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Romantic Danube – Smithsonian Journeys

Explore the romantic beauty of Central Europe on this classic AmaWaterways river journey along the Danube River, designed to carry guests from Vilshofen to Budapest over the course of eight enriching days.

In collaboration with experts at Smithsonian Journeys, your itinerary is crafted to reveal the region’s rich culture – from historic walking tours in Passau and Vienna to meaningful encounters with local traditions, music and cuisine. Join your guide for a programme of thoughtfully curated excursions, scenic cruising and visits to some of Europe’s most storied cities.

You’ll spend seven nights unwinding aboard the AmaBella – a stylish and comfortable river ship designed for relaxed luxury on the Danube. Book with Crui.se this season to secure your place on this unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.

4.7
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from 111 reviews
  • Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
  • Ship: AmaBella
  • Duration: 6 Nights
  • Departure: May - Oct
FROM
£3,865 pp
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Romantic Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Prices

Price per person
Sep 07, 2026
£4,480 pp
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Oct 05, 2026
£4,480 pp
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May 17, 2027
£4,264 pp
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Jun 14, 2027
£4,187 pp
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Sep 06, 2027
£4,695 pp
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Oct 04, 2027
£4,695 pp
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May 15, 2028
£3,865 pp
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Jun 12, 2028
£3,865 pp
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Sep 04, 2028
£4,362 pp
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Oct 02, 2028
£4,362 pp
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More Dates

Romantic Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Itinerary

Discover the mystical beauty of the legendary Danube River on this Romantic 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

Depart Budapest

Following a leisurely onboard breakfast, disembark the AmaBella and begin your journey home.

ROMANTIC DANUBE – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS SHIPS

Live Ship Tracking & Recent Routes

This shows the ship’s current location and recent routes. Actual sailing itineraries may vary by departure date.

Trustpilot Reviews

ROMANTIC DANUBE – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS HIGHLIGHTS

Budapest

Vienna

Linz

Bratislava

Danube River Cruise Deals

Embark on an unforgettable voyage across the picturesque Danube River with Crui.se.

AmaWaterways
Departure: May to Oct
VISITING: Vilshofen (EMBARK) Passau Linz Weissenkirchen Vienna Bratislava Budapest (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Free FlightsOverseas TransfersSip & Sail Cocktail Hour
FROM £ 3,865 pp
AmaWaterways
Departure: Feb to Nov
VISITING: Budapest (EMBARK) Pécs & Mohács Vukovar & Novi Sad Belgrade The Iron Gates (SCENIC CRUISING) Vidin Rousse / Veliko Tarnovo & Bucharest Giurgiu (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Free FlightsOverseas TransfersSip & Sail Cocktail Hour
FROM £ 2,723 pp
AmaWaterways
Departure: Mar to Nov
VISITING: Vilshofen Linz Weissenkirchen Vienna Bratislava Budapest Mohacs Vukovar Belgrade Iron Gates Vidin Rousse Giurgiu
BENEFITS: Free FlightsOverseas TransfersSip & Sail Cocktail Hour
FROM £ 5,420 pp
AmaWaterways
Departure: Mar to Nov
VISITING: Budapest (EMBARK) Vienna Dürnstein Grein Linz Passau Vilshofen (DISEMBARK)
BENEFITS: Free FlightsOverseas TransfersSip & Sail Cocktail Hour
FROM £ 3,775 pp

Romantic Danube – Smithsonian Journeys Cruise Review

“The Smithsonian excursions were truly fantastic – something to remember for a lifetime.”

Eliana Pikes, Caimbridge

Romantic 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 Romantic Danube - Smithsonian Journeys available for booking?

AmaWaterways’ ‘Romantic 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 Romantic Danube - Smithsonian Journeys itinerary include free time?

Yes, the Romantic Danube itinerary includes scheduled free in Vienna to get to know the city at your leisure.

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