Celebration of Music Musical History & Culture Along the Danube

Debuting in 2025, our Best of the Danube itinerary captures the essence of Old-World Europe along the Danube River. As an added feature, select Best of the Danube departures have been enhanced as “Celebration of Music” sailings, with specially curated excursions highlighting the rich musical histories of Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg and Vienna.

These special departures will deepen your passion for music as you are treated to a variety of included live performances, such as a choir recital in or around Melk’s golden-hued Benedictine abbey and a special evening concert in Vienna. As you glide along the Danube River, you will enjoy many curated experiences that bring to life the iconic musical figures of the past that left their musical mark along this fascinating European waterway.

Included Experiences

  • Musical Histories: Deepen your passion for music as local guides trace musical history along Strauss’s “Blue Danube.”
  • Private Musical Tours: Experience behind-the-scenes tours of venues such as Budapest’s regal Hungarian State Opera House.
  • Unique Performances: Enjoy an evening of live music from prestige musicians in Vienna and rejoice in a choir performance during your tour of Melk Abbey.
Available Dates
2025 | 2026
START CITY EMBARK DATE CRUISE PRICE
Budapest Apr 5 $3,639 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest May 21 $4,239 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest Jul 9 $4,239 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest Sep 24 $4,639 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
START CITY EMBARK DATE CRUISE PRICE
Budapest Apr 4 $3,949 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest May 20 $4,449 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest Jul 8 $4,449 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE
Budapest Sep 23 $4,849 RESERVE NOW REQUEST A QUOTE

Best of the Danube

Roundtrip from Budapest

Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary artists and musicians. Throughout your journey you will visit the river’s legendary capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna – the city of waltzes. Encounter fascinating architecture and historical museums, including Vienna's Liszt Museum and magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, follow The Sound of Music through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

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DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
1 Budapest
 RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION
2 Bratislava Scenic cruising
“Coronation City” walking tour with musical vignettes
  OR “Tastes of Slovakia”
  OR Bratislava Castle hike
  OR Bike tour
3 Wachau Valley Scenic cruising
Melk Melk Abbey visit with choir performance
  OR Melk Abbey hike
  OR Melk bike tour
  OR Dürnstein walking tour
4 Linz Full-day Salzburg City tour with Mozart birth house and residence
  OR Full-day Cesky Krumlov
  OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
  OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
5 Vienna Scenic cruising
“Imperial Vienna” tour
  OR Vienna by bike
Exclusive evening concert
6 Vienna “Composer’s Walking Tour”
  OR House of Music
  OR Vienna Woods hike
7 Budapest Buda city tour
Classical Music Tour with Opera House visit and Liszt Museum
  OR Pest tour
8 Budapest RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION

*Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, inclusive of $240 per person port charges and based on double occupancy in Category E stateroom. Up to $2,000 per stateroom savings is based on double occupancy (solo receives up to $1,000); savings vary by departure date and is limited to availability. Please visit AmaWaterways.com for more information and complete terms. Stateroom upgrades, optional land packages, visas, airfares, and gratuities are additional. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply. For complete details, general information and terms & conditions, please contact your travel advisor. Other restrictions apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit AmaWaterways.com/terms-conditions. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California. CST#2065452-20.

Discover More

The destinations we visit along the Danube each offer their own unique musical history, traditions, local delicacies and enriching experiences. Get inspired for your future river cruise by reading the stories below.


Composers and Classical Music in Austria
Discover classical music history through the legendary composers that lived and worked along the Danube River
Trace The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Austria
The hills are alive with the sound of music in the stunningly historic town of Salzburg, Austria.
The Music of Vienna
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II – with native sons like these, it’s no wonder that classical music continues to reverberate through the streets of Austria – particularly Vienna.