Ship: Brand new Amadeus Nova
2nt Pre-Cruise in Prague
7nts Passau, Germany; Austria; Slovakia & Hungary
This classic cruise brings together glorious cities along one of the world‘s most beautiful stretches of rivers on a trip through the heart of Old World Europe. This quintessential cruise along the beautiful Danube begins in the “Three Rivers City“ of Passau at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers and takes you all the way to the “Queen of the Danube“ — the capital city of Budapest, which straddles the river with its hilly ‘Buda‘ featuring Fisherman‘s Bastion & castle district over to the flat ‘Pest‘ side with its iconic Parliament building.
Along the way travel through four of Europe‘s most important countries — Hungary, Slovakia, Austria (Sound of Music) & Germany. Explore years of history and culture in the Imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna & Bratislava as well as the UNESCO protected Austrian Wachau Valley — blanketed with rolling hills, flourishing vineyards and picturesque villages. Experience the beauty along the Danube River.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – This afternoon, embark and settle in your cabin. This evening, meet fellow travelers at a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially prepared Welcome Dinner.
DAY 2 – After breakfast, immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz: during the walking tour, discover the architectural masterpieces that make Passau an exciting tapestry of old and new. In the afternoon, visit the Fortress Veste Oberhaus, the former residence of the prince-bishops, one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe, and situated high above the city. This evening, enjoy a special Bavarian theme on board with regional delicacies and live music as we glide downstream to Linz.
DAY 3 – The vessel stops in Linz this morning. Join the walking tour and stroll on streets squares boasting unique churches, concert venues, and plenty of artists who come to the city to thrive. Before returning to the vessel, a slice of Linzer Torte will sweeten your day. Nature lovers should join our active hiking tour around the city offering beautiful views and new perspectives of the Danube city.
Or you can accompany us to Salzburg and spend a day experiencing Mozart’s hometown and the sparkling lakes of the Salzkammergut. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and end your exursion back in Linz.
DAY 4 – Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, the Baroque Benedictine abbey of Melk awaits you this morning with its frescoes created by pre-eminent artists of the 18th century, and a magnificent library with priceless manuscripts. During lunch on board, the ship continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Explore the village with a local guide or choose an excursion to a local vineyard to sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight.
DAY 5 – There is much to see in Vienna: its Imperial palaces, the Museum Quarter displaying works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists, the impressive buildings along the “Ringstrasse“, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Vienna State Opera among many others. This afternoon, perhaps venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia and the Habsburg Empire. Cap off your Vienna experience with a “Sound of Vienna“ concert in a local hall. Listen to the “Alt Vienna“ orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era. The vessel remains in Vienna until late this evening when it departs for Bratislava.
DAY 6 – Wake up this morning in Bratislava, a jewel on the Danube and the capital of Slovakia. Explore the city on your own or with a guided optional tour through the city. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. In the afternoon accompany us to a winery located in the Small Carpathian Wine Region for some local wine and specialty food tastings.
DAY 7 – Relax on board as the vessel makes its way to Budapest, Hungary. For those interested in exploring the Hungarian countryside, the optional excursion departs in Esztergom, with its basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continues to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin your vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the fantastic Hungarian capital of Budapest on a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side and its Fisherman’s Bastion, with the Pest side and its iconic Hungarian Parliament building.
On your last evening on board, the festive Captain‘s Gala Dinner and a lights cruise through the magnificently illuminated metropolis, accompanied by a spirited folklore performance, await you.
DAY 8 – After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home. We hope to welcome you again soon!
Pricing & Details
- Rates from $2840 per person, double occupancy
- Book by 12/15/24 for a $150 per person discount
- Booking must be completed by 5/1/25
For Additional Information or to Book, please contact:
Cindy Lorenz at 330-364-5348 or Cindy@InfiniteJourneysTravel.com