Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, a haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise to Vienna, Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys. Explore the charming Wachau Valley and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide, made possible through the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
2012: May 13, May 23, Jun 6, Jun 17, Jun 21, Jul 11, Jul 19, Aug 5, Aug 16, Sep 9, Sep 13, Sep 27, Oct 3, Oct 17, Oct 25, Oct 28, Nov 8, Nov 14, Nov 22
2013: May 16, Jun 5, Jun 11, Jul 17, Jul 18, Aug 6, Aug 20, Aug 22, Sep 19, Sep 30, Oct 14, Oct 24, Oct 28, Nov 20, Nov 23

*Please note cruise itinerary and activities may be subject to slight modifications based on seasonality.

Budapest was originally two cities on each side of one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube River – Buda, the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings, and Pest, the commercial center. In Buda, Gellért Hill gives a wonderful view of the city, river and mountains. On the hill is the Citadella fort, the Royal Palace which houses the National Gallery, the rampart of Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion), so called because it was the duty of the city’s fishermen to protect the northern side of the Palace during the Middle Ages, and the great Mátyás Templom (church) with its multicolored tiled roof. On the Pest side are the Parliament; the Hungarian National Museum, containing remarkable treasures ranging from the oldest skull found in Europe to Franz Liszt’s gold baton; the Belvárosi Templom, Hungary’s oldest church, dating from the 12th century, the Museum of Fine Arts housing European paintings and the Ethnographic Museum. Margaret Island, connected to both Buda and Pest by bridges, is a park with a sports stadium, swimming pool, spas, a rose garden and fountains. Budapest has about 100 hot springs.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Buda Castle Hotel (4*) can be found at the heart of the castle district, one of Budapest's more elegant quarters on the Buda side of the city. The local area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the historical streets, which were once the commercial and governmental centre of the city, provide a fascinating view of the city’s glorious past. Holy Trinity Square, Mathias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion are all a few steps from the hotel. The 25 rooms of the Hotel Buda Castle are all generously sized and elegantly furnished in a modern style. All enjoy such contemporary amenities as WiFi internet access, a laptop-size safe, a large flat-screen television and individually controlled air-conditioning. Rooms face onto either the quiet surrounding streets or the beautiful and tranquil interior courtyard. Breakfast is served in the Orangerie lounge, and the hotel also has a café and snack bar open daily until midnight.

Overnight at Buda Castle (4*).

Enjoy a visit to Matthias Church and The Fishermen’s Bastion. Located in the Buda’s Castle District, Matthias Church was originally built in 1015. Officially, named the Church of Our Lady, it is popularly named after the Hungarian king, Matthias Corvinus. Next is the Fishermen’s Bastion, built behind the Matthias Church between 1895 and 1902 with impressive towers, colonnades and embrasures. It is a great opportunity to admire and photograph the magnificent view over the city and the Danube. The tour takes a half a day tour (approx. 4 hours). Entrance fees to Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion are included in the tour price.

Visit the former summer-residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) and Francis Joseph in Godollo, one of the largest baroque palaces in the world. You will have a glimpse of the times under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Take a break to enjoy coffee and cake at the Palace Cafe.

Overnight at Buda Castle (4*).

Cruise the waters of the Danube River, known to history as one of the long-standing frontiers of the Roman Empire. The river flows through or acts as part of the borders of ten countries, passing through four European capitals before emptying into the Black Sea. Aboard your luxurious cruise ship, you'll be able to relax in comfort as you traverse the river between interesting ports-of-call.

Meet your private vehicle and driver for a port transfer.

Tonight you will meet your fellow travelers on board for a welcome dinner, as your vessel departs en route to Bratislava.

The MS AmaDolce, AmaLegro, and AmaLyra have all set a new standard in European river cruising and offer a number of features, which no other European river cruise ships can match. Each vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Today you can choose between a walking tour of Bratislava which includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, you can take a “Communist History Tour” of Bratislava, which includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. There will also be time to explore on your own.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

During today's city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse with it's grand architectural surrounds, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, this tour will help you discover part of what makes Vienna so special.

Optional:
Should you decide to partake, you may join a tour to Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial 1,400-room Rococo summer residence in Vienna. The Palace and Gardens have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and remains one of the primary tourist attractions in Vienna.

To book this tour, please contact your sales specialist.

Optional:
If you are so inclined, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in the “Music Capital of the World.”

To participate in this activity, please contact your sales specialist.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Today you'll reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Durnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Your tour also includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. Later on, you can enjoy a guided bike tour from Durnstein to Melk (capacity controlled) where you will meet up with your cruise ship

In Melk, a guided tour will take you to the city’s magnificent 11th century Benedictine abbey, Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. You'll find this majestic structure perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and beautiful Wachau valley.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Optional:
Should you decide to partake, you may join an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more.

To book this tour, please contact your sales specialist.

A walking tour of Passau will take you along the cobblestone streets of Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, this 2,000-year-old city is noted for its Gothic and Italian baroque architecture.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Upon arrival in Regensburg today, you will have your choice of three different tours here. The first is a guided walking tour, in which you will see 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. The next tour is a bike ride to Walhalla, where you will visit the Walhalla temple which honors distinguished Germans throughout history (capacity controlled). Your third choice is a trip to the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (capacity controlled). Known for its distinctive architecture, the museum features unique, high-tech exhibits on the history of the car, combined with a fascinating look back at the 20th century.

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Enjoy scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. Later on, you have a choice of two different excursions in Nuremberg. On one tour, you will explore the medieval history of Nuremberg, and see the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and Old Town Hall. The other tour will focus on Nuremberg during World War II as the center of the Third Reich. Visit the infamous Zeppelin field used to hold rallies and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available).

Overnight at MS AmaDolce / AmaLegro / AmaLyra.

Prague is picturesquely located on the banks of the Vltava (Moldau) River, and has always played an important part in the history of Europe. The ‘Paris of the East’ is noted for its magnificent architecture with the city’s historical center being listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

After breakfast today, you'll disembark from your cruise ship in Nuremberg.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer in Nuremberg. 

Enjoy a half day private tour today in Bayreuth. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to this historical city, then returned back to Nuremberg.

Enjoy a train ride from Nuremberg to Prague. Train ride may take up to 5 hrs.

Enjoy an airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Roma Hotel (3*) is situated in the historical center of Prague in Malá Strana (Lesser Town), under the famous Petrín look-out tower. Located near the Charles Bridge, the National Theatre and Kampa Park, the hotel is set within an unforgettable atmosphere, which is complemented by its modern, Italian style rooms. The buffet breakfast is a great way to start off the day and the lobby bar is ideal for an afternoon coffee or evening drink. Take advantage of the 24 hour reception desk, and the hotel’s helpful staff, that will offer useful information about Prague to guide you in the right direction while visiting this beautiful city.

Overnight at Roma (3*).

Enjoy a walking full day city tour with your private guide to the State Opera, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Square. Visit and walk around the Castle courtyards and see St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue along the Vltava to the Old Town, St. Nicholas Church, the Týn Cathedral and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock and apostles. Walk from the Powder Tower along the Royal Route to the Old Town Square, along Karlova Street to Charles Bridge and enjoy the view of Prague Castle. Your tour ends at Mala Strana (the Lesser Town).

Overnight at Roma (3*).

Enjoy an airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).