AmaWaterways has announced a new “Best of the Danube” itinerary, inspired by President Rudi Schreiner’s favorite cruise route, featuring roundtrip sailings from Budapest with multiple departures in 2025 and 2026.

A total of 15 departures are available in 2025 and 14 in 2026. Special early-season sailings depart on February 23 and March 2, 2025, and Feb. 8, 15, 22 and March 1, 2026, onboard the AmaMagna. 

Schreiner said: “The Danube flows through the heart of Europe, offering a river cruise that combines the charm of three capital cities—Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava—with the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley.

“These cities are close to each other, ensuring short cruising distances and ample time to explore. Vienna, with its rich history, classical music scene, charming wine villages, coffee houses, and imperial sites like Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palace, is a highlight. Easily accessible with roundtrip flights to Budapest, it’s a year-round itinerary, ideal for any season.”

The seven-night itinerary explores Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, with a variety of excursions available, such as biking and walking tours, food tastings, visits to cathedrals and palaces and hikes. 

Highlights include sampling Slovakia’s traditional foods and beers; touring the UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, a renowned 11th-century monastery; a guided bike ride along the Danube Canal to Vienna’s Ringstrasse Boulevard; and discovering Budapest’s Castle District.