Timeless Danube

Travellers gather in Toronto for our direct flight to Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic.

Upon arrival in Prague, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your flight or to begin exploring this captivating city. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. 

Grandior Hotel Prague (3 nights)  

This morning’s walking tour reveals why Prague is known as the "City of a Hundred Spires." Its historic centre, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Our tour takes you to the exterior of Prague Castle, a seat of power for over a millennium, and the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. From there we walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues of saints, to the Old Market Square. The afternoon is at your leisure to discover more of the city’s charms. This evening, we immerse ourselves in local culture at a Folklore Dinner Show, a celebration of Czech music and dance.   

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to delve deeper into Prague's enchanting streets. You might choose to explore the historic Jewish Quarter with its ancient synagogues, or find a charming café to watch the world go by. 

Depart Prague after breakfast, travelling by motor coach to the city of Pilsen. Best known as the birthplace of the golden Pilsner lager, the city offers a delightful atmosphere for a short stop. After some free time, we continue our scenic drive through the countryside to Passau. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, this beautiful German city is the starting point for our cruise. This afternoon, we embark and settle into our cabins. Join your fellow passengers for a Welcome Cocktail followed by a specially prepared dinner as we begin our voyage.

AMADEUS Amara (7 nights) 

This morning, our ship docks in the charming market town of Emmersdorf, situated directly across the Danube from Melk. Our included excursion takes us to the magnificent Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine monastery perched high above the river. A guided tour of this Baroque masterpiece reveals its opulent marble hall, impressive library filled with priceless medieval manuscripts, and the abbot’s chambers. Back on board, we’ll prepare for our arrival in Vienna, the home of the waltz, with a lively dance class to learn the elegant, three-quarter time steps. 

Welcome to the elegant capital of Austria, a city renowned for its imperial history, classical music, and splendid architecture. Our tour introduces you to Vienna's grandeur with a drive along the famed Ringstrasse. This grand boulevard is lined with impressive buildings such as the State Opera House, the Parliament, the Court Theatre, and City Hall. Our exploration continues on foot into the heart of the city, starting with the Hofburg Imperial Palace and continuing along Kohlmarkt to the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy some free time to explore the pedestrian area at your own pace. 

Today we explore Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube." The river gracefully divides the city into two distinct parts: the rolling hills of Buda and the flat plains of Pest. Our tour covers both sides, taking us past the Great Market Hall, the magnificent Parliament Building and the grand State Opera in Pest, with a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square. We then cross the Danube to the Castle Hill district in Buda for a visit to the colourful Matthias Church and the whimsical Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. As dusk falls, the city transforms into a glittering spectacle. We will experience this magic on an illuminated city cruise, accompanied by a lively onboard folklore show celebrating Hungarian culture.  

This afternoon, we journey through the scenic Danube Bend region. Our first stop is the picturesque artist village of Szentendre, known for its cobblestone streets, galleries, and museums. Here we will visit the museum dedicated to the works of the celebrated ceramist Margit Kovács. We then continue to the ancient fortress of Visegrad for stunning views over the river bend. Our final stop is Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian state, where we visit its magnificent Basilica, the largest church in the country.   

We awaken in Bratislava, the picturesque capital of Slovakia. Our tour begins with a drive past key landmarks, including the elegant Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president of Slovakia. We then ascend to the grounds of Bratislava Castle, perched on a hill for stunning views of the city. Our exploration continues through the beautifully restored Old Town. From the medieval Michael's Gate, our guided walk leads us along cobblestone streets to see the Primatial Palace and St. Martin's Cathedral, the historic coronation church for Hungarian monarchs. We will also see the Main Square with its Old City Hall and charming fountains. As a special treat, we'll pause to sample a traditional Pressburger pastry, a local delight. Our walk concludes near the Opera House, after which you’ll have free time to explore more of this delightful capital. 

After lunch, we arrive in Linz, a city that skilfully blends a rich history with a modern, innovative spirit. This afternoon's walking tour guides us through the charming Old Town, showcasing its historic townhouses and the beautiful main square. We will see the Old Cathedral, home to the famous Bruckner organ, and contrast it with the modern architecture along the riverfront. Our tour concludes with a stop at a local coffee house to enjoy a slice of the famous Linzer Torte. Tonight, we celebrate our journey at the glamorous Captain’s Gala Dinner.   

After breakfast, we disembark in Passau and transfer to Munich for our flight home, filled with lasting memories of our time along the Danube.