Grand Danube - Smithsonian Journeys

The Danube's most complete route, 14 nights from Vilshofen to Giurgiu, gains real depth with Smithsonian Journeys scholars in every port. Expert programming opens up the layered history of Central and Eastern Europe, Habsburg empire-building and Ottoman legacies on the upper river, Bulgaria's ancient monasteries and the story of Serbia's Iron Gates in the east. The river at full length, with the full story behind it.

Duration14 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia

Duration14 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia

Highlights of your Smithsonian Journey

Learn from the experts

Talks written for your specific route and delivered before you step into the location they’re about, putting it all into perspective before you arrive.

Exclusive experiences

Each sailing includes tours designed for Smithsonian Journeys guests, and not available on the other itineraries.

Small-group access

With limited group sizes, you’ll be able to hear the expert, ask the question, and be part of the conversation.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailing

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $500 per person in 2026. $560 per person in 2027. $580 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Best of the Danube

“We adored...the exclusive Oktoberfest in Vilshofen where we got to know fellow guests.”

Maureen G.

Best of the Danube

“The “Tastes of Slovakia” tour gave us a chance to sample some delicious local beer and cheese pairings at a pub. Toasting to our friendship and connecting with the locals was a real highlight for us.”

Meghan F.

Christmas Markets on the Danube

“We chose the “Imperial Vienna” tour and the architecture in Vienna was incredible. I was blown away by the ornate buildings. We also stopped along the way to taste some traditional apple strudel at a restaurant recommended by our Cruise Manager during our free time — sure enough, it was incredible!”

Meghan F.

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Grand Danube - Smithsonian Journeys

Highlights of your Smithsonian Journey

What's included with your cruise

Dates, Prices and Offers

Ships

AmaBella

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

Grand Danube - Smithsonian Journeys

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

May 17, 2027Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysFrom: Departure:May 17, 2027 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysFrom:

June 14, 2027Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:June 14, 2027 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

September 06, 2027Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysFrom: Departure:September 06, 2027 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysFrom:

October 04, 2027Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysFrom: Departure:October 04, 2027 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysFrom:

May 15, 2028Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:May 15, 2028 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

June 12, 2028Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:June 12, 2028 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

September 04, 2028Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:September 04, 2028 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

October 02, 2028Vilshofen to GiurgiuAmaBellaSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:October 02, 2028 AmaBellaDirectionVilshofen to GiurgiuSmithsonian JourneysSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: