Once the border between great empires, the Danube River cuts a majestic path through the heart of Europe. The region’s natural beauty and engaging history combine to create a dreamy setting for various activities. Imagine biking along riverbanks surrounded by rolling hills or meandering along the cobblestoned streets of red-roofed villages. Plus, you’ll revel in countless opportunities for an exhilarating hike up to a lush vineyard or historic fortress with stunning views of the valley below.
With the seven-night “Magna on the Danube” itinerary, which stops in four countries (with an optional excursion to the Czech Republic), AmaWaterways curates the ideal balance of legendary cities and charming towns to appeal to many different interests. Also, the availability of spacious suites with full balconies, connecting staterooms, and triple and quadruple accommodations aboard AmaMagna make the vessel well-suited for families and multigenerational groups.
There are also excursions for every age and fitness level. Some might choose a heart-thumping hike or bike ride, while others prefer a leisurely stroll among architectural treasures. In the evening, all can reconvene around the dinner table to share stories and dishes crafted by expert chefs at one of four included dining venues. Guests of every age are guaranteed to disembark from this river cruise ship with cherished memories and a stronger appreciation for the history and culture of this fascinating region of Europe.
Itinerary / 7 Days
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Day 1:Vilshofen, Germany
Welcome to Germany! After arriving in Munich, you’ll meet your transfer to Vilshofen. Your journey through the heart of Europe begins in this compact Bavarian town with a baroque tower that rises from the cobblestone streets.
You’ll board the stylish AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. As the flagship of the cruise line’s river fleet, this one-of-a-kind vessel boasts twice the width of traditional European river ships. The addition of four unique dining venues, a sundeck pool, and a whirlpool create plenty of space for socializing in groups, large and small. There’s also an expansive Zen Wellness Studio with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar.
After connecting with the members of your group, you’ll have an opportunity to meet your other fellow passengers in the evening during a Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer, and sausages.
You’ll board the stylish AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. As the flagship of the cruise line’s river fleet, this one-of-a-kind vessel boasts twice the width of traditional European river ships. The addition of four unique dining venues, a sundeck pool, and a whirlpool create plenty of space for socializing in groups, large and small. There’s also an expansive Zen Wellness Studio with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar.
After connecting with the members of your group, you’ll have an opportunity to meet your other fellow passengers in the evening during a Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer, and sausages.
Passau, Germany
Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Day 2: Passau, Germany
Today you’ll admire the grand promenades, winding lanes, and Gothic and Italian baroque architecture that characterize Passau. This historic town, which dates to the 2nd century B.C.E., is now called the “City of Three Rivers” due to its location at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz, and Inn Rivers.
If you go for the walking tour, you’ll get a closer look at several examples of Passau’s famous architecture. One of the highlights is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Learn how the ornate interior and incredible acoustics make it the perfect setting for one of the world’s largest cathedral organs.
The more active members of your group might instead choose a guided hike up “Castle Hill” to the Veste Oberhaus fortress that towers over Passau. The reward is an awe-inspiring view of not only the Old Town but also Austria and beyond. Or active types can participate in a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Wernstein, a lovely town located just across the border in Austria. No matter what you choose, you’ll all reconvene in the evening around the dinner table to trade stories about the day’s activities.
If you go for the walking tour, you’ll get a closer look at several examples of Passau’s famous architecture. One of the highlights is St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Learn how the ornate interior and incredible acoustics make it the perfect setting for one of the world’s largest cathedral organs.
The more active members of your group might instead choose a guided hike up “Castle Hill” to the Veste Oberhaus fortress that towers over Passau. The reward is an awe-inspiring view of not only the Old Town but also Austria and beyond. Or active types can participate in a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Wernstein, a lovely town located just across the border in Austria. No matter what you choose, you’ll all reconvene in the evening around the dinner table to trade stories about the day’s activities.
Linz, Austria
Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Day 3:Linz, Austria
You’ll start the day in lively Linz, a city that blends baroque architecture with a youthful energy. Guests who take the walking tour will visit the old city center and Mozart House, where the famous composer created his Linz Symphony and Linz Sonata in only three days.
