River Cruise Itinerary

3 nights in Prague, 14-night cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu, 2 nights in Brasov and 2 nights in Bucharest (or reverse)

1. Day 1
   Thu, Sep 07, 2023

   ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your hotel.
2. Day 2
   Fri, Sep 08, 2023

   BUCHAREST. Bucharest, Romania'''s capital, has earned its nickname, the '''Little Paris of the East,''' withits wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city'''s most impressive sites'''including the historiccity center and the Palace of the Parliament. Or step back in history with a walking tour through Bucharest'''s OldTown. (B)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Sep 09, 2023

   BUCHAREST ''' SINAIA ''' BRA''OV. Check out of your Bucharest hotel and stop in Sinaiato visit the 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. Later in the day, transfer to Brasov and check into your hotel.(B)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Sep 10, 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, Sep 11, 2023

   BRA''OV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Journey through the Romanian countryside via a motorcoach to Bran, where you'''ll visit Transylvania'''s legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Board your luxury ship in Giurgiu. (B, D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Sep 12, 2023

   ROUSSE. 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. You can also choose to 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)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Sep 13, 2023

   VIDIN. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria'''s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria'''s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations, and Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria overlooking the Danube. Alternatively, be welcomed into a local home for a demonstration and tasting of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a delicious pastry with filo dough and cheese. Or you can choose to bike through Vidin for a more active adventure and see the castle. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Sep 14, 2023

   IRON GATES. 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)
9. Day 9
   Fri, Sep 15, 2023

   BELGRADE. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour 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 and travel to Avala Mountain. Later in the day, for those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Sat, Sep 16, 2023

    NOVI SAD ''' ILOK. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the '''Serbian Athens.''' You'''ll see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. For a more active adventure, join a guided biking tour along the Strand and Danube Park, or a hiking tour to Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, get hands-on with Vojvodina cuisine as you enjoy a lively demonstration and taste your culinary creation. Later in the day, tour the city of Vukovar, with its Franciscan Monastery, Church of St. Philip & Jacob and Eltz Castle, an 18th-century manor that holds the Vukovar City Museum. Or, travel to Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Sun, Sep 17, 2023

    P''CS ''' MOH''CS. Explore 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. Active travelers will enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube and through Danube-Drava National Park, a protected flood-plain known for its populations of black storks, white-tailed eagles and grey cattle, a national symbol of medieval Hungary. (B,L,D) )
12. Day 12
    Mon, Sep 18, 2023

    BUDAPEST. Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian cs''rda (farm) run by the world-champion carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians''' warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with typical goulash. (B,L,D)
13. Day 13
    Tue, Sep 19, 2023

    BUDAPEST. You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the '''Queen of theDanube.''' Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to boththe Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views ofthe city.
14. Day 14
    Wed, Sep 20, 2023

    BRATISLAVA. 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 savor local Slovakian craft beer at a local brew pub along with Slovakian snacks. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
15. Day 15
    Thu, Sep 21, 2023

    VIENNA. The '''City of Waltzes''' offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna'''s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visiting St. Stephen'''s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube and to Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114. (B,L,D)
16. Day 16
    Fri, Sep 22, 2023

    WEISSENKIRCHEN - GREIN. Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of D''rnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. 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 through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. 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. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D)
17. Day 17
    Sat, Sep 23, 2023

    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, you have three more options. Choose a half-day excursion to Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit charming ''esk'' Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
18. Day 18
    Sun, Sep 24, 2023

    PASSAU. 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)
19. Day 19
    Mon, Sep 25, 2023

    VILSHOFEN ''' DISEMBARKATION '''REGENSBURG, CZECH REPUBLIC ''' PRAGUE. 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)
20. Day 20
    Tue, Sep 26, 2023

    PRAGUE. 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)
21. Day 21
    Wed, Sep 27, 2023

    PRAGUE. 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)
22. Day 22
    Thu, Sep 28, 2023

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

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 14 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
• 3 nights hotel in Prague at the Old Town HiltonHotel Prague (or similar), including city tour,Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast
• Transfer from hotel in Prague to Regensburg with a highlights tour and thenon to the ship in Vilshofen
• Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Brasov
• 2 nights hotel in Bra''ov at the Kronwell Bra''ov Hotel(or similar), including city tour, Sighi''oara excursionand daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Brasov to Bucharest via Sinaia with Peles Castle tour
• 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Land Program
• 3 nights hotel in Prague at the Old Town Hilton Hotel Prague (or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast
• Transfer from hotel in Prague to Regensburg with a highlights tour and thenon to the ship in Vilshofen
• Transfer from ship in Giurgiu to Bucharest for a city tour and flight to Istanbul.
• 3 Nights hotel in Istanbul, with city tours and daily breakfast.

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers