River Cruise Itinerary

Enjoy 2 nights in Budapest or Vienna, followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Giurgiu, 2 nights in Brasov and 2 nights in Bucharest

1. Day 1
   Thu, Oct 26, 2023

   ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
2. Day 2
   Fri, Oct 27, 2023

   BUCHAREST. Bucharest, Romania'''s capital, has earned its nickname, the '''Little Paris of the East,''' with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city'''s most impressive sites'''including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. Or take a walking tour of Bucharest'''s Old Town and visit the Open Air Village Museum which showcases traditional Romanian village life. (B)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Oct 28, 2023

   BUCHAREST ''' SINAIA ''' BRA''OV. En route to Brasov, stop in charming Sinaia to visit Pele'' Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Then continue to the lovely village of Bra''ov, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a tour that includes the impressive Gothic Black Church, the 19th-century Schei Gate and City Hall. (B)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Oct 29, 2023

   BRA''OV ''' SIGHI''OARA. Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighi''oara, birthplace to Transylvania'''s most notorious ruler, Vlad ''epe'', also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It'''s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad'''s place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called '''Casa Dracula.''' (B)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Oct 30, 2023

   BRASOV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU. Depart your Brasov hotel and continue on to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. You'''ll visit Transylvania'''s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula, before boarding the ship in Giurgiu. (B,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Oct 31, 2023

   GIURGIU ''' ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania'''s capital, known as the '''Little Paris of the East,''' with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria'''s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Nov 01, 2023

   VIDIN. 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. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Nov 02, 2023

   SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. The Iron Gates is 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, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Fri, Nov 03, 2023

   BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, ''livovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Sat, Nov 04, 2023

    NOVI SAD, SERBIA ''' VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'''ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ov''ara 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. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the '''Serbian Athens.''' Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Sun, Nov 05, 2023

    MOH''CS - P''CS, HUNGARY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Moh''cs. You'''ll then visit P''cs, 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 Sz''chenyi Square, the heart of Old Town P''cs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'''ll want to go to the Szeksz''rd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Moh''cs. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Mon, Nov 06, 2023

    BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Bid farewell to your ship and take asighteeing tour of Budapest, the '''Queen of the Danube.''' Your city tour begins with visit to the vibrant GreatMarket Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takesyou to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includesviews from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fishermen'''s Bastion and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Laterin the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B)
13. Day 13
    Tue, Nov 07, 2023

    VIENNA. Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city'''smost famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO-designated historice city center. See the regal ViennaState Opera house, towering St. Stpehen'''s Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patternedroof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna'''s famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments andparks. You'''ll also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B)
14. Day 14
    Wed, Nov 08, 2023

    VIENNA. Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special Interest Tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
• Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Bra''ov
• 2 nights hotel in Bra''ov at the Kronwell Bra''ovHotel (or similar), including city tour, Sighi''oaraexcursion and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Bra''ov to Pele'' RoyalCastle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest
• 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel in Vienna at Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
• Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bucharest followed by flight to Istanbul
• 3 nights hotel in Istanbul including city tour and daily breakfast

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers