AmaWaterways

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Vilshofen

   Germany

   

   Vilshofen an der Donau is a handsome Bavarian river town where three streams converge with the Danube, its medieval market charter and Gothic Stadtturm bearing witness to eight centuries of river trade prosperity — though its most joyful claim to fame is the boisterous Vilshofen Volksfest, Bavaria's second-largest folk festival after Oktoberfest, held each June. The pastel-painted baroque townhouses and arcaded courtyards of the compact old town make for an idyllic Danube-side stroll, while the surrounding farmland and rolling hills of Lower Bavaria offer cycling routes of pastoral serenity. Summer brings the festival season; spring and autumn lend the Danube Valley its most golden and peaceful character.

2. Day 2

   Passau

   Germany

   

   Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

3. Day 3

   Linz

   Austria

   

   Austria's third city has accomplished one of Europe's most convincing urban transformations — reinventing itself from industrial centre to cultural powerhouse, a journey recognised in 2009 when it was named European Capital of Culture. The Ars Electronica Center, a museum of digital art and technology that glows with LED light across the Danube each evening, epitomises Linz's forward-looking identity. Yet the city's Roman roots, its baroque Hauptplatz (one of Austria's finest main squares), and its proximity to the Wachau Valley anchor it firmly in history. The Upper Austrian cuisine — particularly Linzer Torte, the world's oldest-documented cake recipe — is exceptional. Linz is most agreeable May through September.

4. Day 4

   Melk

   Austria

   

   Melk Abbey is among the most theatrical expressions of Baroque ambition in all of Europe — a gilded monastery perched on a granite outcrop above the Danube, its domed church and frescoed library presiding over the Wachau Valley with serene authority since Benedictine monks replaced the Babenberg fortress in 1089. Umberto Eco immortalised it as the inspiration for his labyrinthine monastery in "The Name of the Rose," and the library's 100,000 medieval manuscripts remain one of the continent's supreme collections. After the abbey, stroll down to the historic market town and sample the valley's celebrated Grüner Veltliner wines. The Wachau is at its most bewitching in April and October.

5. Day 5

   Melk

   Austria

   

   Melk Abbey is among the most theatrical expressions of Baroque ambition in all of Europe — a gilded monastery perched on a granite outcrop above the Danube, its domed church and frescoed library presiding over the Wachau Valley with serene authority since Benedictine monks replaced the Babenberg fortress in 1089. Umberto Eco immortalised it as the inspiration for his labyrinthine monastery in "The Name of the Rose," and the library's 100,000 medieval manuscripts remain one of the continent's supreme collections. After the abbey, stroll down to the historic market town and sample the valley's celebrated Grüner Veltliner wines. The Wachau is at its most bewitching in April and October.

6. Day 5

   Vienna

   Austria

   

   The port of Vienna is a cultural gem along the Danube River, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. Must-do experiences include sampling authentic Wiener Schnitzel and visiting the picturesque village of Dürnstein. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the city's gardens bloom and outdoor activities abound.

7. Day 6

   Bratislava

   Slovakia

   

   Bratislava, the only national capital bordering two sovereign states, sits sixty kilometres downstream from Vienna on the Danube — close enough for a day trip to the Austrian capital, yet possessed of its own entirely distinct character: a pastel-hued medieval old town of hidden courtyards, playful bronze statues, and hilltop castle views, where wine bars pour outstanding Slovak Riesling at prices that make the Viennese feel extravagant. The city's dramatic reinvention since 1989 has produced a dynamic, youthful culture that fills the old quarter's restaurants and concert halls with genuine warmth. Pair with Vienna or Budapest for the classic Danube river trilogy; all three cities are within two hours of each other.

8. Day 7

   Budapest

   Hungary

   

   Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

9. Day 7

   Budapest

   Hungary

   

   Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

10. Day 8

    Budapest

    Hungary

    

    Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

Cabin Categories

Outside Balcony

Balcony

355 sq ftMax 2SB

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Media/Entertainment StationTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries Provided+6

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Outside Balcony

Balcony

355 sq ftMax 3SA

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Media/Entertainment StationTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries Provided+6

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Outside Balcony

Suite

474 sq ftMax 2GS

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Lounge AreaMedia/Entertainment StationHair DryerTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationShower+6

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Outside Balcony

Suite

710 sq ftMax 2OS

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Media/Entertainment StationTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBath+7

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Outside Balcony

Balcony

252 sq ftMax 2AA

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

TVMedia/Entertainment StationTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries Provided+5

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Outside Balcony

Balcony

252 sq ftMax 2AB

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

TVMedia/Entertainment StationTelephoneQueen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries Provided+5

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Fixed Window

Outside

205 sq ftMax 2D

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Media/Entertainment StationQueen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+5

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Fixed Window

Outside

205 sq ftMax 2E

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 that also works as a computer Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library Complimentary bottled water replenished daily Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi Desk and chair

Media/Entertainment StationTelephoneDeskQueen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries Provided+5

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