Our Journeys
The Blue Danube
October 14 to 27, 2023
Journey Highlights
Feel the presence of the greatest artists and intellectuals, as we cruise through five unforgettable countries in the heart of Europe. Embrace Hungary’s history with 3 nights in Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”. The classical compositions of Mozart and Strauss take new life in their birthplaces: Salzburg and Vienna. Savour the pride of the Wachau Valley during a wine tasting. Conclude among the “hundred spires”, with a three-night stay in Prague. Join us as the splendid MS Amadeus Queen and two exceptional hotels play host to a cultural immersion along the Blue Danube.
Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
From the Great Market Hall to the views from Castle Hill, and the exceptional evening cruise to see the Hungarian Parliament, discover the dramatic splendour of Buda and Pest.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria
Music floats through the streets of Vienna: from the Schönbrunn Palace where Mozart performed at the age of six to the Court Theatre and ornate opera house. During our guided tour, see the historical sights that shaped Viennese music culture, and take in an orchestral concert of polkas, waltzes, arias and duets where Johann Strauss himself once performed.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague offers some of the richest architecture between its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings dating back to 920. It all comes to a head in Prague Castle, where we explore the Loreta, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane. From our home base, the stylish Hotel Paris in Prague, we also visit the ancient spa town of Karlovy Vary to sip water from the healing springs.
Melk Abbey, Austria
Melk Abbey, Austria
This impressive Baroque abbey is one of the most famous monastic sites in the world. Built from 1702 to 1736, the abbey’s church and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos are particularly special. A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
This ancient spa treatment resort was founded in 1350 by Charles IV, Czech King and Roman Emperor. Free time allows you to drink from the healing springs or amble about shops seeking famous local cut glass.
Journey Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARYDEPART FOR BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick-up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flights to Budapest, Hungary. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details, allowing you to enjoy your Journey.
Overnight: | Flight |
Meals: |

WELCOME TO BUDAPEST
Known as the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest will take your breath away with its marriage of old and contemporary architecture. Upon our arrival in Budapest, we check in to our hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax before a welcome meal at our hotel’s restaurant.
Overnight: | Budapest, Hotel Kempinski |
Meals: | Dinner |


ROYAL PALACE OF GÖDÖLLÖ
This morning we embark on a full day visit of the Royal Palace of Gödöllö and its neighbouring complex. On arrival, we will learn about the Palace’s historical traditions and visit its wonderfully restored and expansive surroundings, which make the Palace one of the most attractive and exciting buildings and institutions in Hungary.
Next stop is the Lazar’s Equestrian Park, just a short drive from the Palace. You do not to be a horse-riding enthusiast to enjoy the park, with its beautiful landscape, gorgeous animals, as well as an informative museum about horse-riding. It is here we will enjoy lunch and take in an equestrian show before returning to our hotel.
Overnight: | Budapest, Hotel Kempinski |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |


CITY PARK & THE SZÉCHENYI BATHS
This morning we check out of our hotel, and begin our day dedicated to the City Park, one of the two most beautiful public parks of Budapest. During our 2km walk through the park we will see the park’s very own boating lake, its monument to George Washington and the House of Hungarian Music. This building is dedicated to celebrating the history of Hungarian music and was designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto. Our walk will end with a stop at the iconic Széchenyi Bath. Budapest’s unique location along a geological fault line means that the city is home to many mineral-rich thermal baths across the city, including the early 20th century Széchenyi Bath. After our invigorating soak, we will enjoy lunch near the park’s boating lake, before transferring to the MS Amadeus Queen, our home for the next 7 nights.
After embarkation, enjoy a special welcome cocktail and dinner before a romantic evening cruise through Budapest’s illuminated skyline.
Overnight: | MS Amadeus Queen |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |


BUDAPEST, SZENTENDRE & ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY
The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda on the western banks and Pest on the eastern. First, explore Pest, including its Great Market Hall, the splendid Hungarian State Opera, and the famous Heroes’ Square. Continue across into Buda, and take in the unforgettable view from Castle Hill before stopping at St. Matthew’s Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.
After lunch onboard we travel to the artists’ village of Szentendre, home of many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Various galleries and museums display the rich tapestry of visual arts through the years. We continue along the Danube to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrad to take in a glorious view of the “knee” of the Danube.
From Visegrad we visit Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the Archbishop. We visit the vast domed basilica, the largest cathedral in Hungary. Completed in the early 19th century, it includes a remarkable red marble chapel originally from a previous church.
Overnight: | MS Amadeus Queen |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |


BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA & SCHLOSS HOF PALACE
In Bratislava, we admire the beauty of the capital of this recently formed Slovakian Republic. Through the years, the wonderful old town has maintained its Gothic-Baroque style as well as its charm. The tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill, where we have a stunning view of the city and surrounding areas.
In the afternoon, we dig deeper by taking part in a walking tour through the restored old town to admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings.
From Bratislava, the coach takes us to the Schloss Hof Palace (Castle Hof) in Austria. The stately complex was built in the early 18th century by Field Marshall Prince Eugene and brilliant architect Lucas von Hildebrandt. What resulted was a virtuoso masterpiece. Under its subsequent owner, Empress Maria Theresa, an additional storey was added, and the Palace was remodelled in the style of French Classicism. After visiting the castle, enjoy free time at your leisure to see the beautiful garden and the Maierhof with its numerous animals.
Overnight: | MS Amadeus Queen |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |


Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:


24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
In addition to knowledgeable local guides


Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included


Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport


Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 7 nights on the MS Amadeus Queen
- 5 nights in outstanding hotels
- All meals included (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners)
- Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner while on board
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Lufthansa
- All taxes as well as port & service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Discover the MS Amadeus Queen
Fares & Staterooms
AMADEUS QUEEN DECKPLAN

C4 — Haydn Deck
172 sqft
Located on the Haydn deck, these well-appointed cabins are the perfect place to relax following a day of exploring the Danube River.
- Small Panoramic window
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Spacious wardrobe
- Private bathroom with spacious shower
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe


C1 — Haydn Deck
172 sqft
Located on the Haydn deck, these well-appointed cabins are the perfect place to relax following a day of exploring the Danube River.
- Small Panoramic window
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Spacious wardrobe
- Private bathroom with spacious shower
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe


B4 — Strauss Deck
188 sqft
Located on the Strauss deck, these cabins are the perfect combination of incredible panoramic views of the Danube River, as well as inspiring interiors.
- Drop-down Panoramic window
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Mini-bar
- Spacious wardrobe
- Private bathroom with spacious shower
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe


B1 — Strauss Deck
188 sqft
Located on the Strauss deck, these cabins are the perfect combination of incredible panoramic views of the Danube River, as well as inspiring interiors.
- Drop-down Panoramic window
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Mini-bar
- Spacious wardrobe
- Private bathroom with spacious shower
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe


A1 — Mozart Deck
188 sqft
Located on the Mozart deck, these cabins are the perfect combination of incredible panoramic views of the Danube River, as well as inspiring interiors.
- Drop-down Panoramic window
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Mini-bar
- Spacious wardrobe
- Private bathroom with spacious shower
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe


Mozart Suite — Mozart Deck
284 sqft
The leisurely pace to river cruising reaches a new height when you stay in the Mozart suite. Whether you are lounging on the corner couch or walk-out balcony enjoy the pristine views of the Danube without having to leave the comfort of your own room.
- Comfortable corner sofa
- Walk-out exterior balcony
- Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
- Flatscreen television
- Mini-bar
- Walk-in wardrobe
- En-suite bathroom & bathrobe
- Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe
Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.