2024 : Grand Danube Cruise : 14- Night Cruise With 3 Nights Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Post-Cruise : Prague to Istanbul : ms AmaVerde

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Vilshofen to Giurgiu

Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered'Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans' influence firsthand in Pecs, 'the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.

COUNTRIES: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey

RIVERS: Danube

Grand Danube Cruise

At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Included Features

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 Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs 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 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 then on to the ship in Vilshofen
  • Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Brasov
  • 2 nights hotel in Brasov at the Kronwell Brasov Hotel (or similar), including city tour, Sighisoara excursion and 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

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
    Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.

    Day 2 : PRAGUE
    Discover fairytale Prague and its magical church spires via a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

    Day 3 : PRAGUE
    Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was established. Beer is vital to the country's national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the world. (B)

    Day 4 : PRAGUE - REGENSBURG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
    Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg. After a local highlights tour, drive to Vilshofen where you will board your ship. Later in the day, enjoy a festive Oktoberfest celebration - an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,D)

    Day 5 : VILSHOFEN, GERMANY
    Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, 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 Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
    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, visit charming Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA
    Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein 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. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : 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. (B,L,D)

    Day 9 : 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)

    Day 10 : 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)

    Day 11 : BUDAPEST
    Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csarda (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)

    Day 12 : MOHACS - PECS
    Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs and then visit Pecs, 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 Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohacs. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

    Day 13 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
    Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara 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. (B,L,D)

    Day 14 : BELGRADE, SERBIA
    Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. 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, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. 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)

    Day 15 : SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
    Visit Golubac Fortress - one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe - before 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. (B,L,D)

    Day 16 : 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. (B,L,D)

    Day 17 : 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. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

    Day 18 : GIURGIU - DISEMBARKATION - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
    Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to Bucharest where you will board your flight to Istanbul. Upon landing, check into your hotel. (B)

    Day 19 : ISTANBUL
    Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B)

    Day 20 : ISTANBUL
    Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul's fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)

    Day 21 : DEPART ISTANBUL
    Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

  • Call (847) 455-8897 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17533122

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Offer
    Offer valid through 12/31/2023
    Duration
    21 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaVerde

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Prague  
    Day 2Prague  
    Day 3Prague  
    Day 4Regensburg  
    Day 5Vilshofen  
    Day 6Linz  
    Day 7Weissenkirchen  
    Day 8Vienna  
    Day 9Bratislava  
    Day 10Budapest  
    Day 11Budapest  
    Day 12Pecs  
    Day 13Vukovar  
    Day 14Belgrade  
    Day 15Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates  
    Day 16Vidin  
    Day 17Giurgiu  
    Day 18Istanbul  
    Day 19Istanbul  
    Day 20Istanbul  
    Day 21Istanbul  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    04/05/2024$9,197.00* (USD)Quote
    05/31/2024$10,297.00* (USD)Quote
    06/28/2024$10,297.00* (USD)Quote
    07/26/2024$8,798.00* (USD)Quote
    08/23/2024$10,797.00* (USD)Quote
    09/20/2024$10,897.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    Notes:

    ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges not included in cruise price$420 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna)50% of twin price; Grand Suite and Owner's Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    VisaA Turkish Tourist Visa is required for entry into Istanbul, Turkey. All guests traveling to Turkey must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their departure date.

    BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The choices are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

    Terms & Conditions:

    All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

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