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Grand Danube Cruise

Resort:Grand Danube Cruise
Operator: AMA Waterways
Destination: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Europe, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncoveredBelogradchik, one of Bulgarias natural wonders, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans influence firsthand in Pcs, the city of Mediterranean impressions,” and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vilshofen

Board the ship in Vilshofen for your Grand Danube Cruise. In the evening, be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration an AmaWaterways exclusive. (D)

Day 2 – Vilshofen & Passau

Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the opton of exploring it one of three ways. Take a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephens Cathedral. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress.. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Linz

The ship arrives in Linz where youll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where youll 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 citys famed Cultural Mile and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming esk Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – 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, youll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Drnstein 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 youll 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 from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Vienna

The City of Waltzes is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephens Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Bratislava

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 youll 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Budapest

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. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Budapest

Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csrda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Budapest & Mohacs

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohcs and then visit Pcs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCOdesignated Christian Necropolis; St. Peters Basilica, the citys main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pcs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohcs. For wine connoisseurs, youll want to go instead to the Szekszrd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Vukover, Ilok & Novi Sad

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which youll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where youll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the Serbian Athens. Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Belgrade

Explore Serbias capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. 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, livovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. 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)

Day 12 – Iron Gates

The Iron Gates is one of Europes most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Vidin

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgarias oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgarias natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

Day 14 – Rousse

Visit Bulgarias 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-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 15 – Giurgiu

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)