AmaWaterways offers 14 itineraries on the Danube ranging from five to 14 nights. While some of these itineraries may seem similar, or share ports of call, there are details we want to help you consider when booking your dream river cruise, though they can be small. 

AmaViola & AmaCerto docked in Vilshofen, Germany. © 2019 Britton Frost

Part of the appeal of the cruising Danube is the sheer amount of countries that you are able to visit. Not to mention, the fact that you only have to pack your bags once – and you have a stellar crew waiting on you (nearly at your hands and feet). On Upper Danube cruises from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg or Vilshofen, Germany, and reverse, guests are able to visit four countries. This may be the section of the Danube you have heard about, flowing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. If you’re looking to visit a fifth country, AmaWaterways even offers pre- and post-cruise extensions in Prague, Czech Republic. 

However, there are also lesser known Danube itineraries, such as those on the Lower-Danube between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania. Lower-Danube itineraries visit Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. The Lower Danube may not be an area that you’ve considered sailing, but these itineraries are gaining popularity with travelers as they are a great way to explore the history and culture of the region. 

AmaWaterways’ lineup includes a number of Upper and Lower Danube itineraries, but how do you choose the itinerary best for you? Maybe there’s a city you’re dying to see that is only included on certain Danube itineraries; or maybe it’s easier to take a bus ride from Munich to Vilshofen than Nuremberg; airfare schedules and prices may even vary depending on your embarkation destination. No matter what you’re looking for, Ama has you covered with an extensive list of offerings. 

AmaWaterways’ Danube Lineup Includes:

Melodies Of The Danube – 7-nights Budapest to Vilshofen

Countries visited: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Stops in: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen/Dürnstein, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen

Overnight docking in Vilshofen and Budapest.

This seven-night sailing takes guests from Budapest to Germany. Perhaps one of the most popular Danube itineraries, this itinerary visits three European capital cities. Get an overview of these cities through walking tours and active excursions alike. A highlight of the trip is an excursion to Salzburg, where the Sound of Music was filmed, and a wine and apricot tasting in Dürnstein was a ship favorite on my last Danube sailing.  

Romantic Danube – 7-nights Vilshofen to Budapest

Countries visited: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Stops in: Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen/Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

Overnight docking in Vilshofen and Budapest.

This seven-night sailing takes guests from Germany to Budapest. This itinerary has the choice of multiple bike and hike tours. The bike ride through the Wachau Valley is one of my favorite excursions on any river. Learn about Bratislava’s food and beer culture through the Tastes of Slovakia excursion, or visit a local winery in Weissenkirchen.

Majestic Capitals of the Danube – 5-nights Budapest to Vienna

Grand Danube Cruise – 14-nights from Vilshofen to Giurgiu

Countries visited: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia

Stops in: Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen/Dürnstein, Vienna, Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Ilok, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Vidin, Rousse, and Giurgiu.

Overnight docking in Vilshofen and Budapest.

This fourteen-day itinerary takes guests down the Danube from Germany to Romania. For guests who appreciate a longer trip to Europe this is a great option. This itinerary visits eight countries, starting in Germany and sailing down the Danube toward the Black Sea. Highlights of the trip include an excursion to Melk Abbey, a visit to Bulgaria’s oldest preserved medieval castle, and two overnight stays in Budapest for ample time to explore the city.

Gems Of Southeast Europe – 7-nights Budapest to Giurgiu

Countries visited: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

Stops in: Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Ilok, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Vidin, Rousse, and Giurgiu.

Overnight docking in Nuremberg.

This seven-night sailing takes guests from Hungary to Romania. Guests who have sailed the Upper-Danube will experience the river in a different light as they visit Southeastern Europe. On this itinerary, guests will discover Novi Sad, known as the “Athens of Serbia” due to its culture and history. In Belgrade, guests can sample Serbian plum brandy or join a guided bike tour. With a multitude of active excursions, food and spirit tastings, and city tours, guests will get acquainted with the Danube in a new way. 

Legendary Danube – 7-nights Nuremberg to Budapest

Countries visited: Austria, Germany, Hungary

Stops in: Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, Budapest

Overnight docking in Nuremberg and Budapest.

This seven-night sailing takes guests from Germany to Hungary. Another popular Danube itinerary, guests who travel on this sailing will transit the Main-Danube Canal. Unlike the Melodies of The Danube and Romantic Danube itineraries, this sailing visits Nuremberg and Regensburg. In Nuremberg, passengers can tour the medieval city, sample Franconian specialities like bratwurst and red beer, or visit WWII sites. In Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Ama offers a walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights. 

Blue Danube Discovery – 7-nights Budapest to Nuremberg

Countries visited: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Stops in: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg

Overnight docking in Nuremberg.

This seven-night sailing takes guests from Hungary to Germany. Similar to the Legendary Danube, this itinerary takes guests through the Main-Danube Canal, though an overnight in Budapest is sacrificed to take guests to Bratislava.

While offering many similar itineraries can be confusing for some, it allows for a more customizable cruise experience where guests can choose where they want to visit, where they want to start, where they want to end, and how they want to travel.