Style : River cruise
Eiffel Tower on Lights, France

Ultimate River Cruise

AMA Waterways Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
3.7 . Great
69%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
20 days
From: $ 7,218 $ 361 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • See the fascinating Nuremberg
  • Discover Trier city tour
  • Explore Paris
  • Explore Mainz and visit Gutenberg Museum
  • Explore Kitzingen and enjoy Wine cellar visit & tasting
  • Visit Budapest City tour

Short Description

This cruise along the legendary rivers of Europe showcases a number of cultural and scenic highlights in France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Begin your river cruise vacation in beautiful Paris, the timeless “City of Light.” Sail through the lush Mosel River Valley, discover the most scenic portion of the Rhine, famous for its historic castles and incredible wine, and gaze upon medieval cities that line the Main and Danube rivers. You will experience three grand old capitals – Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna – interspersed with charming towns, steeply terraced hillside vineyards, ancient fortresses and spectacular vistas. Conclude your journey in Budapest.

Style River cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Lodging Level Comfort (4*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Paris
End City Budapest

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paris, France

Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Walk through the city’s enchanting streets, drop by a charming sidewalk café or visit one of many world class museums.

Day 2: Paris

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll visit Notre Dame and then enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Afterwards, you’ll see some of the most famous sights on a panoramic city tour, followed by a photo stop at Champs de Mars for views of the Eiffel Tower.

Day 3: Paris

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore the romantic “City of Light.” Stroll along the Champs Elysées, lined with boutiques and cafés, or go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair.

Day 4: Paris - Luxembourg - Embarkation

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Bid au revoir to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train that will whisk you away to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s last independent duchies. You will have a guided walking tour of Luxembourg as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton, before boarding the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. The ship departs very late tonight for Germany.

Day 5: Trier, Germany – Bernkastel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city with a rich Roman past. You will see Trier Cathedral, the Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 179 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel Valley’s wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon will take you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a winery visit and sample several regional vintages. Your ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight.

Day 6: Koblenz – Rhine River Gorge – Rüdesheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, offering fantastic views of the river valley below. Or, opt to take a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, with castle ruins, fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or you may choose to join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim.

Day 7: Mainz – Heidelberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, depart Rüdesheim and cruise to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible as well as centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. You may also choose to see the famed Chagall windows, which depict scriptural scenes in stunning blue. As an alternative to Mainz, you can travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where you will take a tour of the old town, visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and the city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim.

Day 8: Wertheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. You have your choice of one of three excursions today. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic city center, a scenic guided bike tour along the Main River, or a visit to local bakery for a pretzel-making demonstration and tasting. Your ship cruises to Würzburg this evening.

Day 9: Würzburg - Kitzingen

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning’s guided tour of Würzburg will show you all of the city’s major sights, or you may prefer to visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next stop is Kitzingen this afternoon where the town’s Historic Court Council and honorary Wine Queen will escort you to one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars to sample regional wines. You may either cruise to Kitzingen, or get there via a guided bike ride through the Franconian countryside. Later tonight, the ship sails towards Bamberg.

Day 10: Bamberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will have one of three ways to explore. The first is a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, as well as sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. The second is a guided bike tour along the Main River and the third is a Bamberg Specialties tasting where you will enjoy smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. This evening, we continue cruising towards Nuremberg.

Day 11: Nuremberg-Munich

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will travel by train from Nuremberg to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities. You will have an orientation walk upon arrival, and then your guide will offer suggestions on what to see during your free time in town and will take you to lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of this vibrant city. Back on board the ship tonight, you will meet new guests arriving from Prague.

Day 12: Nuremberg – Continental Divide

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You have two excursion options today. Take a tour of the city’s medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Notre Dame and the house of artist Albrecht Dürer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Ground and Justice Palace. Later, the ship cruises the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg.

Day 13: Regensburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning’s scenic cruising brings you into the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal en route to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D.

