Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul's fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct, and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)
Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th to the 19th century. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B) ... Read More
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Grand Danube cruise.
Giurgiu, Romania
Embark on your cruise in Giurgiu. Tonight gather onboard and meet your fellow passengers. (D)
Tuesday - Mar 25, 2025
Day 5
Giurgiu, Romania
Bus Travel
Bucharest, Romania
Bus Travel
Giurgiu, Romania
Rousse, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Rousse, Bulgaria
Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Later in the day, visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Wednesday - Mar 26, 2025
Day 6
Vidin, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Vidin, Bulgaria
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations, and Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria overlooking the Danube. Alternatively, be welcomed into a local home for a demonstration and tasting of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and banitsa, a delicious pastry with filo dough and cheese. Or you can choose to bike through Vidin for a more active adventure and see the castle. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Thursday - Mar 27, 2025
Day 7
Iron Gates
The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges through the mountains. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Friday - Mar 28, 2025
Day 8
Belgrade, Serbia
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery and travel to Avala Mountain. Later in the day, for those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Saturday - Mar 29, 2025
Day 9
Novi Sad, Serbia
Vukovar, Croatia
Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the "Serbian Athens". You'll see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. For a more active adventure, join a guided biking tour along the Strand and Danube Park, or a hiking tour to Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, get hands-on with Vojvodina cuisine as you enjoy a lively demonstration and taste your culinary creation. Later in the day, tour the city of Vukovar, with its Franciscan Monastery, Church of St. Philip & Jacob, and Eltz Castle, an 18th-century manor that holds the Vukovar City Museum. Or, travel to Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Mar 30, 2025
Day 10
Mohacs, Hungary
Bus Travel
Pecs, Hungary
Bus Travel
Mohacs, Hungary
Explore Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. Active travelers will enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube and through Danube-Drava National Park, a protected flood-plain known for its populations of black storks, white-tailed eagles, and grey cattle, a national symbol of medieval Hungary. (B,L,D) ) ... Read More
Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csarda (farm) run by the world-champion carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship and then experience the warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with typical goulash. (B,L,D) ... Read More
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the "Queen of the Danube". Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. ... Read More
Host to the crowning ceremonies of many 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 savor local Slovakian craft beer at a local brewpub along with Slovakian snacks. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D) ... Read More
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visiting St. Stephen's Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube and to Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Friday - Apr 4, 2025
Day 15
Weissenkirchen, Austria
Bus Travel
Durnstein, Austria
Bus Travel
Melk, Austria
Bus Travel
Weissenkirchen, Austria
Grein, Austria
Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-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 to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau valley. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Saturday - Apr 5, 2025
Day 16
Linz, Germany
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. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or, join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options. Choose a half-day excursion to Salzburg, or take a scenic drive through the Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit charming Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Apr 6, 2025
Day 17
Passau, Germany
Vilshofen, Germany
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration - an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D) ... Read More
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)
Vilshofen, Germany
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 18 - Monday - Apr 7, 2025
Day 18
Bus Travel
Regensburg, Germany
Bus Travel
Prague, Czech Republic
Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague. (B)
Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, and Old Town Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. (B) ... Read More
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, while Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country's national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world per capita. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech's beer some of the very best in the world. (B) ... Read More
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