Day 1: Thursday, November 4

ARRIVE BUDAPEST

You will be met on arrival at Budapest International Airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. TIP: Tonight stroll down Kazinczy Street and explore the lively Jewish Quarter’s night life. This is Budapest’s version of Bourbon Street with the many “Ruins” bars and night clubs.

Overnight: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus (2 nights)

Day 2: Friday, November 5

BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING

Today is at leisure to explore Budapest, arguably central Europe’s most substantive city. Budapest has been a crossroads between Europe and Asia since the time of Genghis Khan. Our tour desk in the hotel will offer optional tours to the Hungarian Parliament and Opera, the Szendtendre Artist Village or an exploration of the city’s many Jewish sites and historical places. Tonight enjoy a Gypsy dinner at the historic Karpatia Restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3: Saturday, November 6

ROYAL PALACE OF GODOLLO / LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE – EMBARKATION

This morning check out of the hotel after breakfast. We have a uniquely Hungarian sightseeing program today visiting two superb attractions outside the city. The Royal Palace of Godollo was the summer getaway for Emperor Franz Josef and his beloved queen Elizabeth, fondly called “Sisi” by Hungarians. After a tour of the palace visit the extraordinary Lazar Champions Estate. Here brothers Vilmos and Zoltan Lazar raise Hungary’s finest horses, including the beautiful white Lippinzan breed and the enormous Hungarian draft horses. Enjoy a phenomenal riding show by Hungarian hussars in traditional costume, followed by refreshments and an authentic and delicious country lunch. NOTE: Great photo opportunities here! This afternoon board the M/S AmaSonata to begin our Danube cruise program. (B,L,D)

Day 1: Saturday, November 6

EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering riverfront. (D)

Day 2: Sunday, November 7

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to 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, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday, November 8

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

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 up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday, November 9

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal 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. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday, November 10

WEISSENKIRCHEN – GREIN

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday, November 11

LINZ, AUSTRIA

TThe ship arrives in Linz where 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. In the afternoon, you can also choose to visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

*Note: Not available with full-day Salzburg excursion

Day 7: Friday, November 12

PASSAU, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN

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. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration — an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday, November 13

VILSHOFEN: EMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Day 1: Saturday, November 13

DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG TOUR — PRAGUE

Disembark the AmaSonata and depart for Prague. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, originally founded by the Romans. Enjoy a walking tour and free time to explore the city’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Prague, taking in the scenic beauty of the countryside before arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 2: Sunday, November 14

PRAGUE

Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals 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, see the 1,000 year old Prague Castle while riding a vintage tram up Castle Hill. After our exclusive visit to the Strahov Library, we will walk over to St. Norbert’s Brewery to experience their award-winner beers. At the conclusion of our tour, you can walk back to the hotel via the stunning Charles Bridge and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure. Tonight a private dinner at one of Prague’s elegant restaurants has been arranged for the group. (B,D)

Day 3: Monday, November 15

PRAGUE / OPTIONAL TOURS

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. Alternatively, we have a number of optional sightseeing excursions including Terezin Camp, the art collection at Lobkowitz Palace, the historic U Flecku Brewery & Beer Tasting or Crystal Glass Blowing.(B)

Day 4: Tuesday, November 16

DEPART PRAGUE

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)