AmaWaterways Celebration of Music River Cruise

Musical History & Culture Along the Danube

Begin your journey with our pre­cruise land package in majestic Budapest, during which you will immerse yourself in some of the Hungarian capital’s lesser­known 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. Encounter fascinating architecture from Melk’s golden­hued Benedictine abbey to Vienna’s magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Plus, follow The Sound of Music through sprawling Salzburg, the incomparable birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Included Experiences

Delve further into the music and culture along the Danube River during lectures and performances specially curated by your Music Host 

• 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.

Day by Day Itinerary Details

Day 1, BUDAPEST. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship, perhaps exploring the city independently before the evening’s briefings, cocktail hour, and dinner. (D) 

Day 2, BRATISLAVA. Take your time this morning as the ship cruises from Austria to Slovakia. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. If you prefer exploring the world through your tastebuds, join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to sample traditional flavors from the region, including local beer. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, or journey further from the seat of your bike on a guided cycling tour. (B,L,D) 

Day 3, WACHAU VALLEY ­MELK. Spend your morning reveling in the postcard­perfect landscapes of Austria’s picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau Valley. Later in the day, arrive in Melk. Located above the city on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 11th century, the magnificent abbey now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. During your tour, you will see some of Melk’s musical manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. If you prefer a more active tour, you may hike to Melk Abbey or pedal around town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, venture to the neighboring town of Dürnstein for a walking tour along its charming cobbled lanes, taking in the beauty of its brilliant blue Stiftskirche tower. (B,L,D) 

Day 4, LINZ. Arrive in Linz, where you’ll have multiple choices for excursions. In the morning, step off the ship into Linz, taking in its contemporary architecture as well as the old city center, the old market, and past the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days. As another alternative, pedal through Linz on an exhilarating bike tour. If you would rather fulfill your travel wish list in Salzburg, join our tour through the historic center, lovely Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Mozart's birth home and his residence. Alternatively, join a full­day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance­style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. (B,L,D) 

Day 5, VIENNA. Enjoy a full morning of scenic cruising, taking some time to sit back, relax, and delight in the ever­changing views. Sleep in late, participate in a complimentary wellness class, treat yourself to a massage, and get to know fellow cruisers while exploring all the amenities on board. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city center as a traditionally costumed coachman regales you with fascinating stories along your route, offering a new perspective on this sophisticated city. Alternatively, take a thrilling guided bike ride along the romantic Danube Canal and through the city, traversing a bridge, cycling across a meadow, and heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard. (B,L,D) 

Day 6, VIENNA. Following your overnight in the “City of Waltzes,” visit the UNESCO­designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441­room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. If you prefer to connect with nature, journey to the town of Cobenzl, where you will embark on a hike through the famed Vienna Woods that inspired a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II. Later in the day, explore Vienna at your leisure. (B,L,D) 

Day 7, BUDAPEST. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Start your exploration of the city on the Buda side of the Danube, following your guide through the city’s Castle District, where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admire the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. In the evening, head up to the Sun Deck or stroll around town, delighting in the way Budapest’s magnificent landmarks illuminate against the night sky. (B,L,D) 

Day 8, BUDAPEST. Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)  

Legend: (B,L,D) Indicates which meals are included on this day, B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D:Dinner

Ship Information: While there are no towers on AmaReina, you’ll feel like royalty in your very own floating castle. Luxurious comfort is afforded by the plush linens and soft robes within the staterooms, most of which feature view-enhancing twin balconies. A pleasing color palette with subtle floral and leaf designs brings you into the breathtaking scenery you’ll see outside. Your palace features plenty of public spaces in which to mingle with your kingdom, like the fireside library. The Main Lounge, with its baby grand piano, is the epitome of class and a romantic venue in which to grab a drink. You’ll also find fine dining fit for kings and queens in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table, where a multi-course tasting menu will be presented to you. Additional regal amenities include a walking track, heated swimming pool, fitness room, massage and hair salon, and specialty coffee station.

Pricing

Guided Path Travel has special group pricing, and a portion of the proceeds goes to The Florida Orchestra. If you would like to join us, please call Elisa Rzymski at 727-478-6691 or email guidedpathtravel@gmail.com. An Initial Deposit of only $200 per person saves your stateroom and Final payment is due: 03/23/2026.

What's Included?

• Award-Winning Dining: Savor locally sourced exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.

• Beverages: Specialty coffees and teas are available free of charge any time of day or night in the Main Lounge. At lunch and dinner, fine wines, beer, soft drinks, and specialty coffees and teas are available on an unlimited and complimentary basis. Complimentary Cocktails are served every evening at the Cocktail Hour before dinner. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available outside of mealtimes for an additional charge.

• Sun-Deck Pool: Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages, and other breathtaking scenery.

• Sightsee by Bike: With a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, you can explore Europe on our guided bike tours or explore on your own.

• High-Quality Complimentary Wi-Fi: This ensures you can stay connected, whether with your workplace, the news of the world, or your loved ones back home.

• Fitness Center: Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

• Thoughtful details that anticipate your needs on board: High-quality umbrellas in your stateroom and warm blankets on the Sun Deck ensure you can experience every fascinating destination and enjoy every scenic view, regardless of whatever Mother Nature sends your way. You’ll often be greeted with refreshing towels and bottles of water after hikes, bike rides, and warm-weather excursions. Plush linens and soft robes are within the staterooms.

• Nordic Walking Sticks & Folding Cane Seats: A limited number are available on board; please ask reception should you wish to use one.

• Wellness Activities: During your river cruise, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of small group wellness activities, such as yoga, pilates, core strengthening, cardio, and dance classes, depending on the expertise of the trained Wellness Host aboard your ship. S

• Bathroom Amenities: Your stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, spa-quality toiletries, including soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.