Blue Danube Discovery
Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Vienna, Passau and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sacher-torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina and 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.
- 17 Mar 2027 – 24 Mar 2027
from $4,506 pp twin share * - 28 Apr 2027 – 05 May 2027
from $7,157 pp twin share * - 05 May 2027 – 12 May 2027
from $6,735 pp twin share * - 12 May 2027 – 19 May 2027
from $6,951 pp twin share * - 26 May 2027 – 02 Jun 2027
from $6,879 pp twin share * - 09 Jun 2027 – 16 Jun 2027
from $6,735 pp twin share * - 23 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027
from $6,085 pp twin share * - 07 Jul 2027 – 14 Jul 2027
from $5,585 pp twin share * - 17 Nov 2027 – 24 Nov 2027
from $4,709 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Budapest
BUDAPEST – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Blue Danube Discovery cruise.
Day 2 – Bratislava
BRATISLAVA, 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.
Day 3 – Vienna
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove 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 Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city at your own pace.
Day 4 – Dürnstein
DÜRNSTEIN – MELK. After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products. Alternatively, for a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. After your morning excursions, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey or take a guided bike ride through Melk. Guests looking for a more active experience may choose to hike to this impressive monastery.
Day 5 – Linz
LINZ, AUSTRIA – PASSAU, GERMANY. For those who love The Sound of Music , disembark in Linz and set off on a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Those who remain on board will enjoy a scenic morning sailing to the medieval city of Passau. Join a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress overlooking Passau or a guided bike tour along the Inn River. Passau tours not available with full-day Salzburg
Day 6 – Regensburg
REGENSBURG. Explore Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels; or bike to Walhalla where you’ll see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.
Day 7 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Explore the medieval city center with a tour that showcases the Imperial Castle and the famous town wall, as well as Albrecht Dürer’s home and Market Square with its legendary fountain. Or you can take a guided tour of the city’s WWII history, including a visit to the infamous Zeppelin Field, a museum built on the site of former Nazi rallies and the site of the Nuremberg Trials when not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremberger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Day 8 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
Highlights
- An extensive lineup of included tours on every river day
- Choice of standard, bike, hiking and special interest excursions
- Sailing aboard AmaWaterways ships AmaReina and AmaSonata
Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Vienna, Passau and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sacher-torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina and 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.
Inclusions
- “Coronation City” Walking Tour.
- Tastes of Slovakia.
- Bratislava Castle hike.
- “Imperial Vienna” tour.
- Vienna City Tour by Bike.
- Free time.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina and AmaSonata.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 17 Mar 2027 and 24 Nov 2027, 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.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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