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AmaWaterways Grand Danube

Aug 6 - 28, 2025

Your Advisor

Nancy Motes

Travel While You Can, Inc

nancy@travelwhileyoucan.com

678-522-9020

Click Here to Book Now

Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered like the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Croatia. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.

Day 1 · Wed, Aug 6

Your Adventure Begins: Overnight Flight from US

Day 2 · Thu, Aug 7 · Bucharest, Romania

Arrive in Bucharest, transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Bucharest you will be transferred to your hotel. We strongly suggest you take an afternoon stroll to keep active. I will organize that shortly after we arrive at the hotel. Then early dinner and early to bed! We will explore the...

Bucharest: The Paris of the East

Destination Overview Bucharest, often dubbed the "Paris of the East," is a city where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Nestled in the heart of Romania, this vibrant capital is known for its eclectic architecture, from grandiose Belle Époq...

Stay at The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection®

Aug 7 - 9, 2025

Location This hotel is located right in the heart of Bucharest. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service and a safe ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet ...

Day 3 · Fri, Aug 8 · Bucharest, Romania

Explore Bucharest

This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the ol...

Day 4 · Sat, Aug 9 · Brașov, Romania

Checkout of Hotel

Transfer to Brasov, with a visit to Bran Castle and tour of the City

Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour around Braşov. Later in the day, check into your hotel. (B)

Brasov: A Transylvanian Gem

Destination Overview Nestled in the heart of Romania, Brasov is a captivating blend of medieval charm and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, this Transylvanian city enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, Gothic architect...

Stay at Qosmo Brasov Hotel

Aug 9 - 11, 2025

Location This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Brașov. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a cash machine. Wireless internet access is provided ...

Day 5 · Sun, Aug 10 · Brașov, Romania

“Dracula’s Birthplace,” Sighișoara excursion

Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO designa...

Day 6 · Mon, Aug 11 · Giurgiu, Romania

Checkout of Hotel

Transfer to Sinaia with a visit to Peles Royal Castle

Aug 11

On the way to meet your cruise ship, your first stop on the road will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you’ll visit Peleș Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was o...

Giurgiu: A Riverside Gem

Aug 11

Destination Overview Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, Giurgiu is a charming Romanian city that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its strategic location and rich past, Giurgiu is a gateway to both Romania an...

About Your Cruise Line - AmaWaterways

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

About Your Ship - AmaVerde

One of AmaWaterways’ remarkable twin-balcony river ships, the newly reimagined AmaVerde, is full of light, love and bold artwork showcasing vibrant, modern designs.

Day 7 · Tue, Aug 12 · Ruse, Bulgaria

Ruse

Aug 12

ROUSSE. Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament...

Day 8 · Wed, Aug 13 · Vidin, Bulgaria

Vidin

Aug 13

VIDIN. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations, and Baba Vida Fortress...

Day 9 · Thu, Aug 14 · Iron Gates Romania

Iron Gates

Aug 14

IRON GATES. The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rock...

Day 10 · Fri, Aug 15 · Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade

Aug 15

BELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of ...

Day 11 · Sat, Aug 16 · Ilok, Croatia

Ilok

Aug 16

Visit Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll...

Day 12 · Sun, Aug 17 · Mohács, Hungary

Mohács

Aug 17

PÉCS – MOHÁCS. Explore Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old ...

Day 13 · Mon, Aug 18 · Budapest, Hungary

Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube

Aug 18

Destination Overview Budapest, the enchanting capital of Hungary, is a city where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Straddling the majestic Danube River, Budapest is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and ...

Royal Palace of Godollo

Visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, originally constructed by count Antal Grassalkovich I during the 18th century. This Baroque palace has endured several renovation and renaissance periods throughout its history, including after its elegant contents ...

Day 14 · Tue, Aug 19 · Budapest, Hungary

Budapest

Aug 19

BUDAPEST. You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the ...