive Special Interest, hiking and biking tours
Β» Professionally trained Wellness Host leading engaging wellness activities
Β» Live local entertainment
Β» Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi access
GROUP BENEFITS:
Β» $250 per person discount on cruise fare
Β» $50 per person onboard credit - all room types
Β» Prepaid Gratuities
Β» Complimentary one cabin category upgrade - Category CB and above (Does not apply to Category AA or Suites)
Β» Suite guests get an ADDITIONAL $50 of onboard credit per person - for a total of $100 OBC per person
Β» Suite guests also get one complimentary bag of laundry per week.
LIMITED TIME PROMOTIONS: (CHOOSE ONE)
(Must book and deposit your cruise on or before 8/31/2026 to be eligible)
Β» An ADDITIONAL $1500 per person discount off the cruise fare - for a total discount of $1750 OFF PER PERSON
OR
Β» A FREE land package - either the 2 Night Pre-Cruise stay in Budapest or the 3 Night Post-Cruise stay in Prague (based on availability)
If you would like to book a room on this cruise click on the "Yes! I'm Ready to Book My Room!" button below to fill out the Pre-Booking Forms. You can let us know at the bottom of the first form which trip and/or room type you'd like to request.
Starting room prices below already reflect the $1750 per person discount, and already include the port fees & taxes.
$5328 - $7328 per person (normally priced $7078 - $9078 per person)
The best of both worlds: a French balcony that floods the room with light and river views, plus your own private outdoor sitting area to step out onto whenever the mood strikes. Slow mornings with coffee as mist rises off the water. A quiet glass of wine while the lights of Vienna shimmer behind you. If you want the river to feel like part of your room, this is your category.
$4328 - $4728 per person (normally priced $6078 - $6478 per person)
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to let the Danube in β the sounds, the breeze, the ever-changing scenery drifting past. You don't step outside so much as bring the outside in. Bright, airy, and beautifully connected to the river, French Balcony staterooms offer the feeling of a balcony without the extra footprint β a popular sweet spot between value and experience.
$3129 - $3179 per person (normally priced $4879 - $4929 per person)
The smart choice for the traveler who's always on the go. These comfortable staterooms feature large windows with river views and everything you need to rest and recharge β because when you're spending your days exploring Budapest, Vienna, and the Wachau Valley, the room is simply where the adventure pauses. A great value option without sacrificing comfort.