Exclusive Wine Cruise Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise) Oct 20 - 27, 2025

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Hosted by Tony Aspler, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, Canada

With over five decades of prolific writing experience, Tony is a multifaceted luminary in the worlds of literature, wine education, and culinary arts. His illustrious career includes a 21-year tenure as the wine columnist for the Toronto Star, where he shared his profound expertise with a global audience through esteemed publications like The Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Quench.

Tony's literary repertoire boasts 27 authored books, predominantly focused on the intricate relationship between food and wine, alongside co-authorship of 11 novels, showcasing the depth of his literary contributions. His outstanding achievements have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Order of Canada and induction into the esteemed New York Media Wine Writers Hall of Fame, along with international recognition such as the Officers Cross of the Order of Civil Merit from Spain.

Beyond his writing prowess, Tony's influence extends to the world of wine judging, having chaired the Canadian wines panel at the Decanter World Wine Awards for an impressive fifteen years. He is the visionary behind the annual Ontario Wine Awards competition and holds esteemed positions including honorary governor of Cuvée and directorship at the Independent Wine & Spirit Trust and The Canadian Wine Library.

Tony's commitment to community and philanthropy is evident through his co-founding of Grapes for Humanity, a charitable foundation that harnesses his passion for wine to enact positive change globally. Honored with accolades like the Royal Bank Business Citizen of the Year Award at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival 2000 and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s Challenge Coin, Tony's legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to the culinary and oenological arts, as well as to making a meaningful impact on the world.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Lower Danube

From the grand architecture of Budapest to the mystical “Iron Gates” to the spirit of Dracula, the lower Danube is filled with intrigue. Our Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, where you can taste the diversity of five countries’ age-old winemaking traditions. Southeast of the Riesling-rich Wachau Valley, the lower Danube wine regions offer a rich variety. The Szekszárd wine region is one of the oldest red wine growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. Known for producing Kadarka grapes, most notably used in the blend known as Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), the region also produces many full-bodied and spicy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Kékfrankos and Merlot. In Serbia, a fruity plum brandy known as Šlivovitz is the drink of choice, a fitting addition to warm cocktails, while in Croatia, the town of Ilok has a winegrowing history dating back to Roman times, where cellars mature such varietals as Traminac, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.

Overview Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)


7-night Cruise

Cruise From: Giurgiu to Budapest

Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighișoara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.

COUNTRIES: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

RIVERS: Danube

Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Limited Edition tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
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Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Included Features Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)


7-night Cruise

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special Interest Tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration

Dates & Prices Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)

EMBARK October 20
7-NIGHT CRUISEGiurgiuBudapest
INCLUDES FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS*
PRICES ARE PER PERSON
ADD 2 NIGHTS BUCHAREST, 2 NIGHTS BRASOV PRE-CRUISE AND 2 NIGHTS VIENNA POST-CRUISE
ADD 3 NIGHTS ISTANBUL PRE-CRUISE AND 2 NIGHTS VIENNA POST-CRUISE
Category E
Fixed window
Piano Deck
170 sq. ft.
INCLUDED IN PRICE
LOCATED ON DECK:
Piano Deck
Category D
Fixed window
Piano Deck
170 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £230 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Piano Deck
Category C
French Balcony
Violin & Cello Deck
170 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £1,076 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin & Cello Deck
Category BB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Cello Deck
210 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £1,538 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Cello Deck
Category BA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck
210 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £1,692 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck
Category AB
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Cello Deck
235 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £1,845 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Cello Deck
Category AA
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck
235 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £1,999 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck
Suite
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck
350 sq. ft.
ADDITIONAL £2,999 PER PERSON
LOCATED ON DECK:
Violin Deck

Notes:

ImportantDates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise fare)£178 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of per person double occupancy fare; Jr. Suites & Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna)50% of twin price; Grand Suite and Owner's Suite 100% of twin price.

Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

VisaA Turkish Tourist Visa is required for entry into Istanbul, Turkey. All guests traveling to Turkey must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their departure date.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions:

*All fly-cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy of an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Rates include port charges, group overseas transfers (between airport and ship) and return economy flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester Airport. Flights from selected regional UK gateways are available from a £75pp supplement. Flight schedules and airlines used are fully at the discretion of AmaWaterways and timings will be confirmed at the time of flight booking confirmation. Requests for alternative flights may incur a supplement. Flight costs are based on embarkation and disembarkation points, supplements may occur when purchasing land packages if different gateways are required. Any offers shown are valid on select sailings only and are combinable with all past guest programmes, but not combinable with any other offers or promotions. Solo guests must pay an additional solo supplement before receiving any savings unless stated otherwise. Fares and offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Land programmes and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions may apply. Please see our brochure or website for full Terms & Conditions. Cruise Only Fares are available on request.

Ships Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)

AmaBella

The AmaBella offers the ultimate in custom-designed luxury. This 161-passenger vessel features a combination of amenities and design details.Learn more

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