Magna on the Danube River Cruise, May 12-19, 2024, with Frederick Boelen of Jessup Cellars and Handwritten Wines

Day 1: Wednesday, May 8

ARRIVE BUDAPEST

Arrive Budapest International Airport. You will be met on arrival at baggage claim and transferred to into your hotel. Tonight, join a walking tour of Budapest’s colorful Jewish Quarter, full of restaurants and nightlife. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight: Budapest Marriott Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Thursday, May 9

BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube. Visit the Hungarian Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Opera House and Hero’s Square. This afternoon is at leisure for shopping. Those who dare can enjoy an optional experience, visiting an authentic, centuries old thermal bathhouse. This is a memorable thing to do here, something you will talk about for years. Tonight, we dine at an historic Budapest restaurant with Gypsy musicians. (B,D)

Day 3: Friday, May 10

EGER AND TARCAL

After breakfast depart by coach two hours to Miskolc — a city on the eastern edge of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, northern Hungary, near the famous Tokaj-Hegyalja wine district. En route stop at the village of Eger for a private tour and tasting  at renowned Kovacs Nimrod Winery. Lunch at the Macok Bistro. After lunch depart for Miskolc, passing vast fields of sunflowers. Arrive at the award-winning Avalon Resort & Spa — a quiet retreat with its 50 rooms including suites and unique log cabins.(B,L)

Overnight: Avalon Resort & Spa (2 nights)

Day 4: Saturday, May 11

TOKAJI WINE ESTATES

Today enjoy a private cellar tour, tasting and lunch at Chateau Dereszla, one of Hungary’s most prominent and historic vintners. This winery’s golden Aszu and Eszencia wines which consistently rate 94+ points by Wine Spectator. Lunch today is at MAD Wine – Aszuhaz, a mixture of new and old Hungary in the aptly named village called Mad. This evening enjoy a special dinner at Miskolci Vigado – an iconic building located in Miskolc’s largest green park, the Népkert. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Sunday, May 12

ROYAL GODOLLO PALACE, LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE, EMBARKATION

Departing the Tarcal region, recross the Hungarian plain. Tour the Royal Palace of Godollo, the summer getaway for Emperor Franz Josef and his beloved queen Elizabeth, fondly called “Sisi” by all Hungarians. After a tour of the palace visit the 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 lunch and refreshments. (NOTE: great photo opportunities here).

Arrive in Budapest approximately 4pm to board AmaMagna.Before dinner there is a Captain’s Champagne Reception in the main lounge.After dinner (weather permitting) gather for a private cocktail reception on the Sun Deck for members of The Good Life Wine Collective group. (B,L,D)

Day 1: Sunday, May 12

EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. (D)

Day 2: Monday, May 13

BUDAPEST

Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Visit 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, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. During the afternoon, sail out of Budapest, passing through the scenic Danube Bend where you’ll see some of Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Tuesday, May 14

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 to Bratislava’s gleaming castle. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Wednesday, May 15

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna 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, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Thursday, May 16

KREMS, AUSTRIA – SPITZ, AUSTRIA

Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, cruise through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley—one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced—to Spitz. Once in Spitz, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz- Emmersdorf-Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine experience where you’ll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Friday, May 17

LINZ, AUSTRIAN ALP CITIES

Join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and 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, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. In the afternoon, you can visit the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Saturday, May 18

PASSAU, GERMANY –  VILSHOFEN, GERMANY

Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau’s Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sail to the charming town of Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to a festive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Sunday, May 19

VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to the ship and 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: Sunday, May 19

DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG TOUR – PRAGUE

Disembark the AmaMagna 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 Prague Hotel (3 Nights)

Day 2: Monday, May 20

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: Tuesday, May 21

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: Wednesday, May 22

DEPART PRAGUE

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