Some members of your group can explore even more of Linz during a leisurely bike ride through the city’s vibrant arts and music scene. Along Linz’s famed “Cultural Mile” on the banks of the Danube, they’ll pass the Brucknerhaus concert hall, the city’s top venue for high-quality music performances, as well as the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Art Museum. In the afternoon, there will be a chance to return to the ship for lunch and then go to Greinberg castle, one of the oldest residential castles in Austria.
At least one member of your group is likely a fan of The Sound of Music. For these guests, the full-day excursion to Salzburg is a can’t-miss experience—it includes stops at the von Trapp family home and various locations from the film. En route to Salzburg, there will be a stop at the Basilica St. Michael in Mondsee, where the movie’s famous wedding scene was filmed.
Then, in Salzburg, they can tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. You may also choose to visit the scenic Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, one of the most stunning in Europe.
Some members of your group can explore even more of Linz during a leisurely bike ride through the city’s vibrant arts and music scene. Along Linz’s famed “Cultural Mile” on the banks of the Danube, they’ll pass the Brucknerhaus concert hall, the city’s top venue for high-quality music performances, as well as the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Art Museum. In the afternoon, there will be a chance to return to the ship for lunch and then go to Greinberg castle, one of the oldest residential castles in Austria.
At least one member of your group is likely a fan of The Sound of Music. For these guests, the full-day excursion to Salzburg is a can’t-miss experience—it includes stops at the von Trapp family home and various locations from the film. En route to Salzburg, there will be a stop at the Basilica St. Michael in Mondsee, where the movie’s famous wedding scene was filmed.
Then, in Salzburg, they can tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. You may also choose to visit the scenic Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, one of the most stunning in Europe.
Melk, Austria
Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Day 4:Melk, Austria
Reaching Melk signals your arrival in the Wachau Valley, one of the most idyllic stretches of the Danube. Art and history buffs might choose an up-close look at the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece overlooking granite cliffs. At the same time, those looking for something more vigorous can go for a guided bike ride through the Wachau Valley, past stately castles and delightful villages on their way to the charming town of Marbach.
After everyone returns from their morning excursions, the ship will continue to the wine-producing community of Spitz. It’s aptly nicknamed “the town of a thousand buckets” because of a hill in the village center where you can fill buckets with the region’s grapes. From here, energetic members of the group can take a guided cycling tour to the market town of Emmersdorf and back to Spitz. Or they may go on a guided hike around Spitz up to Rotes Tor, one of the old city gates.
Travelers can also select an excursion to Dürnstein. Sometimes called the “Pearl of the Wachau,” Dürnstein is home to the Kuenringer Castle, where Leopold V, Duke of Austria, imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. From there, you can hike to the ruined fortress to take in striking views of the city and valley below.
Everyone will meet in Spitz in the evening to partake in an exclusive evening wine experience. In a festive atmosphere with local musicians performing authentic Austrian music, guests can savor a range of Wachau Valley wines in the winery’s historic vaults.
After everyone returns from their morning excursions, the ship will continue to the wine-producing community of Spitz. It’s aptly nicknamed “the town of a thousand buckets” because of a hill in the village center where you can fill buckets with the region’s grapes. From here, energetic members of the group can take a guided cycling tour to the market town of Emmersdorf and back to Spitz. Or they may go on a guided hike around Spitz up to Rotes Tor, one of the old city gates.
Travelers can also select an excursion to Dürnstein. Sometimes called the “Pearl of the Wachau,” Dürnstein is home to the Kuenringer Castle, where Leopold V, Duke of Austria, imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. From there, you can hike to the ruined fortress to take in striking views of the city and valley below.
Everyone will meet in Spitz in the evening to partake in an exclusive evening wine experience. In a festive atmosphere with local musicians performing authentic Austrian music, guests can savor a range of Wachau Valley wines in the winery’s historic vaults.
The Hofsburg, Vienna
Day 5:Vienna, Austria
You’ll arrive this morning in Vienna. Perhaps most well-known as the former home of the Hapsburg dynasty, the Austrian capital is also justly famous for imperial palaces, baroque architecture, and coffeehouse culture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Vienna’s regal splendors on a city tour with stops in the historic city center, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, at the majestic Opera House, and at the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs. Or, if weather permits, a guided bike tour of Vienna is always an option.
