Romantic Danube River Cruise, June 22-29, 2024, with Betsy & Peter Spann of Spann Vineyards

Day 1: Wednesday, June 19

ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

You will be met upon arrival at Prague Airport and transferred to your hotel.  The rest of the evening is at your leisure. 

OVERNIGHT: Andaz Prague Hotel (3 Nights)

Day 2: Thursday, June 20

PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING

This morning, meet your escort in the lobby. Our morning walking tour reveals why Prague, which was never bombed in WWII, is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Old Town, dominated by the twin spires of St. Tyn Church. Stop at the iconic Astronomical Clock, built in 1399, where the saints come marching in, every hour on the hour! Then board our private tram car to Strahov Library, which is adjacent to the Strahov Monastery. Enjoy a private visit to the library and a beer tastingat the Strahov Monastery Brewery. This afternoon is free to explore Prague’s Old Town, Wenceslas Square and charming cafes. Enjoy lunch on your own, with many restaurants and eateries all around. (B)

OPTIONAL TOUR: Take a fun optional excursion to Prague’s own U Flecku Brewery (founded in 1499) with a Pilsner beer tasting and lunch.

Day 3: Friday, June 21

PRAGUE / OPTIONAL TOURS

Today is at leisure to explore Prague on your own. Highly recommended is an optional walking tour of Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. Old Town, dominated by the huge spires of St. Tyn’s Church, has been the center of commercial life in Prague since the Middle Ages. Continue into the Jewish Quarter, Europe’s best preserved Jewish ghetto. Your guide will provide commentary about the history and insight about Prague’s history and its dynamic Jewish community. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with Moravian wines at the renowned Mlynec Restaurant, overlooking the Vltava River. (B,D) NOTE: Tonight, smart casual dress please.

Day 4: Saturday, June 22

PRAGUE – CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC – VILSHOFEN AN DER DONAU: EMBARKATION

Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Český Krumlov — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Český Krumlov is located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Situated on both banks of the Vltava (Moldau) river, the town was built below a magnificent castle founded in the 13th century. The river meander and rocky slopes of the castle hill are the most important elements which along with the link to the picturesque neighboring landscape, determine not only the impressive urban composition of the historic centre but the dominating position of the castle as well. The Historic Center of Český Krumlov is an outstanding example of a small Central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than several centuries. Later this afternoon, continue to Vilshofen, where you will board AmaViola, your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)

Day 1: Saturday, June 22

VILSHOFEN AN DER DONAU, GERMANY: EMBARKATION

Arrive Vilshofen and make your way to the AmaViola 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, June 23

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, June 24

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, June 25

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, June 26

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, June 27

BRATISLAVIA, SLOVOKIA

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, June 28

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, June 29

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, June 29

BUDAPEST: ROYAL PALACE OF GODOLLO / LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

Disembark the AmaViola at 9am. 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 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.  (B,L)

Overnight: Budapest Marriott Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, June 30

BUDAPEST AT LEISURE

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 Szentendre Artist Village or an exploration of the city’s many Jewish sites and historical places. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. (B, D)

Day 3: Monday, July 1

DEPART BUDAPEST

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