MELODIES OF THE DANUBE River Cruise 2026
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7 Nights - Budapest to Vilshofen
Experience the beauty and culture of Europe on AmaWaterways’ Melodies of the Danube, a captivating river cruise through the heart of the continent. Sailing along the legendary Danube River, this unforgettable journey takes you from the grandeur of Budapest and Vienna to the charming streets of Bratislava and the picture-perfect landscapes of the Wachau Valley. Along the way, discover imperial architecture, rich musical heritage and timeless riverside towns that have inspired artists and composers for centuries.
Cruise through Austria’s scenic lake districts, visit Salzburg - the birthplace of Mozart - and enjoy immersive excursions, locally inspired dining and award-winning service on board. With elegant surroundings, included experiences and ever-changing views of castles, vineyards and historic cities, this Danube river cruise is the perfect way to experience Europe in comfort and style.
Take advantage of our exclusive special offer and secure your place on one of the Danube’s most popular itineraries at exceptional value.
Itinerary
Your 7 night itinerary sails from Budapest in Hungary to Vilshofen in Germany! Select a day below for a more detailed view.
Arrive in Budapest and settle onto the ship, surrounded by the spectacular sights of Hungary's capital city
Travel between Buda’s turrets and Pest’s grand squares
Explore both sides of the Danube in Budapest, starting with Buda’s Castle District to admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and sweeping panoramic views. For a more active adventure, hike up Castle Hill. In the afternoon, discover Pest’s highlights, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• Buda city tour • Castle Hill hike • Pest city tour
Roam Bratislava’s streets where history and flavour meet
Discover Bratislava, the “Coronation City of Kings,” on a walking tour through its historic streets and landmarks. Alternatively, savour local flavours on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour, or take a hike up to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views of the city. Each path reveals the city’s rich history, culture, and scenic charm.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• “Coronation City” Walking Tour • Tastes of Slovakia • Bratislava Castle Hike
Wander Vienna’s grand boulevards and immerse yourself in imperial splendour
Explore Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” on a city tour highlighting its regal landmarks, from the majestic Opera House to the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in the historic city centre with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover the city on a bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further experience Vienna’s culture, architecture, and charm.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• “Imperial Vienna” Tour • Vienna City Tour by Bike • Free time
Amble past cobbled streets, savour wine, and drift along the Wachau valley
Arrive in Weissenkirchen and choose from a variety of excursions. Stroll through Dürnstein and visit the UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, enjoy a wine tasting with local apricot treats, or take a more active adventure hiking to Richard the Lionheart’s fortress or biking to Melk. Later, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Grein, where you’ll tour the impressive 500-year-old Greinburg Castle.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• Highlights of Durnstein and Melk Abbey Visit • Durnstein with Wine and Apricots • Durnstein Fortress Hike • Weissenkirchen to Melk Bike Tour • Strudengau Valley and UNESCO Wachau Valley • Exclusive Greinburg Castle Visit
Roam historic squares, grand castles, and riverside avenues.
Arrive in Linz and choose from a variety of excursions. Visit Salzburg’s historic centre, Mirabell Gardens, and Residenz Square, or explore the Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, strolling cobblestone streets and touring its impressive castle. Back in Linz, enjoy a walking or bike tour through the city’s highlights, or take a guided tour into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• Full Day Salzburg Excursion • Full Day Cesky Krumlov Excursion with Linz Tour • “UNESCO City of Media Arts” Walking Tour • “Cultural Mile” Bike Tour • Distillery Tour
Explore Passau’s historic streets and riverside vistas before celebrating Bavarian traditions in Vilshofen
Discover Passau on a walking tour, admiring its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or take a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus fortress or a bike ride along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen for a festive Oktoberfest celebration, an exclusive AmaWaterways experience.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:
• “City of Three Rivers” Walking Tour • Passau Castle Hike • Passau River Inn Bike Tour • Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration
Bid Farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your homeward flight.
Your Ship
AmaSerena and AmaVenita offer a refined, intimate river cruise experience, combining elegant twin-balcony staterooms, exceptional dining and personalised service. As sister ships, both deliver the same award-winning comfort and immersive journeys through Europe’s most captivating rivers.
Images are for illustration purposes only. Actual ship features, layouts, and décor may vary.
What's Included
- ✈️ Return flights from LHR/LGW or MAN (regional flights available from +£75pp)
- 🚌 Overseas transfers to/from ship
- 💰 Gratuities
- ⛴️ 7 nights 5* luxury accommodation
- 🗣️ Immersive group tours in each port of call
- 🍴 Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- 🍽️ The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- 🍹 Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- 🍽️ La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- 🍷 Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- 🍊 Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- 🥤 Soft drinks between lunch and dinner
- 🥂 Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- 🥪 Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- 👨🏽💼 Services of an experienced cruise director
Dates Available
5th July 2026 - AmaSofia *NEW SHIP FOR 2026*
6th July 2026 - AmaBella
15th July 2026 - AmaReina
17th August 2026 - AmaVerde
26th August 2026 - AmaReina
31st August 2026 - AmaBella
31st October 2026 - AmaLea
Exclusive Limited Time Fares
All dates are pay in full at time of booking except 31st October departure which can be booked for £570pp deposit.^ - availability is limited!
Solo travellers can book this deal from an extra £420 per person
| Stateroom Category | Was from (pp) | Now only (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Window Stateroom | £1,799 | |
| Double / Twin Balcony | £2,349 |
Or extend your trip after your cruise with a 3-NIGHT POST CRUISE STAY WITH TOURS IN PRAGUE - Available from £750pp.
Terms & Conditions
Travelzoo Exclusive Special fares are per person based on double occupancy of either a Window Stateroom (categories E & D), or a Twin/Outside Balcony Stateroom (Categories BB/BA/AB/AA). French Balcony Stateroom (categories C, CB & CA) and Suite AA+/A+ grades are not included. Fares include cruise, port charges, onboard gratuities, return economy flights from Manchester, London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport and group overseas transfers (between airport and ship). Stateroom grade will be allocated based on the highest grade, subject to availability, at the time of booking. Offer is available for new bookings only, made by 31st May 2026. ^Full payment is required at time of booking on all departures featured except 31 October departure which can be booked for £570pp deposit. Promotion is not combinable with any other offers, incentives or special rates unless otherwise stated. Regional flights may be available from +£75pp supplement. Flights from alternative gateways and upgraded flight fares are available on request and may incur a supplement. Flight schedules and airlines used are fully at the discretion of AmaWaterways and timings will be confirmed at the time of booking confirmation. Requests for alternative flight timings may incur a supplement. Flights included in the offer are capacity controlled. In the event a promotional sailing has sufficient cruise capacity but insufficient economy flight capacity, flight supplements may be charged and will be advised at time of booking. Cancellations may be up to the full value of the holiday, or - if booking 31st October 2026 departure - full loss of deposit (£570 per person & any additional flights supplements) once flights have been confirmed. If travel arrangements are changed, promotion may be reassessed based on the date you make the change. Standard cruise cancellation terms apply. Fares and offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Standard booking terms & conditions apply.