Ultimate Danube River Prague To Budapest Cruise & Cycle 8D7N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 26 Km (16 Miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 Km (26 Miles), Elevation gain: 366m (800 ft)

Meet your tour leaders at Hotel Klárov in Prague at 8:00 am for a tour briefing. Arrive with your luggage, daypack, biking clothes, passport and anything else you may need. Your luggage will be transported to your ship. It is essential to complete online check-in with AmaWaterways at least 7 days prior to the trip.

Get ready to explore the majestic Danube River Valley! Danube is one of the significant rivers in Europe, flowing through 10 countries from Germany to the Black Sea. After the meeting, we shuttle to our first destination Fürsteneck in Germany, a small yet stunning town where a lunch of traditional Bavarian fare awaits us at the Schlossgaststätte (castle tavern) of Fürsteneck Castle. the castle complex lies on a hill cradled by a bend in the river and is only accessible through an arched medieval passage!

Bike along the enchanting Bavarian Forest, a wooded low mountain region that is considered the largest protected woodland area in Central Europe. After a small warm-up, get ready for the challenging climb that will take you to a picturesque bike path that used to be a rail line once and connecting the Ilz River with the Danube. Keep pedaling to discover rolling fields, quaint villages, and lush forests. The scenic path will take you uphill to Vilshofen, another small town. After reaching the top point, marvel at a breathtaking view of the Danube River Valley. Keep pedaling along the water and reach the ship, your floating home for the next seven nights.

Unwind in your spacious stateroom before gathering for a welcome reception. Later, we will start our journey in an Oktoberfest-style celebration that features live oompah music, German beer, and schuhplattler dance. We will end the day with a luxurious inaugural dinner onboard.

This evening you will overnight in Vilshofen.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS
Level 2, Approx. 31 Km (19 Miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 Km (26 Miles), Elevation gain: 457m (1500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 56 Km (35 Miles), Elevation gain: 610m (2000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 58 Km (36 Miles), Elevation gain: 823m (2700 ft)

Begin with a bike ride through Vilshofen, the town that introduced Pilsner beer to the world in 1842. Follow the great Danube before turning into the forest’s quiet road. Brace yourself as you have to climb into the Bavarian hillside that will lead you to a plateau through quaint villages. From the plateau top, you can enjoy a panoramic view all the way into Austria. Next, make your way to the outstanding Hoftaferne Neuburg Castle, an 11-century marvel now turned into a hotel. Dates back to 1050, Neuburg Castle offers a historical ambience as well as the Hoftaferne restaurant serving regional Bavarian specialties and international dishes. Here, we will have lunch with local ingredients and take a lovely stroll exploring the baroque gardens and grounds.

Leave the castle and pedal along to Passau, a picturesque German city located on the Austrian border. Known as City of Three Rivers, Passau is the place where the Danube meets the Inn and the Ilz. You can witness how the Inn River blends into the Danube and where your ship awaits. Here, unwind onboard with a rejuvenating massage (at own expense) or savour a drink on the sun deck. Alternatively, those in pursue of more adventure can embark on a guided walking tour of Passau, a 2,000-year-old city situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Discover the history of Passau and how it served as a powerful bishop’s seat in the Holy Roman Empire. After that, admire the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral for its Italian baroque architecture.

Retreat back onboard for a delicious dinner before watching ‘Sounds of Austria’, an entertaining introduction show for our next county. End your day by taking a breathtaking view of the Danube from the ship as you cruise overnight to Linz.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS
Level 1, Approx. 23 Km (14 Miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 23 Km (27 Miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 69 Km (43 Miles), Elevation gain: 396m (1300 ft)

Today, we are ready to discover a new country, Austria. Your ride will take you to stunning Linz traversing hillside Austrian villages, scenic pastures and lush forests. A shuttle ride will take you on your cycling journey navigating the rolling route toward the Donauradweg (Danube bike path), the most famous bike path in Europe. Follow this route and reach our ship for a well-earned lunch. For those wanting more adventure, can pedal to follow the spectacular road that will take you to Enns, located on the bank of the river Enns, this is the oldest town in Austria.

This afternoon adventure to the World Heritage site Český Krumlov, located just over the Austrian-Czech border and one of the most perfectly restored towns in the region. Admire at its 82 percent of its buildings registered as cultural monuments. Alternatively, forego biking and embark on exploring another World Heritage site: Mozart's birthplace of Salzburg, world-renowned for its baroque architecture and well-preserved city center. Whichever you choose, both allow for a guided walking tour and opportunity to explore at your own leisure.

For those in search for a lazy afternoon, can unwind onboard to the ship’s amenities or take a lovely stroll into the city to wander its picturesque streets.

This evening, choose to dine onboard for dinner at your leisure or adventure out into town to sample local delights. Later, savour into the night enjoying live classical music onboard as you cruise overnight to Melk.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS
Level 1, Approx. 24 Km (15 Miles), Elevation gain: 152m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 48 Km (30 Miles), Elevation gain: 205m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60 Km (37 Miles), Elevation gain: 366m (1200 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 68 Km (42 Miles), Elevation gain: 792m (2600 ft)

After having a delicious breakfast, we bike along the Donauradweg, covering breathtaking landscapes, rolling fields, tidy vineyards, and peaceful hamlets. Keep pedaling as the route will take you to Melk Abbey, a spectacular Benedictine abbey that was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria, handed over one of his castles to Lambach Abbey’s Benedictine monks. Melk Abbey is a part of the World Heritage Site and Wachau Cultural Landscape. Now, the abbey houses a secondary school with 900 students. Stroll around the place to know the hidden history before hopping on your bike to return to the ship for an amazing lunch.

