Classical Danube Aboard 'Amadeus Brilliant'

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest, where you are met by your A&K Guardian Angel and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Vibrant Budapest occupies both sides of the Danube River, founded when right-bank Buda and Obuda joined left-bank Pest in 1873. Its broad avenues and turn-of-the-century architecture have earned it the name “Paris of Eastern Europe,” and it has long been a cultural center for writers, artists and musicians. The Corinthia Hotel Budapest offers an inviting mixture of old-world splendor and modern-day amenities in a superb central location. Its grand interior and historical façade were lovingly restored in 2003, as was its original Royal Spa, which offers a host of leisure facilities. Get to know your A&K Tour Director and fellow guests at a welcome dinner this evening.

Corinthia Hotel Budapest   |   Meals: D

Day 2: Budapest & the Danube

After breakfast this morning, set out on a full day of sightseeing in Budapest. Enjoy a private tour of the Opera House, built between 1875 and 1884 by Emperor Franz Joseph. Its neo-Renaissance architecture has been painstakingly restored after being severely damaged during World War II. Continue with a visit to the colorful Central Market Hall. There is time to browse before continuing to a local strudel house. Watch the experts at work, stretching the dough and filling the delicious pastries — and, of course, sample them for yourself. You then transfer to ‘Amadeus Brilliant’ and embark for your Danube cruise. On arriving, there is time to unpack and relax in the lounge, mingling with your fellow guests in anticipation of the journey ahead. A cocktail reception is followed by dinner and a cruise through Budapest to view the magnificent floodlit buildings, passing under the famous illuminated Chain Bridge. The ship then returns to its city mooring for your first overnight on board. Later, enjoy a lively gypsy band performance in the lounge.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B D

Day 3: Budapest

This morning's tour of Budapest includes a view of Millennium Monument on Hero’s Square on your way to the Castle District. Visit beautiful Mattias Church with its slender landmark tower and nearby Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. After lunch aboard ship, you may choose to participate in an optional tour to the artist colony of Szentendre with its Szabo Marzipan Museum and Margit Kovács Ceramics Museum. Alternatively, relax on the Sun Deck, perhaps to practice your putting, play a game of shuffleboard or read a good book from the onboard library. The ship leaves Budapest later in the afternoon, cruising toward Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, with dinner on board this evening.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia to Vienna, Austria

Early today, the ship passes under the colossal Most SNP, or Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising, before mooring in Bratislava. On your morning tour, pass by Grassalkovich Palace, built in Rococo style during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa and now the official presidential residence. After enjoying a stunning hilltop view of the city, walk the cobblestoned streets of the historic center. Here, in the most beautiful part of the city, are St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and the Old Town Hall. Back on board, enjoy lunch as the ship continues cruising, mooring in Vienna, capital of Austria, in the late afternoon. Perhaps enjoy an on-board massage or a visit to the fitness room. Later this afternoon, your A&K Tour Director hosts a private cocktail and snack reception in the ship's Amadeus Club. After dinner this evening, perhaps take an optional excursion to Kahlenberg for a glorious panoramic view of Vienna at night.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 5: Vienna

Explore the gorgeous city of Vienna today. Drive along the Ringstrasse, the circular road where Vienna’s wealthy and powerful demonstrated their eminence with lavish mansions and public buildings. The entire Old Town district of Vienna, including the Ringstrasse, is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Pass the stunning State Opera, one of the world's foremost performance venues, and see the unique modern architecture of Hundertwasser House before time at leisure for shopping and a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. After lunch aboard ship, the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the city; you may also join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the seat of the Habsburg dynasty, or attend an optional after-dinner concert. The ship leaves Vienna at night, cruising to Melk.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 6: Melk and Emmersdorf

Spend the morning at leisure aboard ship, enjoying the scenery of rolling hillsides and out-of-the-way villages as 'Amadeus Brilliant' makes her way down the Danube. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery in Europe, so make sure to find a comfortable vantage point up on deck. Arrive at the city of Melk, where an afternoon excursion introduces you to this town in the lovely Wachau District, a cultural landscape included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The centerpiece of Melk is its stunning Benedictine abbey situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. The abbey was constructed in the Baroque style and features stunning frescoes and a library stocked with medieval volumes. Stop for a wine tasting at a local restaurant to sample some of the locally made Riesling and other varietals before returning to the ship for a dinner and an overnight cruise to Linz.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 7: Linz to Passau, Germany

Early this morning, 'Amadeus Brilliant' moors in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. Disembark with your A&K Tour Director for a brief overview of the town and a glimpse of its colorful, half-timbered houses. Alternatively, take an optional daylong excursion (with lunch included) to Salzburg, known as the setting for The Sound of Music and as Mozart’s birthplace, and the Salzkammergut lake district, a region of beautiful rustic architecture and still lakes reflecting expansive blue skies. Those remaining on board enjoy more delightful scenery during the cruise to Passau, gateway to the scenic and cultural charms of Bavaria, where ‘Amadeus Brilliant’ docks and where those who embarked on the Salzburg excursion rejoin the ship. Once arrived at Passau, your A&K Tour Director offers an overview tour of this "City of Three Rivers," strategically situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This evening, the captain welcomes you to a very special dinner on board with music provided by the ship's orchestra.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 8: Regensburg

After breakfast, the ship cruises through the gentle German countryside, arriving in lovely Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. Join your A&K Tour Director for an overview tour of the old town center, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Regensburg’s cathedral is an exemplar of Bavarian Gothic style, and its twin spires dominate the town’s skyline. In the afternoon, visit lovely Weltenburg Abbey. Founded by Benedictine monks in AD 620, it is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short guided tour, enjoy a sampling of the famous dark Weltenburg beer, which has been brewed here since the 11th century. Dinner on board is followed by a lively evening of Bavarian-themed entertainment.

'Amadeus Brilliant'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 9: Munich

The ship arrives back in Passau this morning. Following breakfast, you bid farewell to the crew and are transferred to Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria and a city rich in culture and history. Centrally located near Munich’s pedestrian-friendly heart, your hotel is perfectly situated for a day at leisure to explore — and your A&K Tour Director is on hand to offer suggestions. Stroll the lively Viktualienmarkt and see the wonderful local foods on offer, people-watch along the Marienplatz or raise a glass at Hofbräuhaus, Bavaria’s venerable state-operated brewery and beer hall. This evening, join your A&K Tour Director and fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

Hotel Torbräu   |   Meals: B D

Day 10: Depart Munich

After breakfast, transfer to Munich airport.

Meals: B