Day 14: Passau – Linz, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers flow into the Danube. You will have a choice of a walking tour of Passau’s Old Town, past the old city fortifications, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or more active guests may join either a guided bike tour from Passau to Erlau or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking Passau. Return to the ship this afternoon for a scenic cruise to Linz, Austria’s third largest city and a major river port.

Day 15: Melk – Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early this morning, we cruise to Melk. You have a choice between a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries, or a guided bike tour along the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch before cruising on through the scenic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna after dinner and explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own.

Day 16: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna’s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.

Day 17: Budapest, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may join a guided hike up to Budapest Castle Hill. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the city’s glittering riverfront.

Day 18: Budapest - Disembarkation

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, transfer from the ship to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.

Day 19: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

The day is free to explore beautiful Budapest at your leisure.

Day 20: Depart Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your homeward flight.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 7,218
Price Per Day: $ 361 per day
Checking price
  • Deposit Price: $ 400
  • Other mandatory fees: $ 336
  • Single Supplement: $ 750

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with AMA Waterways.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

39 AMA Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

69%
3.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 26
Great 1
Average 0
Disappointing 0
Terrible 12
Value
3.7
Guide
3.7
Activities
3.7
Lodging
3.7
Transportation
3.7
Meals
3.7

Ultimate River Cruise

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Company Reviews

I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!

Cancel for any reason

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
AMA’s “Cancel for any reason” insurance is bogus. It should be called rebook for any reason.

Refund my deposit for the Danube River Cruise

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Refund my deposit for the Danube River Cruise. You canceled through 11/17 and our trip was the following week. You know darn well that trip will not happen. You’re trying to recoup lost revenue by keeping our deposit. Shame on you. I will never recommend this company.
Read more

There is no better society

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Er is geen betere maatschappij!!!!!

highly recommend this company

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We have done two trips with AmaWaterways so far, and had booked third trip for this July, but now rescheduled to Sept. 2021. Our experience so far has been above and beyond our expectations. We would highly recommend this company.
Read more

Everything!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Everything! This must be on your bucket list!

Details

Ship Name

AmaDante

Ship Stats

  • Built: 2008
  • Built in: Netherlands
  • Length: 360 feet
  • Width: 38 feet
  • Crew: 45 (European)
  • Staterooms: 74
  • Suites: 3
  • Registry : Switzerland
  • Home port: Base

Ship Description

The custom-designed AmaDante was introduced in 2008 and features spacious staterooms ranging in size from 170-255 sq. ft. most with French balconies. All staterooms include plush down bedding, complimentary bottled water, terry robes and slippers, complimentary high-speed Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies. The Main Lounge is the perfect setting for group gatherings and nightly entertainment. And the AmaDante's Sun Deck and inviting whirlpool provide incredible views of Europe's legendary rivers.

Deck & Cabin Plans

Deck Plan - AmaDante

All Deck & Cabin Plans (affiliate link) Trip Photos (affiliate link)

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Cancellation policy

In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice to AmaWaterways must be via email to Res@AmaWaterways.com, which must include a return receipt and read notation, or other writing stating clearly and correctly each guest’s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. The effective date of the cancellation is the date we receive the written cancellation notice. Name changes, a substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part-charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per-person, based on the cancellation date, as follows:

More than 121 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: $200 (Europe & Asia) $1,200 (Africa)
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty

120-90 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: $400 (Europe & Asia) $2,400 (Africa)
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty

89-60 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 35% of cruise and land price
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty
  • Other Charges (except insurance): 35% of all charges

59-30 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 50% of cruise and land price
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty
  • Other Charges (except insurance): 50% of all charges

29-7 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 80% of cruise and land price
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty
  • Other Charges (except insurance): 80% of all charges

6-0 days prior to departure

  • Cruise & Land Cancellation Charge: 100% of cruise and land price
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Economy Contract fares): $350 penalty
  • Airfare Cancellation Charge (Business/First Class Contract fares): $600 penalty
  • Other Charges (except insurance): 100% of all charges

Trip ID#:

UltRivAma

What's excluded

  • International airfare
  • Personal expenses
  • Passport and visa fees

Meals Included

19 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 13 Dinners

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