Embark on a journey like no other with the debut of our 7-night Celebration of Music itinerary in 2025, a river cruise designed to enchant travelers of all styles as the region’s distinctive melodies guide you across this portion of the legendary Danube River. This roundtrip itinerary from Budapest showcases the grandeur of Old-World capitals that inspired legendary composers such as Strauss and Mozart and ventures off the beaten path to unveil hidden gems along the storied “Blue Danube.” Whether you are an enthusiast looking to delve into the musical history along the river, a family seeking a memorable vacation, or a traveler simply looking for a respite on the rivers, this new itinerary offers experiences just for you.
Let the Music Guide You
Experience the musical traditions of the Danube’s grand capitals and baroque villages. In Budapest, you can enter a world of grandeur at the exquisitely designed Hungarian State Opera House, host to countless operas and ballets for over a century, and take your moment in the spotlight on stage. Then, continue your tour at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Founded by the virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt, this school contains the restored rooms of his final residence. In Vienna, you can partake in an evening of exceptional classical music at one of the city's performing arts venues, such as the Burg Kapel. This AmaWaterways exclusive experience is included in your cruise fare as part of this music-focused itinerary.
You will also cruise through Austria’s breathtaking Wachau Valley before arriving in Melk, renowned for its magnificent Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s grandest monasteries. Marvel at the elaborately painted frescoes and gilded details inside, see a famed collection of musical manuscripts and enjoy an incredible live choral performance during your visit. Other musical highlights of this itinerary include a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss; a walking tour of Bratislava with live musical vignettes throughout the city; the “Composer’s Walking Tour” in Vienna, which traces the footsteps of artists such as Beethoven; a visit to Vienna's interactive House of Music museum; and a full-day excursion to Salzburg with a visit to Mozart's birth place and his residence.
A Generation-Spanning Journey
This new itinerary is also excellent for multi-generational families and groups looking for a distinctive vacation to enjoy together. Our incredible variety of up to five included daily excursions (which span beyond the music theme) offers an experience for everyone. Your family or group can enjoy the sights together, or you can explore the same city in unique ways, uniting later in the day to share discoveries and stories over a delicious meal in our exquisite Main Restaurant. For example, in Vienna, a grandparent may wish to take a walking tour through the city while their adult grandchild may prefer to explore Vienna by bike. This itinerary also boasts hiking tours in Budapest, Bratislava and Melk, and it offers city walking tours in nearly every port. Plus, with departures from February through October, you can cruise this itinerary in any season, including summer when school-aged children are on break.
Relax and Recharge on the River
AmaWaterways offers “gentle walkers” tours across our European itineraries for guests with limited mobility or who prefer to move at a more relaxed pace and take in all the sights. Every city visited on our Celebration of Music itinerary will include a gentle walkers tour.
This new itinerary also includes several days with scenic cruising along the river, including a full day of scenic cruising en route to Vienna. These cruising portions of the itinerary allow you to recharge as you marvel at the majestic landscapes along the river from your stateroom balcony or to enjoy your ship's plentiful amenities. From Entertainment-on-Demand in the staterooms to sun-deck games such as cornhole and giant chess, host-led fitness classes, massage services, a library with board games and a refreshing pool, there are a variety of ways to spend your time on board.
Fly In and Out of Budapest
Celebration of Music is our only Danube River itinerary that cruises roundtrip from Budapest, Hungary. This makes travel planning even easier, as you can reserve roundtrip flights. Best of all, when you reserve your flights through AmaAir, convenient transfers between the airport and your river cruise ship are included in the price. Plus, AmaAir includes a friendly AmaWaterways airport representative who will help escort you to your coach when you arrive at the airport and, in some cases, will lead you all the way to your security gate when you depart as well! Plus, this new itinerary offers a 2-night Budapest pre-cruise land package option that allows you to explore more of this amazing city—or simply recharge after a day of international travel—while enjoying a stay in a 4- or 5-star hotel, a guided tour of the city, and the services of a dedicated AmaWaterways Cruise Manager before boarding your ship for the 7-night cruise.
Click here to reserve your 2025 Celebration of Music river cruise or contact your preferred travel advisor