Cruise the Danube through Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest with included tours of UNESCO sites and historic cities
Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music
UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Melk Abbey and Wachau Valley
Choice of guided tours, bike rides, hikes and special interest excursions daily
Trip Details
Departs
Mon 4 Sep 2028
Returns
Mon 11 Sep 2028
Embarks
Vilshofen
Disembarks
Budapest
Ship
AmaBella
Operator
AMAWaterways
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 AmaBella.
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
Your transportsAmaBella
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaBella
Deck plans
4
AmaBella · Deck plans
Piano Deck
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
Vilshofen
Mon 4 Sep
EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN. Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your Romantic Danube cruise. This afternoon, you’ll take part in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.
2
Passau
Tue 5 Sep
PASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll join a guided walking tour through the Old Town that includes a visit to a local bakery for regional specialties—a Smithsonian Journeys exclusive. Or, choose a more active experience with a hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for panoramic views, or a guided bike ride along the River Inn.
3
Linz
Wed 6 Sep
LINZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Linz and choose from several ways to explore the region. Spend the day in Salzburg on a guided tour that includes time in the city’s UNESCO-designated Old Town and a visit to Mozart’s Birth House, where your expert guide offers added context that brings the composer’s story to life. Or, travel to Český Krumlov to explore its cobblestoned streets and striking Krumlov castle, followed by a beer tasting. If you prefer to stay in Linz, start your day with a walking tour through the Old City or a guided bike ride along the “Cultural Mile.”
4
Weissenkirchen
Thu 7 Sep
WEISSENKIRCHEN. Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats and regional wine from a local boutique.
5
Vienna
Fri 8 Sep
VIENNA. Spend the morning discovering Vienna’s most notable sites, including the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As part of your guided city tour, you’ll also visit one of Vienna’s renowned art museums—either the Kunsthistorisches Museum, home to a world-class fine art collection, or the baroque Belvedere Palace, known for iconic works such as The Kiss. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour that highlights the city’s grand architecture and riverside paths. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, whether you choose to continue exploring Vienna’s museums, linger in a coffeehouse, or return to the ship to relax.
6
Bratislava
Sat 9 Sep
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy the guided walking tour through the Old Town that includes a special folklore performance at Primate’s Palace—a Smithsonian enrichment that adds cultural depth to your visit. Alternatively, food-lovers can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
7
Budapest
Sun 10 Sep
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill. Your guided tour will take you past the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. You may also choose to join a Smithsonian exclusive Jewish Heritage tour that includes Europe’s largest synagogue and additional insight into the city’s Jewish history.
8
Budapest
Mon 11 Sep
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration.
Passau Walking Tour and Tasting.
Passau River Inn Bike Tour.
Full-Day Salzburg Excursion and Mozart Birth House.
"UNESCO City of Media Arts" Walking Tour.
Linz Distillery Tour.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Category E
Legendary Danube 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 15 May 2028 and 09 Oct 2028, 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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