7 nights · Germany Bavaria · River cruise · Departs Vilshofen an der Donau (Germany) · Visiting Passau, Linz, Grein, Melk, Spitz an der Donau, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest · Aboard AmaWaterways on the AmaMagna
Image courtesy of AmaWaterways ©
This river cruise sails the Danube, departing Vilshofen an der Donau.
| Cruise line | AmaWaterways |
|---|---|
| Ship | AmaMagna |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 9 |
| Departures | 31 sailings |
| From fare | $3,179 per person |
| Year built | 2019 |
| Guests | 196 |
| Cabins | 98 |
| Crew | 70 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 22 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
Vilshofen sits where the Vils joins the Danube, at the edge of Bavaria’s gentle countryside. Its compact old town rewards a stroll, with pastel façades, market-square cafés and the Gothic parish church of St. John. Look for the town hall’s distinctive carillon, then follow the riverfront to watch ships pass. Beyond town, the Benedictine abbey at Aldersbach offers a fine Baroque church and a taste of the region’s brewing heritage.
Passau sits where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, their contrasting waters framing one of Bavaria’s most handsome old towns. Walk its baroque lanes to St Stephen’s Cathedral, famed for its historic organ. From the fortress of Veste Oberhaus, rooftops and rivers unfold in a memorable view. Passau rewards a leisurely call: explore on foot, pause beside the water, and watch three waterways shape the city’s character.
Linz rewards curious travelers with a rare blend of imperial architecture, modern art and working-city energy. On the Danube, its compact center makes an easy introduction to Upper Austria, while cafés serve the famous Linzer Torte. At Ars Electronica Center, interactive exhibitions explore technology and the future; nearby Lentos Art Museum adds a striking riverside counterpoint. Ride the Pöstlingbergbahn for broad views over the city and river, then return to the baroque Hauptplatz.
Grein rests on the Danube beside the Strudengau, a river passage once feared by boatmen. Today, wooded hills and broad water frame a graceful, unhurried arrival. Above the old town, Greinburg Castle displays late-medieval architecture, decorated rooms, and an arcaded courtyard. Its Upper Austrian Maritime Museum explores the river’s importance; nearby, Grein’s 1791 theatre still stages performances. Explore compact lanes on foot, then pause at a riverside café before returning to the quay.
Melk stands at the western end of Austria’s Wachau, a UNESCO-listed Danube valley. Its vineyards, apricot orchards and medieval towns make the river journey especially rewarding. High above the water, Melk Abbey commands attention with its baroque church, imperial rooms and celebrated library. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1089, it remains active and ranks among Austria’s most memorable cultural landmarks.
Spitz sits on the Danube, in the heart of the Wachau. This UNESCO-listed landscape was shaped by vineyards and river trade. From the quay, lanes climb toward Tausendeimerberg, the “thousand-bucket hill,” where steep terraces yield Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Explore the Gothic parish church, or walk to the medieval ruins of Hinterhaus for broad river views. Here, you can discover Austria’s wine country at its source.
Arrive in Vienna by river and give the city more than a passing glance. Its imperial centre rewards a slow walk, from St Stephen’s Cathedral to the grand Ringstrasse boulevards. Set aside time for Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, or choose the Kunsthistorisches Museum for its remarkable collections. Then take a seat in a traditional coffeehouse; in Vienna, coffee and cake are part of the city’s daily ritual.
Bratislava rewards a day ashore with a walkable old town, a lively Danube waterfront and a castle above the river. Explore the lanes around Michael’s Gate, then climb to Bratislava Castle for wide views across the city and beyond. Pause at a café terrace before following the riverside promenade. Slovakia’s capital is compact, making its historic centre easy to discover on foot.
Budapest makes a memorable arrival, with the Danube dividing hilly Buda from lively, level Pest. From the river, the Hungarian Parliament’s Gothic Revival façade commands attention, especially after dark. Cross the Chain Bridge to explore Castle Hill, or stay in Pest for cafés, markets, and celebrated thermal baths. Allow time to linger: Budapest’s pleasures are best discovered on foot, over a long lunch, and beside the water.
Published August 5, 2026
Last updated October 26, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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