Spend 3 nights in Prague, then enjoy a fascinating cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION. Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
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Day 2
BUDAPEST. This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more. Departing Budapest in the afternoon, you will cruise through the Danube Bend and also enjoy an onboard lecture and wine tasting featuring Hungarian wines prior to dinner. (B,L,D)
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Day 3
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture before arriving in vibrant Vienna. Your guided city tour of Vienna will include the impressive Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An early dinner will be served on board before this evening’s very unique Viennese options: You can either enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert or join your fellow wine enthusiasts on a “Heuriger” excursion to the old wine villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna. These charming wine taverns are licensed to serve the year’s new wine from their own vineyards. Experience a cozy evening and the Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit, a fitting introduction for your first night in Austria! Musicians will enliven the evening with traditional songs on guitar and accordion. (B,L,D)
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Day 4
KREMS. Depart Vienna this morning and enjoy an onboard wine lecture about Austrian wines and its famous Wachau Valley as you cruise to Krems, wine capital of this region. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will discover that Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities! The town’s thriving wine culture includes venerable old harvest estates, young wine-growers and co-operatives, a renowned wine school and famous Lower Austria Wine Fair. Learn first-hand about Krems’ role as a center of Austrian wine during an afternoon tour of the Krems Wine Museum. After a light buffet dinner on board, an outing this evening will include a Wine Fest in a colorful local wine cellar, Winzer Krems, accompanied by traditional regional dishes. (B,L,D)
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Day 5
DÜRNSTEIN - MELK. This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround Dürnstein. Above the town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, site of the spectacular Melk Abbey. Located atop a granite cliff overlooking the Danube, the 900-year-old Abbey is one of the largest Baroque monasteries in Europe. You will tour the Abbey this afternoon. Later, a visit to a local vineyard, Spitz-Grotisch, will introduce you to the famous wines of the Wachau. This evening, savor the delicious flavors of Austria at dinner on board, accompanied by a selection of specially-paired wines. The ship moors overnight at Melk. (B,L,D)
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Day 6
LINZ. This morning, you will cruise the scenic Wachau Valley while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive at mid-day in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Upon arrival, you will have your choice of an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. Best known for the art and architecture of its old town, Cesky Krumlov also boasts Bohemia’s second largest castle. In the alternative, an excursion to Salzburg is available. Your excursion begins with a drive from Linz towards Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own before your return transfer to the ship. This evening, the gala Captain’s Dinner takes place on board. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN. This morning, enjoy a scenic Strudengau Cruise while listening to a wine lecture on board. Arrive mid-day in Passau, Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. You have a choice of two different excursions in Passau. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative to a walking tour of Passau, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). You will have free time this afternoon before departing Passau for Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. This evening, enjoy a very special “Oktoberfest” specially created for AmaWaterways passengers by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, song and dance set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen’s distinctive local beer and some regional delicacies. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to lead the festivities as the cruise portion of your journey comes to an end. (B,L,D)
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Day 9
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen, and depart for Prague. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, where you will enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your motor coach transfer to Prague. Take in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in Prague in the late afternoon. (B)
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Day 10
PRAGUE. Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus, before walking over to Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. The balance of the day is at your leisure; perhaps visit the Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B)
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Day 11
PRAGUE. Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)
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Day 12
DEPART PRAGUE. Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
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3 nights hotel in Prague at the InterContinental (or similar), including daily Buffet Breakfast
Transfer from Prague to the ship in Vilshofen
7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
Most staterooms offer French balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies
Life enriching tours and excursions daily
“Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights” excursions
State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
Multiple dining venues on select vessels
Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
Bicycles to explore on your own & 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)
All transfers with the purchase of cruise & air package
All local taxes
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