7 nights · Hungary · River cruise · Departs Budapest (Hungary) · Visiting Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen in der Wachau, Grein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen an der Donau · Aboard AmaWaterways on the AmaSofia
Image courtesy of AmaWaterways ©
This river cruise sails the Danube, departing Budapest.
| Cruise line | AmaWaterways |
|---|---|
| Ship | AmaSofia |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 8 |
| Departures | 4 sailings |
| Year built | 2026 |
| Guests | 156 |
| Cabins | 76 |
| Crew | 51 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
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.
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.
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.
Weißenkirchen lies on the Danube in Austria’s Wachau, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of vineyards, villages and medieval landmarks. Its steep terraces yield celebrated Grüner Veltliner and Riesling; apricot orchards add spring blossom and summer harvests. Look above the lanes for the fortified Gothic parish church, whose defensive tower recalls the valley’s unsettled past. From here, river paths and short boat crossings open up the Wachau at an unhurried pace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Published September 17, 2026
Last updated October 26, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
