An Enchanting European Escape: 5 Reasons to Take a Danube River Cruise

1. A choice of luxury river cruise ships

AmaWaterways boasts an innovative fleet of river cruise ships, including their flagship vessel AmaMagna, navigating the Danube River nearly year-round. At present, LoveitBookit offers sailings with three AmaWaterways ships tailored for Danube discoveries: AmaLea, AmaMora and the soon-to-debut AmaSofia. Every ship that you’ll call home is customised with elegant decor and appointed with the premium liner’s signature twin-balcony suites, perfectly mirroring the timeless beauty and modern sophistication of the European destinations the vessels visit. 

As a member of the prestigious international gastronomic societies, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterWays serves exquisite cuisines to suit every taste and mood! Whether you want to savour regional classics and Western delicacies in the Main Restaurant, watch a multi-course meal performance at the Chef’s Table speciality restaurant, or simply enjoy all-day tapas and afternoon tea in the lounge – you're truly in for a real treat on board! From getting pampered with a rejuvenating spa in the massage and hair salon, taking a relaxing dip on the Sun Deck’s heated outdoor pool, to treating yourself to an array of exquisite cuisines – there’s plenty of ways to keep you indulged as you traverse one of the world’s most captivating waterways. 

2. Carefully curated itineraries

All river cruise itineraries are curated with utmost care and attention, each with a distinct experience, season and length of its own, ensuring that no two sailings on the Danube River are alike. AmaWaterways offers an opportunity to cruise through up to four countries in seven nights or all eight countries on an all-encompassing, grand 14-night voyage, plus a chance to embrace the holiday magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets on extra-special cruise adventures during the festive time of the year! 

The heritage of AmaWaterways is heavily anchored and inspired on the legendary Danube River. Rudi Schreiner, the co-founder and CEO, was born and raised in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. He is dubbed the ‘Godfather of River Cruising’ and all river cruise itineraries are thoughtfully crafted under his guidance and vision. Much of the crew for Danube River cruises also hail from the region, making every journey a truly personalised and authentic experience! 

3. Enchanting capitals and cities

Danube River cruises will whisk you away on the ultimate European escape, calling by some of the continent’s most enchanting locations. Among the destination highlights are the four iconic European capitals – Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Belgrade, Serbia – each with a unique character and history! 

Bisected by the Danube, Buda and Pest form the two halves of Hungary’s capital, with the hilly Buda being the classic, culturally-rich side whilst the flat Pest oozes a relatively modern and action-packed vibe. The Austrian capital of Vienna is known as the ‘City of Waltzes,’ birthing esteemed names like Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Walk on the royal route of coronation processions in Bratislava, affectionately called the ‘Coronation City of Kings,’ and for a less crowded adventure, why not explore the serene capital of Belgrade with a cosy cafe culture and vibrant street art?

A scenic Danube cruise brings guests closer than ever to Europe’s diverse cultures and breath-taking landscapes by sailing to picturesque port cities and towns beyond the capitals, such as Passau and Vilshofen in Germany, as well as Weissenkirchen and Linz in Austria, plus more! 

4. A Glimpse into Old-World Europe

One of the charms of a cruise to Danube River is the extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in Europe’s fascinating culture and history! Get ready for an in-depth glimpse into old-world Europe as you discover the enduring local traditions and centuries-old landmarks along the banks of the romantic Danube. 

The Buda side of Budapest beckons culture enthusiasts for a heritage-rich tour of the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill – complete with cobblestone streets, an underground labyrinth, and sought-after attractions like the Buda Castle and the fairytale-like Fisherman's Bastion. Whether you’re exploring the capital of Austria on foot or on wheels, there’s a plethora of magnificent sights to see like the historic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

A rich tapestry of cultural adventures awaits in Weissenkirchen, the gateway to  well-preserved medieval town of Dürnstein and the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Linz is another charming city in Austria, home to an old city centre and the famed ‘Cultural Mile’ on the Danube River banks.

5. Variety of excursions & exclusive events

With a choice of included excursions to suit every style and activity level, personalising your shore experience is easy and stress-free! Walking and guided cycling tours allow guests to explore the cities at a leisurely pace and deeply connect with the culture and local atmosphere. Alternatively, there are several bold adventures for those who prefer to stay active, such as hiking Budapest’s Castle Hill, climbing to the Bratislava Castle, and ascending the fortress in Dürnstein where Richard Lionheart was held captive. 

Full-day excursions are also available for destination-packed and enriching experiences. You can go for a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic centre, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Or, head to the delightful Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and wander around Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes.

AmaWaterways also offer exclusive events as part of their river cruise itineraries. Enjoy an intimate, year-round Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, Germany. Set sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the over 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above! And for a taste of Europe’s flavours, sign up for culinary-themed special interest tours, such as apricots-sampling in Weissenkirchen and the ‘Tastes of Slovakia,’ where you can try traditional Slovak dishes and drinks whilst visiting the iconic landmarks in the city. 

A Dazzling Danube Discovery

A scenic river cruise is one of the best ways to trace the dazzling Danube! Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, history buff or nature lover – or just simply looking to relax and unwind, the Danube region has something for everyone – much like the ship you’ll call ‘home’. With AmaWaterways, you’ll create unforgettable memories as you sail in style to some of the most spell-binding cities across Europe, complete with all the makings of a bucket-list experience!