1,200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube

Welcome Dinner

Your Danube adventure begins. After your arrival, a transfer brings you to your 4- or 5-star city-center hotel. In the evening, savor a welcome dinner and let your excitement for the journey ahead grow.

The Palace of Parliament

A morning view from your hotel might just make you whisper “Bonjour!” — welcome to the “Paris of the East.” After breakfast and hotel check-out, explore the city on a guided tour where romantic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture blend seamlessly with monumental structures from the Ceausescu era, including the massive “House of the People.” A leisurely stroll and lunch in the city's charming streets follow, before a bus ride through Romania's scenic plains brings you to Feteşti, where your ship awaits. Shortly after boarding, your river journey begins with a welcome cocktail and a sumptuous dinner on board.

Danube Delta nature experience

Open your eyes, you're in paradise! From Hârşova, discover the breathtakingly beautiful Danube Delta, one of the largest wetland biotopes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The bus takes you from Hârşova to Tulcea to your excursion boats for a delta safari and a voyage of discovery through the beautiful nature reserve. In the evening, a folklore program awaits you on board.

Black Sea Coast Excursion

Swap the river for the vastness of the Black Sea. Your coastal excursion takes you to Constanța, a city steeped in history with a Mediterranean charm. Explore Romania's millennia-old culture at the Museum of Folk Art, then continue to the renowned Murfatlar wine region for a tasting of locally crafted wines.

History Above the Yantra

In the morning, the vessel arrives in the Bulgarian town of Svisthov, the southernmost point on the Danube. If you wish, you can go ashore here for an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, the oldest town in Bulgaria. High on a peak are the remains of the medieval town of Tsarevets, where 22 tsars made history in the 2nd Bulgarian empire. Afterwards, the village of Arbanassi promises authentic murals at the Church of the Nativity and rose oil, the local specialty. Enjoy a delicious Bulgarian lunch before reaching the ship in Nikopol.

Cruise day with passage of the famous Iron Gates

Look no further than the Sun Deck or your cabin window for spectacular scenery as we spend a leisurely day aboard. Get your camera ready as we pass through the Iron Gates, the river's narrowest stretch bordered by massive stone cliffs. For more than 110 kilometers, we experience nature at her finest. Europe's highest rock sculpture mirrors the image of Dacian King Decebalus and he peers down at the passing vessel.

On the Trail of Kings and Rakija

This morning, discover Serbia's vibrant capital. From the Kalemegdan Fortress, gaze over Belgrade and the confluence of the Danube and Save while learning the city's history. Drive past the Terazije Square, Princess Ljubica's residence, and the St. Sava Cathedral. Optional excursions include a visit to the Belgrade Distillery for a guided tasting of Serbia's signature Rakija or an active hike through Kalemegdan Park to explore the fortress walls and historic ramparts.

Experience rural Hungary

Relax on board in the morning, then journey into the expansive Puszta. Visit a traditional farmstead and marvel at the skillful horsemanship in a thrilling local equestrian show.

Budapest by Night with Folklore

On this fine morning, a Queen appears along the river. Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube", enchants with her grace and architectural style. During the tour, explore the State Opera House, Parliament, and Heroes Square. From the towers of Fisherman's Bastion, capture the beauty of the river landscape to carry home with you. If food is your passion, join “Flavors of Budapest” in the afternoon. As the sun lowers beyond the river, our lighted tour through the city serves as the prelude for a full evening of entertainment filled with fun and folklore.

Festive Gala Dinner

Your journey's memories are already treasures. In Bratislava, explore the old town and climb the castle hill for panoramic views, then stroll through historic streets lined with baroque palaces. The day concludes with a lavish gala dinner.

Disembarkation after Breakfast

Following breakfast, the goodbyes begin. Our AMADEUS crew bids you farewell, wishing you safe travels home with the hope we cruise again together.