1,200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube

Embarkation from 4:00pm

What better place to begin a European river cruise? Vienna. Here in one of Europe's finest Imperial beauties is where your adventure begins aboard our luxury AMADEUS vessel. Join our Cruise Director for a Welcome Cocktail and raise your glass to celebrate new adventures. Our chef will spoil you with a lovingly created Welcome Dinner before your ship sets sail for Bratislava at night.

Walk through the gothic-baroque old town

A new memory for your travel diary: As the sun rises, we arrive in the Slovakian capital. Located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Bratislava impresses with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. During a morning tour, we take you up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views. Then walk through the historic center and fall in love with the fascinating history of the city.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely lunch before departing for the local wine region. Spend the afternoon touring a family-owned vineyard for a private, behind-the-scenes look at winemaking. Before midnight, the ship weighs anchor for the next port, Esztergom.

Evening cruise Budapest with folklore show on board

A sight as if created by angels: The Basilica of Esztergom is Hungary's largest and perhaps most beautiful church. Its splendor unfolds on the morning excursion, followed by a guided tour to artists' village of Szentendre. Meanwhile, the vessel glides towards the "Queen of the Danube". Enjoy an afternoon full of wonders in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The grand Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion are just two of the architectural wonders of this city.

If food is your passion, join “An Authentic Taste of Budapest” which starts at the vast market hall and continues to the famous geothermal baths. In the evening, our illuminated cruise through Budapest will light up your heart, while your spirit comes alive with a spirited folklore show of local artists who dance, sing and enchant aboard.

Boat tour through the nature reserve Kopacki Rit

In eastern Croatia, Vukovar serves as your gateway to the natural world. In the afternoon, your excursion starts in baroque Vukovar and takes you to Kopački Rit, one of the largest wetlands in Europe and home to rich birdlife, animals, and plants. A boat takes you through untouched moors and a virgin floodplain where nature thrives. In the village of Kopačevo, you can sample Croatian fruit brandies and wines, before you continue your drive to the village of Osijek for a walk through the town. Back in Vukovar, board the ship and enjoy a leisurely dinner as we cruise to Belgrade.

Visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade

In the morning, we introduce you to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. On our city tour, the Kalemegdan Fortress tells the story of a tumultuous past. Timelessly beautiful is the view over the Danube and Sava rivers. Afterward, we drive through Belgrade, exploring Terazije Square, the Princess Ljubica Palace, and the city's untamed energy.

In the afternoon, join us for a visit to a village rich in original art: the artist village of Kovačica. In the evening, enjoy a bus tour through the illuminated streets of Belgrade, accompanied by a Serbian folklore show. Later, in the artistic neighborhood of Skadarlija, savor regional specialties while enjoying the lively rhythms.

Passage of the famous Iron Gates

The fortress of Golubac with its magnificent views has an equally magnificent past filled with the spirits and sounds of successful battles to defend the fortress. Take a leap back to the Stone Age on our alternative excursion to the architectural site of Lepenski Vir with its exciting excavations and exhibits. For an active adventure, join us on a hike through the magnificent Djerdap National Park to its famous Kovilovo viewpoint.

Rejoin the ship in Donji Milanovac and spend the afternoon on board for a truly impressive natural spectacle. Take a seat on the sun deck and relax as we cruise through one of the most impressive gorges in Europe which also marks the border between Serbia and Romania. One section, the Cazan near the town of Orşova, the river narrows to a scant 200 meters wide and 80 meters deep. The majestic views of the Carpathian and Balkan mountains paint a memorable scene. As we cruise, be sure to look for the small monastery church of Mraconia and the enormous 40-meter rock sculpture of the Dacian King Decebalus near Dubova.

Veliko Tarnovo, the oldest town in Bulgaria

At lunchtime you arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svisthov, the southernmost point on the Danube. Which do you prefer? An excursion and tour of Rousse with a fascinating visit to the Basarbovo rock monastery; or an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and the quaint village of Arbanasi? With either choice, you'll encounter rich histories and culture, before returning to the ship which docks in Giurgiu for the evening.

Danube Delta nature experience

Experience the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve on a full-day excursion today: 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.

After visiting the modern Danube Delta Museum and enjoying a traditional lunch, join the excursion boats for a delta safari and a voyage of discovery through the beautiful nature reserve. Or, venture into Constanța, the oldest city on the Black Sea coast and Romania's longest continually inhabited city.

Sightseeing Tour Through The Vibrant Metropolis

You leave your AMADEUS ship in Festeşti after breakfast - but your journey does not end there. A transfer will take you to another adventure on land: Bucharest. Get ready to explore the capital city of Romania, which has developed its very own charm with a lively cityscape and colorful mix of buildings from different eras. Spend an afternoon sightseeing in this vibrant metropolis of two million people. After a typical local lunch, you will check into a centrally located 4- or 5-star hotel, before joining us for a farewell dinner.

Check-out after breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in your luxury hotel before a private transfer to Otopeni Airport. We wish you safe travels home and look forward to seeing you again soon!