Grand Danube Cruise

EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN, GERMANY. Board the ship in Vilshofen for your Grand Danube Cruise. In the evening, be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (D)

PASSAU, GERMANY. Cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways. Take 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. (B,L,D)

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

Grein, home of the historic 15th century Greinburg castle, is a delightful town situated on the banks of the Danube River. Overlooked by the historic landmark, the town is set against picturesque mountains and landscapes and offers visitors a glimpse into Austria's abundant culture.

LINZ. 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 charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. In the evening, enjoy a walk through the quaint Austrian town of Grein. On your tour, you will visit the historic Castle Greinburg, Austria’s oldest residential castle which overlooks the Danube River. (B,L,D)

Spitz, Austria, is a charming village situated in the Wachau Valley along the Danube River. A popular destination in the heart of the Wachau region, Spitz lies encompassed by terraced vineyards producing world-renowned Austrian wines, offering an enticing blend of natural beauty and cultural enchantment.

MELK – SPITZ, AUSTRIA. Arrive in Melk, where you can take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey or enjoy a guided bike tour to Marbach. Continue on to Spitz, where you can enjoy a walking tour through the medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 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. 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 cycle along the picturesque Danube on a guided bike tour or enjoy a Spitz Hike. (B,L,D)

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. 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)

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. 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. (B,L,D)

BUDAPEST. Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D)

Mohács is situated on the banks of the Danube river in southern Hungary, celebrated for its significance in history and warfare strategy as the site of the 16th Century Battle of Mohács, which saw the Ottoman Empire defeat the Kingdom of Hungary in what became a pivotal event in history. The town offers a number of historical landmarks to reflect its diverse past, including the Mohács Castle and the Turkish House. Moreover, Mohács is host to the renowned Busójárás festival, a unique carnival featuring elaborate masks and traditional rituals.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Vukovar is 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)

BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or, 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. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, then enjoy scenic cruising through the Iron Gates – one 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. (B,L,D)

VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle or to take a Vidin Walking Tour. (B,L,D)

ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. 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. Or, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a full-day panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, including a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. (B,L,D)

GIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

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AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional, Western offerings. At breakfast, sip sparkling wine as you partake fresh pastries, or opt for something made-to-order from the menu. Stop by the Main Lounge for a light lunch, or head to the restaurant for full menu service and high-quality regional wine or beer. Dinner is a delectable, multi-course affair with wine recommendations that accompany visually stunning, delicious dishes. Try local favourites — like goulash while cruising through Hungary, bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or Camembert cheese while on the Seine — or something more familiar, like a sandwich. No matter what your preference, your taste buds are sure to be impressed.

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Onboard AmaMagna exclusively, this intimate venue is named in honour of AmaWaterways’ late co-owner Jimmy Murphy.

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Located forward of the Upper Deck, the Al Fresco Restaurant found on AmaMagna exclusively will feature retractable windows and outdoor seating

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Join a few of your fellow travellers at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen — usually hidden — becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river.

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With AmaWaterways, you have the option of exploring Europe’s amazing sights like the locals do. We were the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centres. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

• Bike along the beautiful Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s Wachau Valley
• Tour Cologne’s Old Town and Cathedral along the Rhine River
• See the medieval city of Rouen in France’s historic Normandy region, near the Seine River
• Take in wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau
• Go on a guided bike ride in Vienna, where you’ll visit Klosterneuberg Abbey and enjoy cake and coffee

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The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breath taking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations.

• Trek up to the Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany for incredible views over Old Passau
• Make your way up to Dürnstein Fortress, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
• Hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Necker River
• Journey from the ship to the Old Town in Strasbourg, France

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We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours.

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Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

• Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp
• Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim
• Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg
• Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights
• Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg

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On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you don’t just pass through a destination — you experience it. Each one of our itineraries is crafted with a paramount goal in mind: connecting you to the essence of life in each place you visit. We always make it a point to place our guests in small groups. This helps facilitate access to sights and landmarks, a more intimate setting, and more encounters with the locals. It’s a great way to take your time as you explore, get to know your fellow travellers better and find opportunities for up-close experiences. Every tour is led by a local, English-speaking guide who is very knowledgeable in the culture and history of the place you are visiting.

Choose your pace: In many cases, you’ll have a choice of gentle, regular and active tour paces. There are even some options for late risers.

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Make the most of your long-awaited vacation by adding our optional land packages before or after your sailing for an all-encompassing river cruise and land journey. Indulge your wanderlust and we’ll whisk you away between your ship and hotel, plus take you on specially curated guided tours with just the right amount of leisure time to explore the art, history or culinary delights in sought-after cities around the world.

Why Add a Land Package?

There are many benefits to adding a land package before or after your sailing. One of the simplest reasons is the convenience of making all your future travel plans in one step. Our concierge services allow you to reserve your river cruise, flights, airport transfers and land packages all at once. No need to call and research multiple providers – just contact your travel advisor and we’ll take care of it all. But the value of adding a land package doesn’t stop there.

World-Class Hotels

Whether you wish to rest and recover from flights or pamper yourself before returning home, you’ll find no better respite than the trusted, 4- and 5-star hotels we have carefully selected for you. Each luxurious property is centrally located near the major sights, such as Turkey’s Istanbul at Sultanahmet, just steps from the magnificent Blue Mosque. If you should wish to extend your vacation even further, your travel advisor can conveniently arrange extra hotel nights through AmaWaterways as well.

Our land packages include transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship, portage service and daily breakfast at the hotel. In addition, fascinating guided city tours and excursions are included, so you can:

• Discover breathtaking Mont St. Michel, France, the artistic inspiration for the movie Tangled
• Join a tasting of Czech beer while learning about the beverage’s long and illustrious history
• Visit Transylvania’s infamous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle
• Board a boat for a scenic ride along Italy’s Lake Como to the stunning lakeside village of Bellagio
• Rise with the sun at Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Complex

What's Included in Your Land Package

• Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Guided city tours
• Convenient transfers to and from the ship
• The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land stay – unique in the industry

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AmaMagna’s starboard library invites guests to relax with a good book.

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The Upper Lounge can be found on the Violin Deck.

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Discover the Herb Garden on the Sun Deck.

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The Lobby can be found on the Cello Deck.

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The Boutique can be found on the Violin Deck. 

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Guests can watch movies and media in AmaMagna’s impressive cinema.

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This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

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Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favourites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

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The Zen Wellness Studio can be found on the Violin Deck. 

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Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

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Transform your mind, body and soul within the expansive Zen Wellness Studio, an evolution of AmaWaterways’ fitness centers, where you can participate in group classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host, rehydrate with fresh-squeezed juice at the juice bar, or get a soothing massage in one of two treatment rooms.

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Enjoy a stroll or go for a jog on our sun-deck walking track and soak up some sunshine as the ships sails. Take a dip in the pool or whirlpool, or pool with a swim-up bar (varies by ship) as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breath-taking scenery.

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Lighter options are always available during meals as well as gluten free, vegetarian and low-sodium options. Discover the infused detox and gemstone water at our Hydration Station.

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After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

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AmaMagna is the first river cruise ship with a full-size pickleball court

Guests of all skill levels can enjoy a game of pickleball on the Sun Deck

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• In-room temperature control
  
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  
• Flat-screen TV 
  
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  
• Desk and chair
  

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• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

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• In-room temperature control
  
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  
• Flat-screen TV 
  
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  
• Desk and chair
  

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• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV 
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

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• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

-

• In-room temperature control
  
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  
• Flat-screen TV 
  
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  
• Desk and chair
  

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Stateroom Features

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

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• In-room temperature control

• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair