| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. |
| Day 2 | PRAGUE Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Wenceslas Square and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before arriving at the1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B) |
| Day 3 | PRAGUE Spend a day at your leisure or participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B) |
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| Day 4 | PRAGUE - REGENSBURG - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN This morning, depart Prague and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue to the charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, where you will embark your luxurious ship. This afternoon, you will celebrate a very special “Oktoberfest,” specially created for AMAWATERWAYS passengers by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, song and dance set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and traditional pretzels. (B,D) |
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| Day 5 | VILSHOFEN - PASSAU This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before you cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will have your choice of two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world; after your city tour enjoy a wine tasting in town. As an alternative, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA This morning, enjoy a wine lecture as the ship cruises through the Strudengau region of the Danube to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Your Linz walking tour guides you along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where you will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. Return to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is 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. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy an Austrian dinner on board paired with specially-selected wines. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | LINZ - MELK Enjoy a scenic morning cruise plus a wine lecture about the Wachau Valley, Austria’s most important wine region, as your ship cruises to Melk, home of the famous Benedictine Abbey. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and after your tour enjoy a wine tasting. From here, continue cruising to Krems, through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. There is evidence of settlements in the valley that date back to prehistoric times; and viticulture along the Wachau’s green sloping hillsides has been established since the Middle Ages. This evening, join the Captain for a gala dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - KREMS Today you will have the choice of two excursions. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Krems (capacity controlled). This afternoon you will cruise to the city of Krems. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | VIENNA During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy an evening Mozart or Strauss concert or you can join some of your fellow wine enthusiasts on an excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna, also called “Heuriger”. These are charming wine taverns licensed to serve the year’s new wine from the own vineyard. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit. Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. Your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | DISEMBARKATION - DEPART BUDAPEST Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D) |
| Day 2 | BUDAPEST This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and wine tasting featuring Hungarian wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour of Vienna will include the impressive Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert or join your fellow wine enthusiasts on a “Heuriger” excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna. These charming wine taverns are licensed to serve the year’s new wine from their own vineyards. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit, a fitting introduction for your first night in Austria! Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | KREMS Depart Vienna this morning and enjoy an onboard wine lecture about Austrian wines and its famous Wachau Valley as you cruise to Krems, wine capital of this region. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Learn first-hand about Krems’ role as a center of Austrian wine during an afternoon tour of the Krems Wine Museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, an outing this evening will include a Wine Fest in a colorful local wine cellar, Winzer Krems, accompanied by traditional regional dishes. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | DÜRNSTEIN - MELK This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. Above the town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of the spectacular Melk Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon. Later, a visit to a local vineyard, Spitz-Grotisch, will introduce you to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, savor the delicious flavors of Austria at dinner on board, accompanied by a selection of specially-paired wines. The ship moors overnight at Melk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | LINZ This morning, you will cruise the scenic Wachau Valley while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive at mid-day in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you will have your choice of an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Best known for the art and architecture of its old town, Cesky Krumlov also boasts Bohemia’s second largest castle. In the alternative, an excursion to Salzburg is available. Your excursion begins with a drive from Linz towards Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own before your return transfer to the ship. This evening, the gala Captain’s Dinner takes place on board. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN This morning, enjoy a scenic Strudengau Cruise while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive mid-day in Passau, Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. You have a choice of two different excursions in Passau. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative to a walking tour of Passau, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). You will have free time this afternoon before departing Passau for Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This evening, enjoy a very special “Oktoberfest” specially created for AmaWaterways passengers by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, song and dance set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and some regional delicacies. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen, and depart for Prague. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, where you will enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your motor coach transfer to Prague. Take in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in Prague in the late afternoon. (B) |
| Day 9 | PRAGUE Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus, before walking over to Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is at your leisure; perhaps visit the Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B) |
| Day 10 | PRAGUE Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B) |
| Day 11 | DEPART PRAGUE Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | VILSHOFEN - EMBARKATION This evening meet your fellow passengers on board for the Welcome Reception and Dinner. |
| Day 2 | VILSHOFEN - PASSAU This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before you cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will have your choice of two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world; after your city tour enjoy a wine tasting in town. As an alternative, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA This morning, enjoy a wine lecture as the ship cruises through the Strudengau region of the Danube to Linz, the third largest city in Austria. Your Linz walking tour guides you along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where you will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. Return to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is 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. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy an Austrian dinner on board paired with specially-selected wines. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | LINZ - MELK Enjoy a scenic morning cruise plus a wine lecture about the Wachau Valley, Austria’s most important wine region, as your ship cruises to Melk, home of the famous Benedictine Abbey. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and after your tour enjoy a wine tasting. From here, continue cruising to Krems, through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, historic and agricultural significance. There is evidence of settlements in the valley that date back to prehistoric times; and viticulture along the Wachau’s green sloping hillsides has been established since the Middle Ages. This evening, join the Captain for a gala dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - KREMS Today you will have the choice of two excursions. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Krems (capacity controlled). This afternoon you will cruise to the city of Krems. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | VIENNA During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy an evening Mozart or Strauss concert or you can join some of your fellow wine enthusiasts on an excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna, also called “Heuriger”. These are charming wine taverns licensed to serve the year’s new wine from the own vineyard. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit. Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture as you cruise the scenic Danube Bend en route to Budapest. Your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | DISEMBARKATION - DEPART BUDAPEST Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D) |
| Day 2 | BUDAPEST This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and wine tasting featuring Hungarian wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VIENNA, AUSTRIA This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour of Vienna will include the impressive Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert or join your fellow wine enthusiasts on a “Heuriger” excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna. These charming wine taverns are licensed to serve the year’s new wine from their own vineyards. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit, a fitting introduction for your first night in Austria! Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | KREMS Depart Vienna this morning and enjoy an onboard wine lecture about Austrian wines and its famous Wachau Valley as you cruise to Krems, wine capital of this region. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Learn first-hand about Krems’ role as a center of Austrian wine during an afternoon tour of the Krems Wine Museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, an outing this evening will include a Wine Fest in a colorful local wine cellar, Winzer Krems, accompanied by traditional regional dishes. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | DÜRNSTEIN - MELK This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. Above the town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of the spectacular Melk Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon. Later, a visit to a local vineyard, Spitz-Grotisch, will introduce you to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, savor the delicious flavors of Austria at dinner on board, accompanied by a selection of specially-paired wines. The ship moors overnight at Melk. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | LINZ This morning, you will cruise the scenic Wachau Valley while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive at mid-day in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you will have your choice of an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Best known for the art and architecture of its old town, Cesky Krumlov also boasts Bohemia’s second largest castle. In the alternative, an excursion to Salzburg is available. Your excursion begins with a drive from Linz towards Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own before your return transfer to the ship. This evening, the gala Captain’s Dinner takes place on board. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN This morning, enjoy a scenic Strudengau Cruise while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive mid-day in Passau, Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. You have a choice of two different excursions in Passau. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative to a walking tour of Passau, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). You will have free time this afternoon before departing Passau for Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This evening, enjoy a very special “Oktoberfest” specially created for AmaWaterways passengers by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, song and dance set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and some regional delicacies. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. |