Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. With an abundance of scenic cruising, a focus on grand cities and popular landmarks, and the ease of traveling roundtrip from Budapest, this special itinerary is our Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner’s top-choice itinerary for 2025 – be among the first to experience it! Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser-known heritage and historic sites. After embarking your ship, discover the luxury and beauty of river cruising as you glide through the scenic Wachau Valley, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Bratislava and Vienna – where AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, the visionary “Godfather of River Cruising,” was born and raised. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, follow The Sound of Music through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary composers the likes of Mozart and Strauss. Follow their famous melodies through the Wachau Valley and the river’s legendary capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” encountering fascinating architecture, captivating legends and the storied sites where great composers lived, worked and performed. Explore Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, where portions of The Sound of Music were filmed. Along the way, deepen your passion for music while being treated to a variety of live performances, including in or around Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey. As you glide along the Danube River on your way back towards Budapest, remember the figures of the past that left their mark along this fascinating European waterway.