Grand Danube

Sail through centuries of history and culture on an unforgettable voyage along the Grand Danube. From the storybook villages of Bavaria to the regal splendour of Vienna and Budapest, and onward to the ancient fortresses of Bulgaria and Romania, this journey reveals the soul of Europe in all its depth and beauty. With every sunrise on the river, you’ll uncover another chapter in Europe’s grand story–one written in castles, cathedrals, and timeless waterways.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,000 flight credit per person
• 3 night Prague pre cruise tour
• 14 night Grand Danube river cruise in a balcony stateroom onboard AmaRudi, Vilshofen to Giurgiu
• Includes all onboard dining, unlimited drinks with meals, immersive tours, wifi access plus more
• 4 night Brasov & Bucharest post cruise tour

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 May – 10 June 2027

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details.

Itinerary:

Day 1: The city of a hundred spires

Arrive in enchanting Prague and check into your hotel. From its winding cobblestone streets to its iconic spires, the city invites you to soak in its rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless charm as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: The heart of Bohemia

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Prague, where Gothic towers, baroque domes, and medieval bridges tell centuries of stories. Choose between a guided city tour or a hike to the castle for sweeping views over this UNESCO World Heritage gem, known as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.

Day 3: A toast to tradition

Raise a glass to Czech craftsmanship on a beer-tasting experience celebrating one of the country’s proudest traditions. Sample world-renowned brews in the birthplace of Pilsner and discover how centuries of brewing artistry have shaped the culture and flavour of Prague.

Day 4: A grand beginning

After a tour of Regensburg, step aboard your luxurious ship in charming Vilshofen and begin your Grand Danube journey in true Bavarian style. This evening, enjoy a private Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, laughter, and local brews–an unforgettable welcome to your adventure ahead.

Day 5: The city of three rivers

Begin your morning with a stroll through storybook Vilshofen before cruising to the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau. Discover its Gothic and Baroque splendor on a walking tour, or choose to hike up to Veste Oberhaus fortress or cycle along the scenic River Inn–each path offering its own view of Passau’s charm.

Day 6: From Mozart to the mountains

Arrive in vibrant Linz, where creativity thrives. Journey to Salzburg, the city of Mozart and “The Sound of Music,” or explore Český Krumlov’s fairytale streets. Stay in Linz to discover its old-world beauty on foot or bike–and perhaps toast the day with a guided whiskey distillery tour in the afternoon.

Day 7: The Wachau’s timeless wonder

Glide through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, framed by terraced vineyards and castle ruins. Walk the cobbled lanes of Dürnstein and visit Melk Abbey, hike to Richard the Lionheart’s fortress, or taste apricot delicacies and local wines. However you explore, the Wachau will enchant you at every turn.

Day 8: The city of waltzes

Vienna unfolds in elegant splendor–from the grand Opera House to the Imperial Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Join a guided city or bike tour, then spend your afternoon exploring at leisure–perhaps savoring coffee and cake in a centuries-old café or wandering through world-class museums.

Day 9: City of kings and culture

Discover Bratislava’s storied past as you wander its cobblestone streets and regal squares, where Hungarian kings were once crowned. Sample local specialties on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour or hike to the hilltop castle for panoramic views of the Danube and the charming city below.

Day 10: Twin cities united

Explore both sides of Hungary’s grand capital–Buda’s hilly Castle District with its fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion and Pest’s elegant boulevards and monuments. Visit Heroes’ Square, Parliament, and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial in a day that captures the soul of Budapest.

Day 11: Royal palaces and Hungarian plains

Step into royal history at Gödöllő Palace, once home to Empress Elisabeth of Austria. After lunch, journey to the Great Hungarian Plain for an authentic farm visit, where you’ll witness skilled horsemen perform age-old traditions of Magyar horsemanship–an exhilarating glimpse of Hungary’s cultural heart.

Day 12: Roman roots and red wine

Discover Pécs, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure rich in Roman and Ottoman influences, with its basilica, mosque, and lively squares. Alternatively, cycle along the riverbanks of Mohács or savour a wine tasting in Szekszárd, one of Hungary’s oldest and most celebrated red wine regions.

Day 13: Revival on the Danube

Explore the proud city of Vukovar on a guided tour, visit Osijek’s historic streets, or take a bike ride along the river. In the afternoon, sample regional wines in Croatia’s famed Old Cellars.

Day 14: Serbia’s spirited capital

Explore Belgrade’s highlights–from Kalemegdan Fortress to the majestic Temple of St. Sava–then sample traditional Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, and local delicacies. Alternatively, visit Novi Sad, Serbia’s cultural gem, or choose an active tour by bike or hike for sweeping views of this dynamic capital.

Day 15: Nature’s majestic passage

Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Iron Gates Gorge as the Danube winds dramatically between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress and enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies–an unforgettable day of history and natural splendour.

Day 16: Bulgaria’s fortress on the Danube

Discover Vidin’s storied past at the impressive Baba Vida Fortress or visit a local home for a hands-on tasting of Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa pastry. Prefer to stay active? Join a guided bike tour along the river before exploring the castle and its scenic surroundings.

Day 17: The “Little Paris of the East”

Visit Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital, or explore Rousse, known for its elegant architecture and proximity to the UNESCO Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Alternatively, journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest for a panoramic tour of its grand boulevards and Belle Époque beauty.

Day 18: Into the heart of Transylvania

Disembark in Giurgiu and venture deep into Transylvania–a land of misty mountains and age-old myths. Visit the storied Bran Castle, famously linked to Dracula’s legend, then continue to Brașov, a picturesque town nestled among the Southern Carpathians.

Day 19: Medieval magic and myth

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Brașov, where medieval towers guard colorful facades. Then travel to Sighișoara, a UNESCO treasure and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Its storybook beauty contrasts its haunting history, offering a day rich with wonder and intrigue.

Day 20: Castles and capital splendor

Journey through the Carpathian foothills to Sinaia and explore the magnificent Peles Castle–an architectural masterpiece filled with European art and royal grandeur. Continue to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, where history and modern life meet in dazzling fashion.

Day 21: The Little Paris of the East

Experience Bucharest’s sophisticated spirit on a guided city tour. From the monumental Palace of the Parliament to the charming old town, discover a city that celebrates both its elegant past and its vibrant present.

Day 22: Begin your journey home

Begin your journey home.

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 16-02-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.