Overview
The newly built AmaMagna, one of the most exceptional vessels of her kind, makes this adventure through Old World Europe along the romantic Danube extra special. Twice the width of traditional European river ships, the AmaMagna features ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies, four unique dining options, five bars, an expansive wellness area, and an outdoor sundeck pool and whirlpool—ideal for relaxing after full days of exploring Europe’s treasures. Choose among walking tours, guided bike rides, and hikes through scenic lands where empires were built. Visit Austria’s beautiful Lake District, the legendary cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, and spend a full day in Salzburg, the famed site of The Sound of Music. From grand abbeys and fortresses to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’re sure to be dazzled by the sights and sounds that have inspired poets, musicians, and artists for centuries.
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Vilshofen, Germany / Embark
Board your ship, the AmaMagna. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with live music, local beer, and German sausages.
Day 2
Passau, Germany
Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria, and is a picturesque convergence of historical importance and natural beauty. Today, enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Passau's Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning spectacle with its tiled roof and tall spire. Or, take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress reflecting gothic, renaissance, and baroque styles. You can also choose to ride outside of the city to Wernstein on a guided bicycle tour.
Day 3
Linz, Austria / Grien, Austria
The ship arrives this morning in Linz, Austria’s second largest city. Enjoy a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. For those who love The Sound of Music, spend your day on a full-day excursion to Salzburg and 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, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. In the afternoon, you can either visit the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, or the Austrian Lake District, a famed resort area. Later in the day, visit the Greinburg Castle, the oldest residential castle in Austria.
Day 4
Melk, Austria / Spitz, Austria
In Melk, Austria, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or take a guided bike tour to Spitz before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll sail to Spitz to enjoy a guided excursion to Dürnstein and stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower. Those who wish for a more active adventure can hike to the historic Dürnstein Fortress, cycle through Spitz, or hike around Spitz—plenty of fun options! In the evening, enjoy an exclusive wine festival and sample some of the region’s famous wines.
Day 5
Vienna, Austria
Austria’s capital, Vienna, offers a wealth of cultural and architectural gems. Your city tour will showcase its splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. In the afternoon, visit the Palace of Schönbrunn, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture and opulence. Built as the summer residence of the Habsburg Emperors and spanning an astounding 1,441 rooms, this Rococo palace soon became one of their favorite homes. Your visit will include a guided tour of the Imperial apartments, the carriage museum, and the equally impressive gardens.
Day 6
Vienna / Bratislava, Slovakia
Enjoy a morning scenic cruise through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in 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, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to its gleaming castle.
Day 7
Budapest, Hungary
Sail towards Budapest in the morning, passing through the scenic Danube Bend where you’ll see some of Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Visit the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city.
Day 8
Budapest / Disembarkation
This morning, disembark your ship in Budapest.
REVERSE CRUISE PROGRAM
Budapest to Vilshofen Itinerary
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
Day 2 Budapest
Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
Day 4 Vienna
Day 5 Spitz / Melk
Day 6 Grien / Linz
Day 7 Passau, Germany
Day 8 Vilshofen
Magna on the Danube
