Wonders of the Blue Danube

Four countries, five cities, and picturesque cruising through the Wachau Valley — all from the comfort of a luxurious ship launched in 2024: This seven-night river cruise brings us to some of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities. Experience stunning architecture, world-class museums, fascinating history, and old-world charm as we explore the waterway that Viennese composer Johann Strauss immortalized in his famous waltz, “The Blue Danube.”

October 10-18, 2026

Itinerary Highlights:

City tour of Budapest, Hungary
Walking tour of Bratislava, Slovakia
City tour of Vienna, Austria
Day trip to Salzburg, Austria
Walking tour of Regensburg, Germany
Guided tour of Melk Abbey
Folklore show onboard
Bavarian evening and dinner onboard

Package Includes:

Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Seven nights on the MS Amadeus Nova
19 meals: seven breakfasts, six lunches, and seven dinners
All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
Deluxe motor coach transportation
Professional tour director
Our State host
Wine and beer reception
Hotel transfers
Baggage handling at ship

**About the Amadeus Nova:**

The innovative, custom-designed 158-passenger Amadeus Nova, launched in 2024, offers all the amenities of a floating five-star hotel, with 67 large staterooms and 12 suites. This premium cruise ship features modern furnishings and a luxurious design that blends masterfully with the architecture of the ship — a hallmark of the Amadeus fleet. The expansive restaurant and the Panorama Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes.

The beauty of river cruising is that the most interesting destinations come to you. Inclusive shore excursions are balanced with the choice to simply relax onboard, get a spa treatment, or add sightseeing with optional excursions. This Nova charter features English-only onboard commentary and attentive, English-speaking onboard service staff who will see to your comfort with typical European hospitality.

All Meals Included Onboard

Three meals daily are served in the exquisite restaurant and feature local and international specialties. All dinners are four courses and are served with hand-selected wines, beers, and soft drinks. While dining, enjoy splendid views of the passing landscapes through the large picture windows. Enjoy afternoon and/or late-evening snacks in the lounge, depending on the daily schedule.

Comfortable & Innovative Staterooms

Once you board, unpack just once. All staterooms are larger than traditional river cruise cabins and offer excellent river views. The Mozart Deck features 12 suites with walk-out balconies. The other 16 staterooms on the Mozart Deck and 35 staterooms on the Strauss Deck feature innovative panoramic drop-down windows. The 16 staterooms on the Haydn Deck have a fixed window. All staterooms are fully equipped with comfortable and modern furnishings, including flat-screen TVs and large private bathrooms with a shower.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Departure
Saturday, October 10, 2026

Depart on your overnight flight from the U.S.

Day 2: Arrive in Budapest
Sunday, October 11, 2026

Upon arriving in Budapest, meet your tour director and board the MS Amadeus Nova for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard while the ship is docked overnight in Budapest.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: MS Amadeus Nova

Day 3: Budapest, Hungary
Monday, October 12, 2026

Budapest is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, straddling the Danube and linked by seven main bridges. An included sightseeing tour this morning presents you with a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with Hungary’s beautiful capital. Enjoy a photo stop at Gellert Hill and see historic Buda Castle, 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, and the marvelous Royal Palace. In the evening, enjoy a folklore show onboard as the ship departs Budapest.