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Grand Danube
- Smithsonian Journeys
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Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys
Discover the charm of Central Europe on a classic Danube journey with AmaWaterways, sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest across eight days. This carefully planned itinerary, created in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, highlights the region’s vibrant culture through visits to historic cities and immersive local experiences.
Guided excursions bring each destination to life, from strolling through the old streets of Passau to exploring the elegance of Vienna. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, cultural encounters, and opportunities to experience regional traditions, music, and cuisine.
Spend fourteen nights aboard the AmaBella river cruise ship – where comfort and style await to complement your journey. With its blend of relaxed luxury and enriching discovery, this Danube cruise offers a memorable way to experience the heart of Europe.
4.7
from
144 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ship: AmaBella -
Duration: 13 Nights
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Departure: Jun - Oct
Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Prices
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Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Itinerary
Discover the mystical beauty of the legendary Danube River on this Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys.
Day 1
Arrive Vilshofen
Your cruise ‘Romantic Danube’ begins in Vilshofen. Board the AmaCello to commence your journey.
This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to join in an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration, complete with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing.
Day 2
Vilshofen, Passau
This morning, we’ll cruise to Passau. Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, this small German town offers a host of excursions.
- “City of Three Rivers” Walking Tour with Visit to Local Bakery Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Passau Castle Hike
- River Inn Bike Tour
Day 3
Linz
Today offers a wealth of opportunities to explore Linz, Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov.
- “UNESCO City of Media Arts” Walking Tour
- “Cultural Mile” Bike Tour
- Full Day Salzburg Excursion with Visit to Mozart’s Birth House Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Full Day Cesky Krumlov and Linz Excursion with Beer Tasting Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
Day 4
Strudengau and Wachau Valley > Weissenkirchen
By morning, join a scenic sailing through Strudengau and the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley. During this process, there are scheduled activities on offer.
- Scenic Cruising Through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
- Durnstein Walking Tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey with Librarian Exclusive Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Apricots, Sweets and Wine Tasting
- Durnstein Fortress Hike
- Wachau Valley Bike Tour
Upon arrival to Weissenkirchen, you’ll have the opportunity to join another excursion:
- Scenic Cruising Through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
- Durnstein Walking Tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey with Librarian Exclusive Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Apricots, Sweets and Wine Tasting
- Durnstein Fortress Hike
- Wachau Valley Bike Tour
Day 5
Vienna
Spend the morning adventuring across romantic Vienna’s most notable sites.
- “Imperial Vienna” Tour with Kunsthistoriches Museum Guided Tour and Visit to Belvedere Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Vienna City Tour by Bike
Day 6
Bratislava
History buffs will love the array of activities on offer in Slovakia’s capital city.
- “Coronation City” Walking Tour with Folklore Performance Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Tastes of Slovakia
- Bratislava Castle Hike
Day 7
Budapest
Dedicate the day to exploring both sides of Budapest. Your day will begin in the historic Buda before spending the afternoon in Pest.
- Buda city tour
- Castle Hill hike
- Pest city tour
Day 8
Budapest
Enjoy another of exploring Budapest. Your day is split between an excursion to Godollo Palace and an authentic farm visit at the Great Hungarian Plain.
- Godollo Palace and Puszta Excursion
Day 9
Mohacs
Today, you’ll join your team on one of three excursions on offer.
- Pécs Excursion with Zsolnay Cultural Quarter Visit Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Szekszárd Wine Tasting
- Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube
Day 10
Vukovar
Discover the rich history and Croatian wines of this region.
- Vukovar City Tour with Private Concert Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Osijek Tour with Ethnographic Museum Visit Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Vukovar Bike Tour
- Croatian Wine Tasting
- Vucedol Museum
Day 11
Belgrade
Spend the day venturing across some of Belgrade’s highlights. Alternatively you may choose to visit Novi Sad.
- “The City by Two Rivers” Tour
- Belgrade Fortress Hike
- Belgrade Bike Tour
- “Brandies of Belgrade” Tasting with National Museum of Serbia Guided Visit Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Novi Sad Tour
Day 12
Mohacs
Today is dedicated to sail the UNESCO-awarded Iron Gates Gorge – located between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Disembark in Mohacs for your day’s excursions.
- Scenic Cruising the Iron Gates
- Golubac Fortress with Tasting of Local Fare
Day 13
Vidin
Explore the ancient architecture and timeless traditions of Vidin.
- Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour
- Banitsa Pastry and Yogurt Tasting
- Vidin Bike Tour
Day 14
Rousse
Explore Bulgaria’s former capital, Rousse or journey across the Romanian countryside to Bucharest.
- Veliko Tarnovo Excursion with Bulgarian Wine Tasting Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Bucharest Excursion
- Rousse Walking Tour, State Opera, and Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
- Bucharest experience
Day 15
Depart Giurgiu
Wake goodbye to the Danube as you disembark the AmaBella and follow your preparations to return home.
GRAND DANUBE – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS SHIPS
GRAND DANUBE – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS HIGHLIGHTS
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Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Cruise Review
Grand Danube – Smithsonian Journeys FAQs
Are meals and beverages included aboard the AmaBella?
Yes. All of your onboard meals, as well as wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, are fully included aboard the AmaBella. You’ll also have access to coffee, tea and bottled water around the clock, plus a Sip & Spa cocktail hour.
When is Grand Danube - Smithsonian Journeys available for booking?
AmaWaterways’ ‘Grand Danube’ river cruise itinerary is bookable from May to October in 2026 and 2027. Booking with Crui.se unlocks a range of perks, including exclusive discounts, our best-in-class ‘cruise concierge’ booking service, and redeemable ‘Crui.se Club’ points that you can use to discount future bookings.
Does my Colors of Provence - Smithsonian Journeys itinerary include free time?
Yes, your ‘Grand Danube’ itinerary includes scheduled free in Vienna to get to know the city at your leisure.
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