Grand Danube Cruise

Take your included flight from the UK and fly to Giurgiu in Bulgaria, where you will be met and transfered from the airport to the ship to embark your cruise.

Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow guests.

On day 2, step back into ancient history by touring Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and its legendary medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Or opt to venture to the stunning city of Rousse, sometimes called Little Vienna for its breathtaking 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and then afterwards marvel at the UNESCO-designated Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art.

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 overlooking the Danube. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. 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.

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. 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 travellers.

Discover the wonders of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour with highlights that include 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, the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively savour a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Or join a guided bike tour for those wishing a more active adventure.

Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens” and see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town centre. For a more active adventure, join a guided biking or hiking tour and enjoy a more active exploration. In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the legendary Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached.

Back on board, cruise to Vukovar, which is a Croatian symbol of resistance. See history come to life as you visit the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Or you could indulge in a Croatian wine tasting by choosing to visit Ilok, a centre of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Pécs, 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 Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago.

This morning head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. Be amazed by the nomad-cavalry fight show, the archery on horse, four-in-hand driving, the virtuosities of herds-men and so many other wonderful riding performances. Experience warm hospitality and enjoy a traditional lunch served with Goulash before returning to your ship docked in Budapest. Cap the day off with a stunning illumination cruise and marvel at the sight of the Hungarian Parliament Building glowing against the night sky.

On the second day in Budapest the 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.

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 culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.

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 splendours, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city centre, 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. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour.

Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein 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.

On arrival in Linz 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 Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border

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.

This morning, disembark in Vilshofen and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK