Complimentary land package on selected departures if booked by March 31, 2024
No single supplement on select departures
Overview
Discover a wealth of art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe's most famous destinations. Journey to Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna's sinfully rich sachertorte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley wine-making region, and traverse Europe's Continental Divide. Add on a pre-cruise extension to Budapest or a post-cruise extension to Prague.
Arrive: Budapest, Hungary
Depart: Nuremberg, Germany
Highlights
Cultural and architectural heritage of Vienna, Bratislava, Melk, Passau, Regensburg
Walking tours, wine tastings, guided bike tours
Extend your adventure to Glorious Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Budapest / Embark
This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s major sites, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Spend the evening in Bratislava before the ship cruises to magnificent Vienna later tonight.
A panoramic tour of Vienna guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall, and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben, and the World Famous Spanish Riding School. You are free to explore on your own this afternoon, so be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.
After reaching the Wachau Valley early this morning, you will have three tour options: A walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets followed by a wine tasting, a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or an apricots and sweets tasting. Later, relax on board during a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley or join a guided bike tour along the Danube to Melk. Your ship arrives late this afternoon in Melk, one of Europe’s most renowned spiritual and cultural heritage sites, where you will tour its spectacular Benedictine Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the charming town of Melk on your own.
Arrive in Passau, a 2,000-year-old city noted for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. You can explore this charming city on a walking tour, guided bike ride, or on a hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. The ship cruises overnight.
This afternoon, the ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have your choice of one of three tours this afternoon. Your first option is a guided walking tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Your second option is an opportunity to sample the city’s most renowned specialties—sausage, beer, and pretzels. Your third option is a guided bike tour from Regensburg to Walhalla through the spectacular scenery of the Danube Valley.
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal and leisurely cruises through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. This afternoon, you have a choice of three activities in Nuremberg. Take a tour of the city’s medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Notre Dame, and the house of artist Albrecht Dürer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Ground, and Justice Palace. Alternatively, savor traditional flavors on a Franconian Specialties tasting as you sample the famous Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier, and Lebkuchen. The ship moors here overnight.
Depart the ship after breakfast, with the option to add the post-cruise Land Program.
Additional 2-nights Budapest pre-cruise, 3-nights Prague post-cruise from $1460 (2023)
Day 1: Arrive / Budapest, Hungary Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Budapest Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube.
Day 3: Budapest / Embark Check out of your hotel to boar your luxurious ship. During the evening, be treated to a special illuminations cruise around Budapest's famed Parliament Building.
Days 3-10: Cruise Only Program The Cruise-Only Program begins with embarkation on Day 3 in Budapest and disembarks in Nuremberg on Day 10.
Day 10: Nuremberg / Disembark / Pilzen / Prague, Czech Republic Depart the ship after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer, a pale gold-hued Bavarian style lager. You will have free time to explore this lovely town and have lunch on your own before continuing to Prague and checking into your hotel.
Day 11: Prague This morning, choose between a city tour and 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. You will see Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Next, visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital's famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, and the statue of Jan Husek. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to enjoy yourself in one of the city's many charming cafés.
Day 12: Prague Join a Czech beer tasting or spend a day at your leisure, perhaps to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor café, or shop for local handicrafts.
Day 13: Prague / Depart Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom—most staterooms offer French Balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies
Life-enriching tours daily with personal headset included “Limited Edition Tours"
Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library, and English language TV stations
Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
Multiple dining venues
Unlimited red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
Bicycles to explore on your own and guided bicycle tours
Services of professional Cruise Manager
All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare
All local taxes
Not Included
Airfare
Arrival/departure transfers
Passport or visa fees
Optional travel insurance
Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional
Optional gratuities to guides or crew
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
AmaLea
Days 1-7 (7 nights)
The 156-passenger AmaLea is a sister ship to the AmaKristina. "Twin Balconies" are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming...
The 164-passenger AmaSonata features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wine is available at multiple onboard dining...
Making her debut in 2011, the 161-passenger AmaVerde shares the distinction of having the largest average stateroom size (214 sq. ft.) in Europe with her sister ship, the AmaBella. An array of dining options is available for your culinary enjoyment. Choose Verde Fine Dining Restaurant, the ships' main restaurant, serving...
The AmaViola is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. This 158-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms measuring a spacious 210-235 sq. ft., with four suites measuring 350 sq. ft. Each offers exclusive twin balconies and in-room Internet...
This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.
Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.
AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.
AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.
There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.
Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.
There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.
All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!
Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.
Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
