Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit one of the city's vibrant Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen's Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration.
Then, cruise through the scenic Danube Bend where you'll see the Börzsöny and Visegrád hills and some of Hungary's oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Nature, culture and history intertwine into a picturesque sight as the Danube River turns into a sharp bend. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- Buda city tour and Christmas Markets OR Castle Hill hike
- Scenic cruising along the Danube Bend
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you'll discover during your walking tour. You'll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava's charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market OR Tastes of Slovakia OR Bratislava hike with Christmas Market
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, you'll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube.
During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- “Imperial Vienna” tour with Christmas Markets OR Vienna city tour by bike
- Schönbrunn Christmas Markets
- Rathaus Christmas Market by night
Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique.
Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a bike tour from Krems to Spitz or a hiking adventure in Spitz. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you'll enjoy some of the region's famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- Dürnstein walking tour OR Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets tour OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Dürnstein bike tour
- Melk Abbey visit OR Spitz bike tour OR Spitz hike
- Exclusive Wine Experience
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a full-day visit to Salzburg where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes.
Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city's famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour and Christmas Market OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the picturesque River Inn. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you'll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B/L/D)
Excursions:
- “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Markets OR Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf OR River Inn bike tour
- Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration
Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Life Onboard AmaMagna
Twice the width of traditional European river ships and offering the luxury of space, four unique dining venues and more leisure opportunities, the innovative AmaMagna has redefined the river cruise experience! Read more
Transform your mind, body and soul within an expansive Health & Wellness Studio, an evolution of AmaWaterways’ fitness centers, where you can participate in small group classes, attend lectures and other programs led by a professionally trained Wellness Host.
Enjoy the comfort and luxury of elegant, contemporary staterooms that start at a generous 355 sq. ft., six Grand Suites at 474 sq. ft., and an Owner’s Suite at 710 sq. ft. Relish the fresh air while taking in scenic views from outside balconies in most staterooms.
Savour AmaWaterways’ trademark exquisite, locally inspired and masterfully prepared cuisine. Choose from an al fresco dining area with retractable windows, as well as a wine bar and restaurant in addition to The Chef’s Table and main dining room.
A Captain who greets you with a red rose; waiters that remember your name, coffee order and individual preferences; a Cruise Manager who makes it her daily goal to see you smile…this is just some of what you can expect on board.
With a complimentary fleet of bicycles—and helmets—on board, guests have the opportunity to explore on guided bike tours, or discover a new path all on their own. Guided hiking tours also offer active ways to see grand cities and villages from a different perspective.
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AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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