Musical History Along the Danube River with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra

Set sail on a melodious adventure with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra as they present the enchanting Melodies of the Danube cruise, an extraordinary partnership with AmaWaterways—known for their all-inclusive luxury, impeccable service, and commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences. This unique journey celebrates the rich, harmonious history of the Danube region, offering a symphony of musical-themed experiences at every turn. Wander through Bratislava’s “Coronation City” on a walking tour enriched with musical vignettes, explore Salzburg on a full-day tour featuring Mozart’s birthplace, and dive into Vienna’s musical soul through a “Composer’s Walking Tour” and a visit to the House of Music, crowned by an elegant evening concert*. Glide through the Strudengau Valley and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Salzburg as the melodies of the Danube weave together a cultural and musical tapestry. From the Austrian Lake District to the majestic capitals of Europe, this regal journey celebrates the inspiration that has moved artists and musicians for centuries.

*Activities and excursions vary by ship and sail date. These are just examples of the kinds of musical-themed excursions AmaWaterways offers that are included in the cost of your cruise. Shore excursions for your cruise will be available to view and book 60 days before sailing.

Book now through June 30, 2025, and receive these early booking incentives:

‼️NOTE: Discounts and special offers are NOT reflected in the rates below and will be applied at the time of deposit.

The pricing below does not account for any promotions. Guests are welcome to make a deposit, and we will adjust their rates accordingly, providing an updated invoice with the options chosen and applicable discounts. Alternatively, you can call me at 888-462-9299, and I will prepare a quote that reflects your chosen discounts before you make your deposit.

🎵 Complimentary Land Offer: Choose 2 nights in Budapest pre-cruise or 3 nights in Prague post-cruise for FREE!

🎵 $75 per person onboard credit

🎵 Complimentary pre-paid gratuities ($155 per person value)

🎵 Past guest savings of $100 per person (if you've sailed with AmaWaterways before)

🎵 Early booking bonus! 

Receive an additional 10% savings and a reduced deposit of $200 per person when you book by April 30, 2025. While supplies last! Available to the first 20 guests who book.     

🎵 Air Plus Discounted Airfare

Combinable with AirPlus fixed rates on airfare starting at $899 per person, $100 Loyalty Savings and Benefits, Referral Savings, curated Grand River Cruises and Combination Cruise Savings, and Future Cruise Benefits – a great value on your entire journey.

AirPlus Fixed Rates  

• Economy Air $899 per person 
• Premium Economy Air at $2,299 per person
• Business Class Air for $4,299 per person

AirPlus is applicable to select Europe sailings within 330 days before departure with a current retail promotion and on all Europe sailings outside of 330 days of departure. AirPlus is applicable to select 2025 Egypt sailings with a current retail promotion. Advertised AirPlus rates may not be available for your preferred airline, flight, routing, or travel dates; ask for details. AirPlus must be added to eligible reservation within 45 days from the date the booking was originally made.

Check-in to your hotel in Budapest, then join your cruise director and fellow cruisers for a brief introductory meeting and cocktails.

Budapest is one of Europe's most regal and storied cities –and many of its iconic sites are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the "Queen of the Danube," Budapest is well-known for Fisherman's Bastian, Buda Hill, and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building. However, the sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many "hidden" treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser known to the average traveler.

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 Hidden Budapest Tour

Get acquainted at your hotel before joining your cruise manager and fellow travelers for a welcome reception.

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 Buda city tour

🔸 Castle Hill hike

🔸 Pest city tour

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 “Coronation City” walking tour

🔸 Tastes of Slovakia

🔸 Bratislava Castle hike

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 “Imperial Vienna” tour

🔸 Vienna city tour by bike

🔸 Independent exploration

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
🔸 WeissenkirchenHighlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey visit

🔸 Dürnstein with wine and apricots

🔸 Dürnstein fortress hike

🔸 Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour

🔸 Scenic Cruising

🔸 Strudengau Valley and UNESCO Wachau Valley

Grein

🔸 Exclusive Greinburg Castle visit

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming 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 tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 Full-day Salzburg excursion

🔸 Full-day Český Krumlov excursion

🔸 “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour

🔸 “Cultural Mile” bike tour

Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

TODAY'S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

🔸 “City of Three Rivers” walking tour

🔸 Passau Castle hike

🔸 Passau River Inn bike tour

Vilshofen

🔸 Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home. (B)

OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE PRAGUE PACKAGE BEGINS:

Depart the ship and enjoy a scenic drive to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour. After discovering Regensburg, continue on to Prague and check into your hotel.

Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)