During the afternoon, everyone in your group can tour the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, the primary summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers. This stately palace is one of Austria’s most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments. You’re welcome to explore Vienna and its famous pubs, wine gardens, or coffee houses at your leisure in the evening.
During the afternoon, everyone in your group can tour the opulent Schönbrunn Palace, the primary summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers. This stately palace is one of Austria’s most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments. You’re welcome to explore Vienna and its famous pubs, wine gardens, or coffee houses at your leisure in the evening.
Bratislava Castle
Mohammadreza Abadian/Unsplash
Day 6:Bratislava, Slovakia
Today you’ll depart Vienna and sail toward another capital—Bratislava in Slovakia. The trendy city is known for its colorful old buildings, modern design shops, street art, and imaginative statues. You’ll also immediately notice the historic castle sitting high above town.
You’ll have three excursion choices upon arrival. The walking tour of Bratislava includes must-see sites like St. Michael’s Gate and St. Martin’s Cathedral, with its spires that dominate the Old Town’s skyline. The Opera House, with a facade that features busts of famous composers, anchors bustling Hviezdoslavovo Square.
You can also hike up to Bratislava Castle, a splendid example of Renaissance-style architecture in the heart of Europe and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It was home to the Hungarian crown jewels for nearly 200 years and offers knockout views of the city below. On a clear day, you can also see Austria and Hungary. And the epicureans in your group will probably prefer the “Tastes of Slovakia” tour, which includes a short walk around the city with a local guide, a beer tasting, and lots of local snacks.
You’ll have three excursion choices upon arrival. The walking tour of Bratislava includes must-see sites like St. Michael’s Gate and St. Martin’s Cathedral, with its spires that dominate the Old Town’s skyline. The Opera House, with a facade that features busts of famous composers, anchors bustling Hviezdoslavovo Square.
You can also hike up to Bratislava Castle, a splendid example of Renaissance-style architecture in the heart of Europe and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It was home to the Hungarian crown jewels for nearly 200 years and offers knockout views of the city below. On a clear day, you can also see Austria and Hungary. And the epicureans in your group will probably prefer the “Tastes of Slovakia” tour, which includes a short walk around the city with a local guide, a beer tasting, and lots of local snacks.
Budapest
Tobias Reich/Unsplash
Day 7:Return to Budapest
Today you’ll arrive at the final destination of your voyage. The city of Budapest conjures images of thermal baths, imperial architecture, and an illuminated night skyline. Those who join the city tour will see all the highlights, including Buda Castle, Heroes Square, and Andrássy Avenue. Of course, they’ll also visit the famous Parliament building, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic style built in 1896 to celebrate the millennial anniversary of Hungary.
Those who are craving something more active should join the hike to Castle Hill for the incredible view of Budapest that includes the Parliament building and Danube below. The area is also home to some of the city’s most important monuments, like the Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles. Also nearby is Buda Castle, which has been destroyed by war on several different occasions and rebuilt in a range of styles.
This evening you’ll enjoy a final dinner aboard AmaMagna and bid farewell to your traveling companions and any new friends you’ve made along the way during this unforgettable voyage. You’ll transfer the next day to the Budapest airport to return home after breakfast on the ship, you’ll be transferred. And rest assured that AmaWaterways offers many more thrilling itineraries with 26 ships cruising through Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Those who are craving something more active should join the hike to Castle Hill for the incredible view of Budapest that includes the Parliament building and Danube below. The area is also home to some of the city’s most important monuments, like the Fisherman’s Bastion, a terrace built in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles. Also nearby is Buda Castle, which has been destroyed by war on several different occasions and rebuilt in a range of styles.
This evening you’ll enjoy a final dinner aboard AmaMagna and bid farewell to your traveling companions and any new friends you’ve made along the way during this unforgettable voyage. You’ll transfer the next day to the Budapest airport to return home after breakfast on the ship, you’ll be transferred. And rest assured that AmaWaterways offers many more thrilling itineraries with 26 ships cruising through Europe, Africa, and Asia.
