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AmaWaterways
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Budapest
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Included
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River Cruise
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AmaLea
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luxury
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Europe, Western Europe, Danube
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Hungary, Slovakia, Austria
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8 days / 7 nights
Best of the Danube (AmaAsia)
Offer Highlights
Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, followThe Sound of Musicthrough sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.
Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.
Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housing international collections and depictions of the history and heritage of Linz. The architecture of the city also plays an important role in Linz’s cultural heritage with Main Square, Old Town and Mariendom Cathedral being some key attractions. Families will enjoy a trip to Postlingberg, located high up in the mountains and featuring a zoo, the Grottenbahn and spectacular views of the river and city below.
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.
AmaLea
AmaLea is a sleek river ship created with luxury yachts in mind and sails Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers. Soft pink and blue tones and contemporary décor create a stylish atmosphere, while most staterooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies for multiple ways to enjoy the views. Guests can relax at the heated Sun Deck pool with a swim-up bar, stay active with a fitness room, walking track, and complimentary bikes, or enjoy wellness amenities such as a massage and hair salon. Evenings bring lively entertainment in the Main Lounge, while dining highlights include regionally inspired menus and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant.
Unique Features
Exquisite Dining On Board
Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.
Suite
SuiteSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category AA
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category AB
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category BA
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category BB
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category CA
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category CB
BalconySpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category D
OutsideSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
Category E
OutsideSpacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...
AmaLea has two main restaurants: the Main Restaurant, serving elegant, locally-inspired cuisine, and The Chef’s Table, offering a multi-course tasting menu with views into the glass-enclosed kitchen. Guests can also enjoy tapas and light bites in the Main Lounge. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs are happily accommodated.
Journeys Restaurant
ComplimentaryExperience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local...
The Chef’s Table
ComplimentaryEnjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings....
Get a glimpse of what awaits you aboard your AmaWaterways cruise ship, where every moment on board is designed to make your journey feel effortless and memorable.
Main Lounge & Bar
With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with yo...
Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Performances and Musical EveningsThroughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into...
Reception
The Reception is located on the Violin Deck.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop can be found on the Violin Deck.
AmaLea has a fitness room, massage services, a hair salon, and a specialty coffee station. On the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy a heated pool with a swim-up bar and a walking track overlooking the river.
Beauty & Hair Salon
Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can...
Fitness Room
Stay energized with fitness classes, a session in the gym, or an afternoon pickleball game on board,...
Sun Deck Pool
Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, t...
Fitness Classes
Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded b...
Massage Services
Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of...
Sun Deck
- Sun Deck
- The Deck Club
- Wheelhouse
- Pool
- Walking Track
Violin Deck
- The Chef's Table
- Elevator
- Reception
- Boutique
- Lounge
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category BA
- Category CA
- Category CB
Cello Deck
- Elevator
- Journeys Restaurant
- Category AB
- Category BB
- Category CA
Piano Deck
- Fitness Centre
- Massage & Hair Salon
- Category D
- Category E
Choose your cabin
Window
Cabin with a river-view window
2 options
Balcony
French or outside balcony with river views
6 options
Suite
Spacious suite with premium extras
1 option
| Date | Ship | Window | Balcony | Suite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan 2027 | AmaLea | £2,803 | £3,725 | £6,033 | Viewing |