Melodies of the Danube River Cruise, April 3-10, 2024, with Josh & Carrie Bendick of Holly’s Hill Vineyards

Day 1: Monday, April 1

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: BUDAPEST MARRIOTT HOTEL (2 nights)

Day 2: Tuesday, April 2

BUDAPEST

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 evening, enjoy a short walk to the VígVarjú Restaurant for a memorable gastronomic experience. (B,D)

Day 3: Wednesday, April 3

DAY AT LEISURE – EMBARKATION

Enjoy a tour of the Castle District located on the Buda side of this fascinating city. Take a cable car up to Buda Castle and the Castle District for a walking tour. The Buda Castle is one of the main symbols of Budapest — it rises above the city of Várhegy. It dominates the city from the top of Várhegy hill, giving the opportunity to enjoy an amazing view. Visit the Matthias Church built in the 13th century. Enjoy a beverage on the Fisherman’s Bastion with its amazing views and fairy tale towers. Return to the hotel at midday. Balance of the early afternoon at leisure. Mid-afternoon, you will be transferred to the AmaSonata for embarkation and to begin your Danube cruise program. (B,D)

Day 1: Wednesday, April 3

EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Arrive in Budapest and board the AmaSonata, your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Day 2: Thursday, April 4

BUDAPEST

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: Friday, April 5

BRATISLAVIA, 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: Saturday, April 6

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: Sunday, April 7

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: Monday, April 8

LINZ – AUSTRIAN ALP CITIES

The 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)

Day 7: Tuesday, April 9

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: Wednesday, April 10

VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Vilshofen. Prepare for your flight home, or continue on to Prague for our 3-night post-cruise tour of the capital of the Czech Republic. (B)

Day 1: Wednesday, April 10

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)

OVERNIGHT: ANDAZ HOTEL – a Concept by Hyatt (3 NIGHTS)

Day 2: Thursday, April 11

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. After your morning walking tour, enjoy the vintage tram from Old Town to Prague Castle. Visit the Strahov Library — one of the most valuable and best-preserved historical libraries consisting of approximately 200,000 volumes. Following your visit to the Strahov Library, enjoy a beer tasting. Either take the coach or walk 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. This afternoon you may want to visit the Jewish Quarter & Old Town on an optional tour or perhaps you may just want to enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafés. (B)

Day 3: Friday, April 12

PRAGUE

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 several optional sightseeing excursions available include either a visit to the Terezin Memorial (a former concentration camp), or a Prague Castle tour. Tonight our group enjoys a private dinner at one of Prague’s elegant riverside restaurants. (B,D)

Day 4: Saturday, April 13

DEPART PRAGUE

Bid farewell to Prague. You will be transferred to Prague Airport for your homeward flight. (B)