Magna on the Danube

Overview

Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in four magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Budapest

Board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. (B,D)

Day 2 – Budapest

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Visit the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Youll see Heroes Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fishermans Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. During the afternoon, sail out of Budapest, passing through the scenic Danube Bend where youll see some of Hungarys oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrd and Szentendre. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – 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 to Bratislavas gleaming castle. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Vienna

Vienna offers a wealth of gems 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 Viennas historic city center, and then visit St. Stephens Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schnbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Kremz, Scenic cruising & Spitz

Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Drnstein. Stroll along Drnsteins cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Drnstein, enjoy a wine tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Drnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Spitz and back for lunch. During the afternoon, cruise through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valleyone of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austrias finest white wines are producedto Spitz. Once in Spitz, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz-Melk-Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where youll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Grner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Linz

Join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the citys famed Cultural Mile and the Danube. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and 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, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. In the afternoon, you can visit the charming Czech mountain town of esk Krumlov. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Passau & Vilshofen

Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau’s Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephens Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sail to the charming town of Vilshofen, where youll be treated to a festive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and sausages. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Vilshofen

Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)