Take some rest and be prepared for an adventurous afternoon ride. Next, we ride along through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a World Heritage landscape that was formed by the Danube. The Wachau Valley is a tiny treasure that boasts Austria’s most dramatic wine landscape, stretching for about 20 miles between the towns of Melk and Krems and hugging the Danube River. Its stony, often terraced vineyards rise steeply from the shore, catching every ray of sunshine and taking full advantage of a special microclimate and dynamic airflows. Get a true taste of the Austrian countryside on this day trip to the Wachau Valley from Vienna. Keep pedaling to explore lush green fields, postcard-perfect vineyards, and medieval villages. Don’t forget to stop somewhere in this valley and taste local Grüner Veltliner and Wachau treats. Next, visit Weissenkirchen, a small Austrian town known for its ferry service. Here, take a ferry and float across the beautiful Danube to reach our ship. Alternatively, you can keep pedaling to reach Dürnstein, a popular tourist destination and a good wine making area in this region. The town got its name from Dürnstein castle, a ruin of a medieval castle right now as it was almost destroyed by the troop of the Swedish Empire in 1645.

After exploring the historic town, meet back up with the ship. You can relax for some time before we gather for a delicious dinner on the ship. Enjoy the night as we board from Weissenkirchen to Vienna.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 27 Km (17 Miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 45 Km (28 Miles), Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)

Today, we will set for an easygoing ride along the carfree Donauinsel (Danube Island), a recreational oasis with beaches, a climbing park and bike paths. Cross the river via an impressive lock or on a short ferry ride.

Continue biking to reach one of the most important historic sites, Klosterneuburg, a small town popularly known for having Austria’s oldest wine estate that still produces top-quality Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, and Riesling. Pop in the wine shop to sample and buy a bottle to enjoy. Continue pedaling on a path leading through Vienna's recreational area and downstream to our ship. For those with more energy, can continue to climb up the Kahlenberg Hill on the other side of the river and take in amazing views over Vienna and descending pass vineyards. Enjoy lunch onboard or adventure out into the city to dine at your leisure and experience Vienna’s inspiring culinary scene.

Come afternoon, explore the less-known and hidden gems of Vienna city with an experienced local guide on a private walking adventure. Stroll around and take in the breathtaking beauty of St. Stephen's cathedral, the imperial castle complex, Mozart's residence and the Spanish Riding School. Along the way, tap into the intriguing past at Heroes' Square, where Hitler made his infamous Anschluss speech in 1938. Spend the rest of the afternoon, basking in the scenes amongst one of Vienna’s famed café houses, visit museums or explore its array of shops. Alternatively, venture on an optional adventure to Schönbrunn Palace (at own expense), a rococo-style former imperial summer residence.

Choose to unwind back on the ship to enjoy a sea view dinner or you can choose one of Vienna’s restaurants to taste local cuisines on your own. Enjoy some live classical music in the home of Mozart and Strauss recommended by your leader (at own expense). Tonight, you will overnight in Vienna.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS
Level 2, Approx. 34 Km (21 Miles), Elevation gain: 91m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 55 Km (34 Miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 74 Km (46 Miles), Elevation gain: 274m (900 ft)

This morning, sail from Vienna to Bratislava, where you'll make the same journey, from one capital city to another, on two wheels.

Begin with a ride through the Donau-Auen National Park, one of the last remaining wetlands in Europe, hosting an incredible array of rare species. Along the way, pop by a traditional biergarten for well-deserved refreshing drink. Continue pedaling through the postcard-perfect countryside and majestic Slovak Mountains in the distance to reach Hof Castle. Admire the stunning baroque palace with splendid gardens, formerly owned by Empress Maria Theresa and the ideal setting for a delicious lunch.

Shuttle back to the ship for some relaxation time or venture out for more cycling traversing the Morava River into Slovakia taking you to Devín, with its cliffside medieval castle ruins towering high overhead. ride downstream of the Morava River and it will lead you to our ship.

This afternoon, embark on an exciting guided city tour with a local expert. Explore the incredible Bratislava, a city that witnessed a lot of historical events over years. Notice how historical buildings, Gothic cathedrals, and baroque palaces are balancing the extraordinary beauty of the city. After the short tour, you can explore the city on your own by visiting local shops, cafes, and markets before coming back to the ship. Tonight, we will gather for the Captain's farewell cocktail celebration and later a gala dinner as it’s our last day of sailing. Still, our adventure will continue as we bid goodbye to Bratislava and overnight cruise to Budapest.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS
Level 1, Approx. 21 Km (13 Miles), Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 45 Km (28 Miles), Elevation gain: 610m (2000 ft)

This morning venture on a bike route along the Hungarian countryside to enjoy expansive views of the Danube's dramatic horseshoe curve known as the "Big Bend". Keep rolling your wheels and pass through the dense beech forest route that leads to Szentendre, a riverside artistic village with countless galleries. Enjoy lunch and explore the town's shops and galleries before shuttling back to the ship. Alternatively, savour the ship life onboard before a leisurely morning, cruising into Budapest. Embark on an adventure through this World Heritage city or explore on your own. Uncover the thermal springs spa, pay visit to a museum or meander the quaint streets filled with an array of cafes and shops.

This afternoon, uncover the magic of Budapest on a guided walking tour with a local expert. Learn the city’s deep culture, history, and architectural importance. Retreat back on the ship for a scenic cruise at golden hour through the city, showcasing Budapest's magnificent waterfront. Later, gather at a favorite wine bar and toast to a memorable voyage down the Danube. Tonight, you will overnight in Budapest.

After having a leisurely breakfast in the morning, we will bid goodbye to our ship. Here, you will part ways with your leaders before disembarking the ship.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.