Magna on the Danube

Arrive in Budapest and check into your hotel.

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its riverbanks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser known to the average traveler. (B)

Check out of your hotel to board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna. (B,D)

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)

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 to Bratislava’s gleaming castle.

Vienna offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendours, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city centre, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn 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.

Enjoy your morning in the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish for a more active adventure in the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle through Dürnstein. During the afternoon, explore Spitz, where 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 bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the region's famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic centre, 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. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city centre of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.

Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau's Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s 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 you’ll be treated to an AmaWaterways-exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels.

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 on 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. (B)

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)