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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Best of the Danube

  • Pre-cruise land package in Budapest before river embarkation
  • Choice of included excursions: walking tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
  • Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with onboard wellness classes and amenities
From
$6,769 pp twin share
7 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

11 departures

  1. Sat 29 Jan 2028 → Sat 5 Feb 2028 7 nights · Budapest · AmaLea Balcony $4,898 Suite $9,215 from $4,898 pp twin share Select
  2. Sat 5 Feb 2028 → Sat 12 Feb 2028 7 nights · Budapest · AmaLea Outside $3,317 Balcony $5,042 Suite $9,359 from $3,317 pp twin share Select
  3. Sat 12 Feb 2028 → Sat 19 Feb 2028 7 nights · Budapest · AmaLea Outside $3,461 Balcony $5,186 Suite $9,503 from $3,461 pp twin share Select
  4. Sat 26 Feb 2028 → Sat 4 Mar 2028 7 nights · Budapest · AmaLea Outside $3,893 Balcony $5,618 Suite $9,934 from $3,893 pp twin share Select
  5. Wed 17 May 2028 → Wed 24 May 2028 7 nights · Budapest · AmaSonata Outside $6,769 Balcony $9,070 Suite $12,811 from $6,769 pp twin share Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

Eight-day Danube river cruise through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria with pre-cruise Budapest stay

  • Scenic cruising through UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley
  • Visit Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace and Salzburg's Sound of Music sites
  • Included tours, concerts, bike rides and castle visits throughout journey

Trip Details

Departs
Wed 17 May 2028
Returns
Wed 24 May 2028
Embarks
Budapest
Ship
AmaSonata
Operator
AMAWaterways

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, follow The Sound of Music through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Melk, Linz, Vienna, Vienna, Budapest and Budapest.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLea, AmaSonata and AmaMagna.

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.

Life in transit

AmaSonata

AmaSonata
Details · AmaWaterways

AmaSonata

Deck plans
4
AmaSonata · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaSonata — Piano Deck deck plan

Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Budapest

    Wed 17 May
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship, perhaps exploring the city independently before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour and dinner.
  2. 2

    Bratislava

    Thu 18 May
    BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Enjoy a day of scenic cruising at the beginning of your journey, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage, attend our afternoon teatime and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the evening, join us for a special included concert on shore in Vienna you won’t soon forget.
  3. 3

    Melk

    Fri 19 May
    WACHAU VALLEY – MELK, AUSTRIA. Spend your morning reveling in the postcard-perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger.
  4. 4

    Linz

    Sat 20 May
    LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, the old market and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes.
  5. 5

    Vienna

    Sun 21 May
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, relax and delight in the ever-changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horsedrawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard.
  6. 6

    Vienna

    Mon 22 May
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Along the way, be delighted by a few surprise musical performances. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer.
  7. 7

    Budapest

    Tue 23 May
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in the way Budapest’s magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky.
  8. 8

    Budapest

    Wed 24 May
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included on this day.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Scenic cruising.
  • Bratislava walking tour.
  • “Tastes of Slovakia”.
  • Bratislava Castle hike.
  • Bike tour.
  • Melk Abbey visit.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLea, AmaSonata and AmaMagna.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category AB
  • Category BA
  • Category BB
  • Category CA
  • Category CB
  • Category D
Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) stateroom
Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) stateroom
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 29 Jan 2028 and 03 Jan 2029, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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