DISCOVER the Danube

Explore Europe aboard AmaMagna with AmaWaterways.

AMAWATERWAYS is regarded as the leader in European river tours. Afterall, one of the company’s cofounders, Rudi Schreiner, grew up next to the Danube River in Vienna and is credited with developing the concept. The river cruising idea came to him when the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal opened in 1992, and not too long after that, he and his fellow cofounders launched AmaWaterways.

But the company is known for more than simply sailing the world’s most iconic rivers. It’s also recognized for offering exclusive experiences to passengers — like Oktoberfest celebrations at a designated spot in Vilshofen, Germany, and private wine tasting tours at Austria’s Greinburg Castle. On every AmaWaterways ship, passengers enjoy decadent dining, spacious accommodations and incredible innovation. And nowhere is this more evident than on the award-winning AmaMagna.

Boasting twice the width of a traditional river cruise ship, AmaMagna offers the luxury of space — a minimum of 355 square feet per suite — while accommodating just 190 guests. There’s also an expansive wellness center, two fireside libraries, a cinema, and the ultimate amenity: a full-size pickleball court. All are enjoyed as you sail along the shimmering Danube River — home to Old-World capitals, quaint towns, and the setting that inspired some of the greatest composers in history; Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss to name a few. While there are dozens of Danube itineraries, here are a few of our favorites on AmaMagna.

Magna On The Danube

Marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture and landscapes while you indulge in epicurean delights over the course of this cruise between Budapest and Vilshofen. The apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein seem unbeatable, that is until your exclusive invite to a wine tasting in Spitz arrives. A walking tour in Bratislava leaves no doubt the city has earned its nickname as the “Coronation City of Kings.” Vienna’s treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur. While your ship is docked in Krems, the gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, stroll the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, the famed church tower in the enchanting Baroque village of Dürnstein.

Gems Of Southeast Europe

History comes alive on this cruise across Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Sailing along the lower Danube offers opportunities to enjoy Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, grand cities, magical pastoral landscapes, and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates. Pedal through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park, sip a glass of wine at a centuries-old vineyard, and learn the secrets of the perfect pastry from a local Bulgarian pastry chef. In Serbia, order a Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The itinerary is extra festive over the holiday season, when Orthodox traditions, Winterfest in Novi Sad, and several location-specific Christmas markets can be visited.

Majestic Capitals Of The Danube

Delight in the Old-World grandeur of Europe’s most spectacular capital cities — Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria. This journey follows the paths of kings and queens, including Habsburg royalty. Hike to hilltop castles such as Bratislava’s gleaming fortress and pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Abbey, where you can taste a bite of sachertorte — the cake that started a national holiday in Austria. In Vienna, aka the “City of Waltzes,” visit famous regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. A stop at the historic city center, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or a visit to a traditional Viennese café for a hot Viennese coffee should be added to any itinerary.