Cruising the Danube River with AmaWaterways has been one of the most rewarding travel experiences I have enjoyed. With its majestic scenery, rich history, and diverse cultures, the Danube offers a journey like no other, and AmaWaterways elevates that experience with their impeccable service and attention to detail. I’ve had the pleasure of taking four cruises along this iconic river, each one special in its own way. From festive New Year’s celebrations to the allure of Eastern Europe on the lower Danube River, each journey offered something unique.
Budapest to Vilshofen Over New Year on AmaLea
My first experience on the Danube with AmaWaterways was a magical one. The cruise, which started in Budapest, took place in December over New Year, making it an unforgettable way to ring in the new year. Budapest, illuminated by festive lights, looked like something out of a winter wonderland, with its landmarks, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament, glowing against the night sky. This was the perfect introduction to river cruising, and from the very first evening, I knew I would fall in love with it.
On this cruise, I visited Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, and Vilshofen. These cities are packed with history and beauty, and each one offers something unique to discover. Vienna’s grand architecture and rich musical heritage left a lasting impression, while Bratislava’s medieval old town and castle perched above the city was captivating. These destinations became familiar to me, as I visited them on all three of my Danube cruises between Vilshofen and Budapest, but they never lost their magic. Each visit felt like a new experience, as each season offers something different and I explored different excursions.
One of the most memorable parts of this cruise was our day trip to Hallstatt, Austria. Known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Hallstatt truly lives up to its reputation. It wasn’t part of the official included AmaWaterways excursion list, but a friend decided to organise her own trip, and I’m so glad I joined her and a few others on this excursion. The village, nestled by a serene lake and surrounded by towering snow topped mountains, felt like a place frozen in time. Strolling through Hallstatt’s quaint streets and taking in the breathtaking views of the lake was nothing short of magical. Visiting Hallstatt made this first cruise even more incredible and worth the extra expense. I do wish AmaWaterways can offer this excursion in the future.
Vilshofen to Budapest in March on AmaSonata
My second AmaWaterways cruise took place in March over Easter, this time departing from Vilshofen and sailing to Budapest. Vilshofen is a lovely Bavarian town, and this port is where AmaWaterways hosts an Oktoberfest celebration for its guests all year round. Local beer, traditional pretzels, and a Bavarian folk dancing band, set the festive tone as we prepared for another beautiful journey along the Danube.
On this cruise, I had the chance to visit Cesky Krumlov from our port Linz, and I remember feeling drawn to this beautiful medieval town over the more popular Salzburg excursion. I’m not sure why I chose it, but once I arrived in Cesky Krumlov, I was so glad I did. The winding streets, historic architecture, and castle views over the Vltava River were simply enchanting.
On this second cruise, I also revisited the cities of Vienna, Passau, Linz, Dürnstein, Bratislava, and Budapest. Revisiting these iconic locations felt like seeing old friends again, but with something new to discover each time.
Giurgiu to Budapest in July on AmaMagna
My third AmaWaterways cruise, on the magnificent AmaMagna, took me along the Lower Danube, starting in Giurgiu, Romania, and making our way to Budapest. This route showed me a completely different side of Europe, where the history and culture are just as rich, but the landscapes feel more rugged and untamed.
One of the highlights of this cruise was passing through the Iron Gates, a stunning series of gorges that form a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The towering cliffs on both sides of the river were breathtaking, and AmaWaterways made the experience even more special by providing onboard lectures about the history of the area.
In Serbia, we visited Belgrade, a city that wears its history on its sleeve. The contrast between Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Communist influences was fascinating to see in the architecture and culture of the city.
Vukovar, Croatia, was another memorable stop, offering a sobering but powerful reminder of the Balkan Wars. The excursions here were deeply meaningful, showing both the scars of the past and the resilience of the people.
One of the things I enjoyed most about my cruise along the Lower Danube was how much quieter and less busy it felt compared to the more popular routes on the upper Danube. The excursions had a more intimate feel, with opportunities to visit a local home in Bulgaria and a farm in Serbia where we enjoyed learning how to make Bulgaria’s banitsa and Serbia’s gibanica, both savoury pastries with rich, comforting flavours. These experiences gave me a deeper connection to the local culture and made this cruise feel truly special.
Vilshofen to Budapest Over New Year
My fourth and most recent cruise was another New Year’s cruise, this time from Vilshofen to Budapest. I was travelling with my husband, and after my previous experiences, I couldn’t wait to share the magic of the Danube with him. This cruise, like the first one, took place over New Year, and we were able to enjoy this time while sailing past some of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Having already experienced the beauty of Cesky Krumlov on a previous cruise, I wanted my husband to see it too, and it was just as magical as the first time for me. Walking through the town’s cobblestone streets and enjoying the views over the river made for a perfect day, and I loved watching him experience it for the first time.
We also sailed through the Wachau Valley, one of my favourite stretches of the Danube. As always, the valley’s rolling hills covered in vineyards and dotted with picturesque villages took my breath away. In Dürnstein on previous visits, I took an excursion that included tasting the region’s famous apricots and wine, which I enjoyed, but we chose an excursion that included a visit to the Melk Abbey on this cruise instead. Both these excursions give you the chance to explore the small picturesque village of Dürnstein.
On this cruise, we once again visited Vienna, Passau, Linz, Melk, Budapest, and Bratislava, familiar places from my previous journeys that never failed to impress. Vienna’s grand boulevards, Melk’s stunning abbey, and Bratislava’s captivating history were highlights once again, and sharing these experiences with my husband made them feel new.
Why AmaWaterways?
Throughout all four of my Danube cruises, one thing that has remained constant was the exceptional service and experience provided by AmaWaterways. The ships are intimate and comfortable, with well-appointed cabins, gourmet dining, and a range of excursions that cater to all interests. I especially appreciate that excursions are included in the fare, giving you the flexibility to explore the region without worrying about extra costs. The only exception was in Vienna, where there is an additional charge for the highly sought-after Mozart concert excursion, a cultural experience in the evening.
Cruising the Danube with AmaWaterways has given me the opportunity to experience the heart of Europe in ways I could have never imagined. Whether I was revisiting the familiar beauty of Vienna, Passau, Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, and Bratislava, or discovering the hidden gems of Eastern Europe, each cruise offered unforgettable memories. I can’t wait to see where my next Danube adventure will take me.
