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Your departure
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Eight-day river cruise through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary exploring grand European cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music
- Full-day excursions to Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov with castle and historic centre visits
- Guided tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest including palaces, cathedrals and fortresses
Trip Details
- Departs
- Wed 4 Nov 2026
- Returns
- Wed 11 Nov 2026
- Embarks
- Vilshofen
- Disembarks
- Budapest
- Ship
- AmaSonata
- Operator
- AMA Waterways
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Salzburg or the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, calling at Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Budapest.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSonata.
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.
Your transports AmaSonata
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Vilshofen
Wed 4 NovEMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN. Board the ship for your Romantic Danube cruise. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. - 2
Passau
Thu 5 NovPASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour. - 3
Linz
Fri 6 NovLINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to 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. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. - 4
Weissenkirchen
Sat 7 NovWEISSENKIRCHEN. Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. - 5
Vienna
Sun 8 NovVIENNA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. - 6
Bratislava
Mon 9 NovBRATISLAVA, 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. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. - 7
Budapest
Tue 10 NovBUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, 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, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. - 8
Budapest
Wed 11 NovBUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
- “City of Three Rivers” walking tour.
- Passau Castle hike.
- River Inn Bike Tour.
- Full-day Salzburg excursion.
- Full-day Český Krumlov excursion.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSonata.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
What is generally included?
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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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- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
- Full-day excursions to Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov included in itinerary
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