Romantic Danube River Cruise, May 2-9, 2026, with Michael & Joey Barreto of Oso Libre Winery

Day 1: Wednesday, April 29

ARRIVE MUNICH

You will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel.Tonight join your fellow group members for cocktails in the lobby bar.

OVERNIGHT: Platzl Hotel or similar (3 Nights)

Day 2: Thursday, April 30

MUNICH SIGHTSEEING

Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home of historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart of the city. This evening enjoy a memorable dinner in an authentic Bavarian Beer Hall.(B,D)

Day 3: Friday, May 1

SCHLOSS LINDERHOF, OBERAMMAGAU AND NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

This morning visit Linderhof Palace, inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. This 19th-century castle is one of the Germany’s most magnificent structures. Linderhof is the smallest in a trio of elaborate royal palaces built by King Ludwig II (also known as the “Mad King”), and the only one he saw completed. Afterward head to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Centuries ago, the residents of the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau made a promise to God to re-enact Christ’s Passion if he would spare them from the Black Plague of 1633. Since then, hundreds of local townspeople perform this epic production every 10 years in Oberammergau. Stroll the picturesque town and see the large outdoor auditorium, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon visit Neuschwanstein, the most storied castle of Mad King Ludwig, the model for Walt Disney’s Magic Castles in the USA.(B, L)

Day 4: Saturday, May 2

REGENSBURG & VILSHOFEN / EMBARKATION

Depart Munich.Visit the Roman town of Regensburg for a walking tour and lunch.Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site.Afterward drive to Vilshofen to board our luxury cruise down the Danube River.(B,L)

Day 1: Saturday, May 2

VILSHOFEN AN DER DONAU, GERMANY: EMBARKATION

Arrive Vilshofen and make your way to the AmaMora for embarkation on your luxury cruise ship. Cap off the day with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration (D).

Planning Your Travel:Known as the “Little Three Rivers Town,” Vilshofen is situated at the entrance of the Lower Bavarian-Upper Austrian Danube Gorge.

If booking your own flights: Munich (MUC)is the nearest airport and is locate approximately 2.5 hours from Vilshofen. Three options are available for travel to Vilshofen.

• Coach Transportation: For those arriving into Munich (MUC) on the same day as AmaWaterways offers three transfers to the ship – 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM & 5:30 PM. Cost is $30 per person and must be booked with Expanding Horizons at time of final payment.
• Rail: Reservation can be made with RailEurope
• Private Car Transportation:This service is offered by various companies – for example BlackLane Global Chauffeur Services.

Services subject to change without notice.

Day 2: Sunday, May 3

VILSHOFEN – PASSAU, GERMANY

Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday, May 4

LINZ, AUSTRIA

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 famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

*Note: Not available with full-day Salzburg excursion

Day 4: Tuesday, May 5

WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA

Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)

Tip: Delicious liqueurs made from apricots are a local specialty here.

Day 5: Wednesday, May 6

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

TIP: Take a taxi or public transport and join one of the hourly walking tours (reservations required) of Vienna’s incredible equestrian institution the Spanish Riding School.

Day 6: Thursday, May 7

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 7: Friday, May 8

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday, May 9

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home (B).

Planning Your Travel:

• Transportation to the Budapest (BUD) airport for onward flights can be made on board your cruise ship with the cruise manager.

Services subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Saturday, May 9

BUDAPEST TO EGER & TARCAL, HUNGARY

After breakfast disembark the AmaMora and depart by coach two hours to Tarcal, in the heart of Hungarian wine country. En route stop at the village of Eger for a private tour, tasting and lunch at renowned Kovacs Nimrod Winery. After lunch, we pass vast fields of sunflowers en route to the storied Tokaji wine region. Tarcal is the charming commercial center of Hungary’s Tokaji wine country, home to the golden Aszu (“The Wine of the Czars”).Arrive at the magnificent Andrassy Residence Wine and Spa, a country manor converted to a 41-room boutique resort.(B,L)

Overnight: Andrassy Residence Wine and Spa Resort or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, May 10

TOKAJI WINE ESTATE

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 Chateau Diznoko, a beautiful hillside winery.Tonight enjoy a special dinner at Graf Degenfeld, a manor house hotel and wine estate.(B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday, May 11

ROYAL GODOLLO PALACE & LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE / BUDAPEST

Departing Tarcal, 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 Lipizzan 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.Tonight, we dine at an historic Budapest restaurant with Gypsy musicians. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Budapest Marriott Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Day 4: Tuesday, May 12

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”, enjoy a private tour at 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, palatial thermal bathhouse. This is a memorable thing to do here, something you will talk about for years.Dinner is at leisure tonight.(B)

Day 5: Wednesday, May 13

DEPART BUDAPEST

This morning check out of the hotel after breakfast. You will be transferred to Budapest International Airport for onward flights. (B)