Day 1: From Prague to Vilshofen – A Bavarian Welcome

Our journey began with a hearty breakfast at the beautiful Andaz Prague before boarding buses bound for Germany, where they picked up our luggage right from our hotel room. After a scenic ride, we arrived in charming Regensburg for a guided walking tour and some free time for lunch: German sausages, sauerkraut, and beer.

By late afternoon, we reached Vilshofen and caught our first glimpse of the AmaMagna as we crossed the Danube. Boarding was busy but smooth, and after settling into our suites, we joined a festive “Oktoberfest” celebration just steps from the ship, ending the day with a welcome dinner and the first part of my dad’s birthday celebration.

Day 2: Castles, Cocktails & Chef’s Table in Passau

We kicked off our morning with breakfast in Vilshofen before sailing toward Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” In Passau, we chose an active hiking excursion to Veste Oberhaus Fortress, a stronghold once used by Napoleon. The steep climb was worth it for the sweeping views over the confluence of the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers, and we descended via a scenic nature trail.

That evening, we dressed up for the Chef’s Table, a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings (non-alcoholic options included). The food, the setting, and the memories (especially our four-generation photo) were all unforgettable.

Day 3: Linz to Grein – A Quiet Day with Family

In Linz, many of our group set off for Salzburg, home of Mozart and “The Sound of Music.” My daughter and I chose to explore Linz in the morning, enjoying the quiet charm of the town before rejoining the AmaMagna to cruise toward Grein.

Though we opted out of a hike that evening, others tackled the exclusive nighttime climb to Greinburg Castle. The ship recognized my grandmother’s birthday with a special surprise, and we soaked in a peaceful night on board.

Day 4: Abbeys, Castles & Wachau Valley Wines

One of my favorite days! After docking early in Melk, we visited the stunning Melk Abbey; no photos were allowed inside, but the Baroque architecture deeply impressed. As we sailed through the picturesque Wachau Valley, we arrived in Dürnstein, the “Pearl of the Wachau.” 

Some explored the town while others hiked up to the ruins of Kuenringer Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The day wrapped up with a wine tasting event at Klosterhof Winery in Spitz, followed by dinner al fresco and a relaxing string trio performance in the Lounge.

Day 5: Vienna – Imperial Grandeur and Classical Music

We arrived in Vienna early and chose from a variety of morning tours, which included Imperial Vienna and a City Bike Tour. We opted for a relaxed walking tour before enjoying lunch back on the ship.

In the afternoon, we toured Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, one of Austria’s most visited sights. After an early dinner at Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant, some of us attended an optional concert at the House of Strauss … the music and elegance of Vienna stayed with me long after the night ended.

Day 6: Bratislava – History, Gelato & a Farewell to Remember

After a leisurely morning sailing, we docked in Bratislava around 2pm, where the old town is just a short stroll from the ship. Some of us visited a historic pastry shop, while others wandered through medieval streets and admired St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Our last night on board featured a farewell cocktail hour, the Captain’s Gala Dinner (evening chic attire!), and lots of emotion as our cruise manager honored my 95-year-old grandmother. The standing ovation she received was one of the most moving parts of the entire trip. 

Day 7: Budapest Arrival  – A Grand Finale

Our final morning of cruising brought us to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Budapest. We gathered on the sun deck mid-morning as we glided into the city, marveling at its skyline and architecture. Tour options in the afternoon included a city tour, a hike up to the Castle District, or our choice: a steep but rewarding hike to the Citadel on Gellért Hill. The views over Budapest were nothing short of spectacular, even in the heat. 

That night, we enjoyed one last Sip & Sail and began the bittersweet process of saying goodbye. As expected, AmaWaterways made disembarkation easy with clearly labeled luggage and transfer schedules, but the goodbyes? Those were the hardest part.