Majestic Capitals of the Danube Cruise with Guest Speaker Marshall Hayden| April 21, 2023
Come join us for a 5 Night Majestic Capitals of the Danube Cruise on Amawaterways' AmaLea starting at $2398 from Vienna on April 21, 2023, with guest speaker Marshall Hayden. Delight in the Old-World grandeur of Europe’s most spectacular capital cities along the Danube River. From Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria, follow the paths of kings and queens (Habsburg royalty among them) on up to five included excursions each day. Enjoy guided hikes to hilltop castles such as Bratislava’s gleaming fortress, bike tours to beautiful sites like Klosterneuburg Abbey and tastings of local delights, such as the cake that started a national holiday in Austria: sachertorte. Plus, enjoy the local nightlife as each capital and its architectural wonders illuminate after sunset. Whether you are sailing the Danube River for the first time or returning to venture deeper into the cities that inspired you most, we invite you to celebrate this spectacular journey with us as we treat you like the royalty you are.
What's Included
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Meals on Ship
- Cruise
- Free WIFI
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 DAY 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Vienna.
Day 2 DAY 2 EMBARKATION – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Board the ship for your Majestic Capitals of the Danube cruise.
Day 3 DAY 3 VIENNA
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. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to experience a true Vienna specialty, the Sacher Torte, and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese Coffee. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
Day 4 DAY 4 VIENNA — BRATISLAVA
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. Enjoy a scenic cruise in Vienna before sailing to Bratislava. In the evening, end your day with an exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate’s Palace, a striking neoclassical building heart of the old town.
Day 5 DAY 5 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA — BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
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 or enjoy a guided biking tour. Take in the magnificent view as we glide along the Danube River into Budapest.
Day 6 DAY 6 BUDAPEST
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. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join our “Hidden Budapest” tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser known to the average traveler. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.
Day 7 DAY 7 BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.
Enhance Your Journey
Salzburg Pre Cruise
PRE 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Munich.
PRE 2 ARRIVE IN SALZBURG
Arrive in Salzburg and check-in to your hotel.
DAY 1 SALZBURG
Enjoy a walking tour in Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Or visit lovely Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s cemetery and other sites in the city made famous in the movie, “The Sound of Music.” During your walking tour, you’ll visit the impressive Hohen-Salzburg Fortress, known as the largest fully preserved fortress in Central Europe and offers stunning panoramic views of Salzburg. For those seeking a thrilling experience, venture to Salzburg Airport for a visit to the Red Bull Hangar 7, known for its exceptional collection of historical Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and a collection of Formula 1 race cars.
DAY 2 SALZBURG – VIENNA – EMBARKATION Check out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic drive to Salzburg where you’ll have a panoramic view of the breathtaking Austrian Lake District and Mondsee. Transfer to Vienna before boarding your luxurious river cruise ship.
Krakow WWII Post Cruise
DAY 7 BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION – KRAKOW
Depart the ship and enjoy a stop in Banska Bystrica before transferring to Budapest to check-in to your hotel.
DAY 8 KRAKOW
Get acquainted with your surroundings and take a deeper dive into the fascinating history of Krakow with a comprehensive city tour. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle – the world’s very first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Poland’s largest castle, located in the center of its Old Town. The Wawel Hill it stands upon features a limestone cave renowned for its connection to the legendary Wawel Dragon of Polish folklore, which you will learn more about during your tour. You will also venture into Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter and see the factory of Oskar Schindler, who was credited with saving 1,200 Jewish lives during World War II, and who was famously honored in the award-winning film Schindler’s List. You will also be treated to a live performance of the Polish anthem by a trumpeter on the highest tower of Saint Mary’s Church, otherwise known as St. Mary’s Trumpet Call, a tradition since the 19th century. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore more of the city.
DAY 9 KRAKOW
Prepare yourself for an emotional day as together, we explore a darker period in Poland’s history with a visit to Auschwitz, the largest and most tragically infamous of Europe’s labor and death camps. The main gate, barbed wire fences, buildings and barracks look much the same today as they did during the Holocaust, when 1.1 million lives were taken within the camp. It was liberated from January 17-21, 1945, saving 58,000 from further horrors. Though not for the faint of heart, this once-in-a-lifetime excursion will honor the memory of those who perished and promises to be one you won’t soon forget.
DAY 10 DEPART KRAKOW
Bid farewell to Krakow and prepare for your return flight home.
Departure Dates
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Friday, April 21, 2023From $2398 Sold Out!
