Bucharest to Vienna

The Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary for around 300 different bird species. This morning, board a small delta safari boat for an intimate exploration of the delta’s shimmering lagoons and narrow channels to witness the largest pelican colony at Sahalin lagoon. Return to the Amadeus Riva.

Embark on a leisurely visit to the small Romanian town of Hârșova. Cross the Black Sea’s golden sandy beaches as we head for a guided tour of Constanta. A walk into the city’s Old Town features sights of its prominent and historic buildings, including the Great Mosque, the Casino Constanta, and the Genovese Lighthouse. A short visit to the National Museum of History and Archaeology further reveals the city’s rich history and unique blend of cultures.

Pay a visit to Giurgiu before we cross the Danube to Ruse, where we begin our day excursion towards Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s oldest town. Upon arrival, pass by the fortress Zarewez, visit the 13th-century church of St. Peter and Paul, and enjoy some free time to explore this medieval city. Before returning to the boat, we continue to the nearby small town of Arbanassi, famous for its ornately painted churches, stopping at a typical Bulgarian restaurant along the way. We meet up with the Amadeus Silver II in Svishtov this afternoon.

Utterly entrancing, the Danube, also known as the “river of kings” is lined with mysterious medieval castles, idyllic lush hillsides and beautiful ancient villages. Spot the face of Chief Decebalus carved onto the cliffs of the Romanaian side. Drift along the romantic blue waters into a narrow gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and cross the iconic Iron Gates that separate Serbia and Romania.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Embark on a city tour and enjoy the impressive views over the river at the Kalemegdan Fortress. See such highlights as the National Museum, Terazije Square, and the Serbian parliament and marvel at the massive St. Sava Church. After a refreshment break at the Hotel Majestic, spend some free time exploring at your leisure.

Let the sights, sounds, and tastes of Hungary fill your senses. Enjoy a leisurely morning of river cruising and take in the beauty of the Danube. After departing the tiny harbour town of Mohács following lunch, we drive into the Hungarian Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain. View the passing scenery dotted with villages and farmland. Stop to see local handicrafts and a demonstration of a local dance before visiting the House of Paprika. Our exploration of the Puszta continues with a visit to a traditional Hungarian ranch, where we enjoy a glass of local wine and watch a fantastic equestrian show. We join the ship late this afternoon in Kalocsa.

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, visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllö and see the spectacular ballroom with its beautiful marble stucco details. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board while cruising down Budapest’s illuminated skyline.

A full morning of sailing brings us to Bratislava, the capital of the young Slovakian Republic, by midafternoon. Our excursion passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace before continuing up the hill to admire stunning, panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Afterwards, a guided walking tour leads us through the gorgeous Old Town to such sites as the Primatial Palace, the Academia Istropolitana, the Opera House, and Maximilian Fountain. Late this afternoon, we return to the boat and prepare for the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

With an artistic and intellectual legacy shaped in part by former residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud, Vienna is a magical city and capital of Austria. After arriving into Vienna this morning, we say goodbye to our lovely staff and bid farewell to the Amadeus Silver II. Today, we embark on a panoramic city tour and see Vienna’s top sights as we drive along the grand Ring Boulevard and stroll through the beautiful heart of this historic city. Dine at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel and enjoying an afternoon at leisure to rest or explore. Following dinner at the hotel, experience one of Vienna’s greatest performances: a classical music concert by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Golden Hall in Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This is sure to be a night of magic you won’t soon forget!

Our final full day in Vienna begins with a visit to the famous 18th century Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ former summer residence. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Museum of Fine Arts and discover the Kunstkammer Wien. In the evening, join your fellow travellers one last time and enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Viennese Heurigen, famous for their comfortable atmosphere and fine wines.

Today we bid “auf wiedersehen” to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Enjoy our private car to your home. (B)