Cruise the Danube by Luxury River Ship Itinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Day 2: Arrive in Munich, Germany | Passau – Embarkation
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Upon arrival to Munich International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to Passau to board the river ship.

The Amadeus Riva is the epitome of luxury cruising. This floating haven features spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms and impeccably designed public spaces. As embarkation begins, take time to unpack and become familiar with your accommodations.

This evening, join fellow travel companions for a special welcome reception and dinner. 
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (R,D)

Day 3: Regensburg
Thursday, September 19, 2024
After breakfast discover the many Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic structures of Regensburg, making it one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. During a guided walking tour, see architectural highlights such as the stone bridge (built 1135-1146), the Church of St James, and the Schloss of Thurn and Taxis.

Continue to Weltenburg, first stopping for a brief visit to the towering "Hall of Liberation." This historical monument on Mount Michelsburg, built in the mid-1800s by order of King Ludwig I to commemorate the Liberation from Napoleon’s rule, overlooks the Danube at Kelheim.

Next, board a boat destined for Weltenburg Abbey and partake in a beer tasting, if interested. Situated at the mouth of idyllic Danube Gorge, Weltenburg Abbey was founded in the year 600 by missionary monks, and is thus the oldest monastic settlement in Bavaria. 

Finally, sit beneath the Biergarten trees and relax with a freshly brewed, on-tap beer. Options include the award-winning Weltenburg Borock Dunkeland and the Bavarian wheat Hefe-Weissbier Hell.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 4: Passau | Linz
Friday, September 20, 2024
Enjoy breakfast before today's planned shore excursions—informative walking tours of Passau and Linz. 

Located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers, Passau is a city of beauty and religious pilgrimage. Learn first-hand how its scenic landscapes and northern Italian-style buildings make it a feature destination.

In Passau’s Old Town, baroque architecture lines winding streets that weave between notable landmarks. Marvel at the towering façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral before heading inside for a tour. Built in 1688, it has survived various wars as well as a fire, and it houses one of the largest church organs in the world, with almost 18,000 pipes.

Next discover the Upper Austrian state capital Linz on a walking tour. This provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire was an important trade center. Indeed, as the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the empire. It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the emperor in 1493.

In addition to the medieval town square in historic old town, see the Renaissance villas, the old cathedral with the Bruckner organ, or the new cathedral. (Visits depend on operating hours and Mass schedules.) Visible from afar is the pilgrimage basilica on the mountain Poestling, the landmark of the town.

If time allows, taste a piece of the famous Linzer Torte. This cake originated in the Austrian city Linz around 1650, and is very well known for its crumbly, nutty dough covered with marmalade and topped with a lattice of dough strips.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 5: Emmersdorf | Dürnstein | Vienna
Saturday, September 21, 2024
This morning set out for a tour of Melk Abbey. The view from its terrace is breathtaking, rivaled only by the frescoes, tapestries, and gilded treasures inside. Melk Abbey is one of the world’s most famous monastic sites, its library holding countless medieval manuscripts. In the grandiose Abbey Church, admire the domed ceiling and the extravagantly decorated walls that frame St. John the Baptist’s Altar, which depicts the baptism of Jesus by John.

Returning to the ship for lunch, embrace the views en route to Dürnstein, a quaint wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Visit a Krems wine estate and learn more about its origin, history, culture, and unique varietals during a tour and tasting.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vienna
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Take the opportunity to become deeply acquainted with Vienna—The City of Music—during a full day of exploration.

During a panoramic tour along the famous Ringstrasse, pass by several magnificent buildings including the stunning opera house, the parliament, Court Theatre, and the imposing city hall. Then take a guided walk through the city center, beginning at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, along the Kohl market, and concluding at iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

Later today, join an included excursion to Schönbrunn Imperial Palace—the former summer residence of the Habsburgs—for an inside tour. Considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic importance, unique grounds, and ornate furnishings. See the magnificent white and gold Rococo décor and crystal mirrors of the Mirrors Room, where a six-year-old Mozart gave his first concert for the Empress. Then admire the Great Gallery, a ceremonial hall that provided the ideal setting for balls and other court functions.

This evening offers a special optional excursion—an intimate musical performance featuring orchestral classics by renowned Viennese composers (additional fee; purchase on the ship).
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bratislava
Monday, September 23, 2024
Bratislava has it all—history, architecture, tradition, culture, and art. The charming Old Town, full of narrow cobblestone streets, has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style. Tour past St. Martin’s Cathedral, formerly the church where coronations of the Hungarian Empire took place. Also pass by Grassalkovich Palace, the official residence of the President of Slovakia, continuing up a hill to enjoy stunning views over the city.

Afterwards, explore Old Town on foot during a guided walking tour. From Michael’s Gate, stroll through the historic city center to admire the Primatial Palace and Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city. Additional Old Town highlights include the Main Square, Old Town Hall, and the most photographed statue in the city (Cumil).

Later, travel by motor coach along the Marchfelder Schlösserstraße to Schloss Hof Palace and Estate, a magnificent country palace. An inside tour provides a glimpse into 18th century courtly life at Schloss Hof. Enjoy a moment of solace in the dome-vaulted chapel where Prince Eugene himself prayed, wander the grounds filled with statues and fountains, and visit the estate's farm and petting zoo. 

Embrace leisure time on board while sailing to Esztergom. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment (fees apply; purchase on the ship), unwind in the lounge or simply relax on deck to capture the panoramic landscape passing by.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L.D)

Day 8: Esztergom | Budapest
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
After breakfast, disembark in Estzergom to see its vast domed basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

Continue to Szentendre, the home of many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Several museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Margit Kovács Museum, is located here. Fo tér, the main square, is particularly worth seeing, as it is surrounded by impressive Rococo and Baroque architecture.

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrad for a view of the "knee" of the Danube.

Rejoin the vessel in Budapest in time for lunch on board. 

This afternoon, explore this beautiful Hungarian capital during a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its iconic Hungarian Parliament building. See splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill to visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (pending its availability to the public at the time).

The final evening on board, gather together in celebration over dinner to commemorate your time exploring this beautiful region along the Danube.
Overnight: Amadeus Riva (B,L,R,D)

Day 9: Budapest – Disembarkation | Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Following breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good soles. We expect that guests on this program can follow a guide through cobblestone streets at an average pace for two hours, and walk up and down stairs without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than vehicle, and sometimes it is not possible for your motor coach to drop you off at hotel and site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, handrails may not be present, and facilities for the disabled may be limited.