Grand Danube Cruise with Istanbul and Prague

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B)

Excursions:

• Topkapi Palace

Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul's fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)

Excursions:

• City tour

Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Grand Danube Cruise.

Excursions:

• Hotel check-out
• Flight to Bucharest

Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. Later in the day, visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Veliko Tarnovo excursion OR Bucharest Excursion OR Ivanovo Rock Hwen Churches & Rousse Highlights

Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered, like Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, or the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos.

Experience the Romans' influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals— Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way while cruising on board the incredible AmaMagna.

Excursions:

• Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt making OR Vidin bike tour
• Belogradchik Excursion OR Dos Alamos Wine Tasting

The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Golubac Fortress

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, hike to well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, and delicious local delights or join a guided bike tour for a more active adventure. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Belgrade Fortress hike
• “Brandies of Belgrade” Tasting OR Belgrade bike tour

Visit Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Vukovar City tour with Eltz Castle OR Croatian wine tasting

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohács. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting OR Guided bike ride along the Danube

Visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, originally constructed by count Antal Grassalkovich I during the 18th century. This Baroque palace has endured several renovation and renaissance periods throughout its history, including after its elegant contents were cleared out during World War II. It once held Soviet troops, served as a home for the elderly, was a favorite holiday destination of Hungary's Queen Elisabeth (Sis) and was more recently opened as a museum. During your tour, you will visit the Queen Elisabeth exhibition and learn more about the history of the palace, as well as step inside the elegant Baroque Theatre and stables. You will also have a chance to stroll through the gardens of this stately multi-winged building. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Pustza excursion

You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city.

Excursions:

• “Queen of the Danube” tour OR Castle hill hike

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. 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 OR Tastes of Bratislava OR Bratislava Castle hike

The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more or visit Schnobrunn Palace & Gardens. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Imperial Vienna” tour OR Vienna City Tour by Bike
• Free time OR Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens

Be treated to several choices of excursions. Enjoy a walking tour through the medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century townhouses and wine taverns. Marvel at the luminous blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, Dürnstein's famed church cloister tower, considered the most beautiful of its kind in all of Austria. For a more culinary-focused experience, you can visit a local vineyard where you will be treated to the regions finest apricot products. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to go on a guided bike tour to Durnstein.

Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. Once arrived at Spitz, visit the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For an active adventure, enjoy a guided bike tour to Emmersdorf or a hike through Spitz to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an intimate and palate-pleasing wine tasting in Spitz. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Dürnstein Walking Tour OR Apricots & Sweets tasting OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Krems to Dürnstein bike tour /dd>
• Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
• Melk Abbey visit OR Spitz hike OR Spitz Bike Tour
• Spitz Wine Evening

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city's famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, for guests who have not chosen the full-day Salzburg tour, visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov – a guest favorite, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour OR "Cultural Mile” bike tour OR Full-day Salzburg excursion
• Český Krumlov excursion

Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “City of Three Rivers” walking tour OR Passau Castle hike OR Passau bike tour to Erlau
• Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague. (B)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Regensburg
• UNESCO city highlights tour

Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. (B)

Excursions:

• “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour OR Prague Castle hike

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country's national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech's beer some of the very best in the world. (B)

Excursions:

• Czech beer tasting

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)