Day 1: Vilshofen
Embark on your Grand Danube cruise in Vilshofen. In the evening, enjoy a festive Oktoberfest celebration, an exclusive event with AmaWaterways. (D)
Day 2: Vilshofen – Passau
Spend the morning exploring the charming village of Vilshofen. Later, sail to Passau and choose from three activities: a walking tour of Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a guided bike tour along the Inn River, or a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Linz
Arrive in Linz and select from several excursions. Take a full-day tour to Salzburg, including Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market, with a stop at Mondsee to see Basilica St. Michael. Alternatively, join a morning walking tour of Linz’s old city and Mozart House, or a bike tour along the "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. You may also opt for a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a guest favorite near the Czech-Austrian border. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Weissenkirchen
Relax on the Sun Deck as you cruise through the scenic Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Upon reaching Weissenkirchen, choose from various excursions: a walking tour of Dürnstein and a visit to Melk Abbey, a hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress for panoramic views, a guided bike tour through the Wachau Valley, or a culinary experience sampling apricot treats. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting with a local vintner. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Vienna
Explore Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” with a tour of its regal sites, including the 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 option, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Bratislava
Discover Bratislava’s rich history with a walking tour of its coronation sites or join a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle for stunning city views. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Budapest
Explore both sides of the Danube River in Budapest. On the Buda side, visit the Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and enjoy panoramic views. For a more active experience, hike to Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore Pest, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Budapest
Visit the 19th-century Gödöllő Palace, including its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at Gödöllő Restaurant. Continue to Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain, for a tour of a traditional Hungarian csárda (farm) and a demonstration of Hungarian horsemanship. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Mohács
Explore Pécs, a city founded over 2,000 years ago, and visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Széchenyi Square. Alternatively, bike through Mohács or visit the Szekszárd wine region, renowned for its ancient red wines. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Vukovar
In Vukovar, choose a guided city tour to see Eltz Manor House and the famous water tower, or visit Osijek. For a more active experience, explore Vukovar by bike. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting in the Old Cellars, or visit the Vučedol Museum, known for its prehistoric exhibits. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Belgrade
Discover Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, with a tour including Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, hike to the well-preserved Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, sample Serbian brandy with local appetisers, including Šlivovitz, recently added to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For a more active option, join a guided bike tour. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Iron Gates – Scenic Cruising
Cruise through the Iron Gates, one of Europe’s most impressive natural wonders, as the Danube winds through stunning gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Vidin
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, with options including a visit to Baba Vida Fortress, or a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa pastries. Alternatively, bike through Vidin or visit the Szekszárd wine region. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Rousse
Visit Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital, with its medieval fortress and Orthodox temples. Alternatively, explore Rousse, known for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. You may also opt for a trip to Bucharest, Romania’s capital, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” with a panoramic city tour and visit to the Palace of the Parliament. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Giurgiu
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and prepare for your flight home. (B)
