12-night Melodies of the Danube Wine Cruise/Land Package

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.,

Budapest is one of Europe's most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. 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 river banks. 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 your luxurious ship. (B,D), Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D),

Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D), Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D),

Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D), Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D),

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You'll see Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D),

The "City of Waltzes" 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 Vienna's historic city center and then visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike along the Alte Donau river, or the Old Danube. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. Later, enjoy wine and live music at a traditional Austrian Heuriger (wine tavern). (B,L,D),

Discover Vienna's lasting royal treasures on this fascinating tour as you make your way to the Imperial Treasury, which holds the glittering jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Imperial Crown and the Holy Lance, as well as the Crown of the Austrian Empire. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour Danube River to the nearby town of Klosterneuburg. Later, sail to Krems and enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg, formerly a Cistercian monastery, which is one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Visit this beautiful castle and have the opportunity to tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical wine-making practices, as well as tasting some traditional Austrian wines. (B,L,D),

Discover Vienna's lasting royal treasures on this fascinating tour as you make your way to the Imperial Treasury, which holds the glittering jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Imperial Crown and the Holy Lance, as well as the Crown of the Austrian Empire. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour Danube River to the nearby town of Klosterneuburg. Later, sail to Krems and enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg, formerly a Cistercian monastery, which is one of the oldest wineries in Austria. Visit this beautiful castle and have the opportunity to tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical wine-making practices, as well as tasting some traditional Austrian wines. (B,L,D),

After reaching Weißenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein and be treated to an exquisite wine tasting at Austria's historic Burg Clam located on the cliffs high above the nearby village of Klam. While nestled deep within this majestic and historic setting, enjoy the opportunity to sample a few local vintages. Wines from this region tend to have a pronounced freshness, spiciness, finesse, and complexity. (B,L,D),

Weissenkirchen, or "White Church", is a charming town sprawled along the banks and the hills of the Danube River. Like other villages in the Wauchau Valley, you can see terraced vineyards, off-set by the red roofs of the town proper. View the white church the town is named for, which in its long history has served both as sacred space and protection from invaders in the  the 16th century. You will find the inside designed in the traditional Gothic and Baroque style. Visit the Wachaumuseum, housed in a 16th century building, to learn more about Weissenkirchen's role in wine production, as well as the importance of the salt trade in the town's development and art by Krems painter Kremser Schmidt. Nearby villages include Krems and Dürnstein, while further up stream you can visit the Göttweig Abbey and Melk.

 

After reaching Weißenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein and be treated to an exquisite wine tasting at Austria's historic Burg Clam located on the cliffs high above the nearby village of Klam. While nestled deep within this majestic and historic setting, enjoy the opportunity to sample a few local vintages. Wines from this region tend to have a pronounced freshness, spiciness, finesse, and complexity. (B,L,D),

With its 2,800 inhabitants Grein is one of the smallest towns in Austria. All Gothic buildings were destroyed in a fire in the 15th century. The houses around the city square mostly date back to a time between 1550 and 1600. The city hall houses a magnificent rococo theater. It has largely remained unchanged. It now features summer plays and concerts. On the west side of the town, you will find the Castle Greinburg on the Hohenstein Peak. In 1597, a Renaissance courtyard was added to the building, which is now used for annual concerts and operas in the months of August and September. Grein’s history is closely tied to the Danube River. The city became very wealthy over the centuries, which is evident in its elaborate and beautiful architecture.

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica of St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov (not available with full-day Salzburg excursion). (B,L,D),

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica of St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov (not available with full-day Salzburg excursion). (B,L,D),

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica of St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Ceský Krumlov (not available with full-day Salzburg excursion). (B,L,D),

Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Alternatively, go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube; or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration — an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D),

Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Alternatively, go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube; or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration — an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D),

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B), 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),

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B), 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),

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B), 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),

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B), 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),

Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum and the Dancing House. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square, where you will find the capital's famous Astronomical Clock. (B),

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, while Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country's national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world per capita. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech's beer some of the very best in the world. (B),

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