Danube River Cruise
8 Days / 7 Nights
Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary
- Adventures by Disney Itineraries
- Discounts and Special Offers
- Adventure Dates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get a No-Obligation Quote
This entire journey was planned from the ground up with families and family fun in mind. Imagine taking a family bike trip along the Danube, learning archery and other medieval activities at a historic castle or strudel making in the heart of
Add on a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague with a 3-night, 2-day adventure.
Trip Highlights Include:
Austria: Hohenwerfen Castle and Live Falconry Show
The 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle is the stuff of legends and features historic sights that the whole family can enjoy. While there, experience a falconry flight show that allows you to witness these majestic birds up close.
Wachau Valley Bike Excursion
Take a bike ride from Melk to Krems (via the storybook village of Durnstein) and enjoy the pastoral landscape dotted with rolling Wachau Valley vineyards.
Austria: Explore Salzburg
Enjoy a day in the majestic city of Salzburg with a local expert. Visit the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music.
Hungary: Lazar Equestrian Park
This famous ranch founded by the Lazar Brothers is full of fun activities for the whole family. Take a carriage ride, see the famous “csikósok“—Hungarian cowboys—enjoy an entertaining horse show and petting zoo.
Slovakia: A Medieval Adventure at Devin Castle
Perched atop a cliff these castle ruins now serve as a museum, don't miss the famous Maiden Tower, a Rapunzel-like prison tower. Enjoy archery and other medieval activities, plus candle making with real beeswax—and take your creation home with you.
Austria: Schonbrunn Palace
See a unique marionette demonstration, something Schonbrunn Palace is famous for. Then experience a strudel making demonstration featuring a famous regional treat—apple strudel.
Adventure Dates
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- 2018
- June 17 - June 24, 2018
- June 24 - July 1, 2018
- July 1 - July 8, 2018
- July 8 - July 15, 2018
- July 15 - July 22, 2018
- July 22 - July 29, 2018
- July 29 - August 5, 2018
- September 30 - October 7, 2018 (Oktoberfest sailing): Adult Exclusive (18 and older)
- December 23-December 30, 2018 (Holiday sailing)
- 2019
- June 21 - June 28, 2019
- June 28 - July 5, 2019
- July 5 - July 12, 2019
- September 27 - October 4, 2019 (Oktoberfest sailing): Adult Exclusive (18 and older)
- December 22 - December 29, 2019 (Holiday sailing)
- *=Guaranteed Departures
Day One
Arrive in Vilshofen
Get ready for adventure as you travel to your new home, the AmaViola Ship, for the duration of your adventure.
Aldersbach Brewery Tour and Monastery Visit
Experience the spirit of Lower Bavaria at Aldersbach Brewery. A working brewery and museum, the Aldersbach Brewery is also home to a Cistercian monastery. Enjoy a pretzel and drink while you're there. Tour the brewery and monastery and take a homemade pretzel ornament home with you.
Party German-style at Oktoberfest Welcome Reception
Get ready for the celebration of Oktoberfest as costumed local entertainers show you the music, folk dancing, food and more that have make this a yearly event all across the world.
Enjoy Dinner Aboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat dinner on the elegant AmaViola Ship as you set sail on your journey along the Danube.
Live Piano Player
Unwind with a night of piano playing as you drift along the river.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day Two
Take a Walking Tour of Passau with a Fun Marzipan Making Activity
Take a lovely themed walking tour of Passau, led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing. St Stephen's Cathedral, with its 17,000 pipe organ, is one of its many highlights. Included is a marzipan making activity to satisfy your sweet tooth, with enough to take some home and share.
Enjoy Lunch Onboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat brunch aboard the ship and enjoy the scenery of Passau.
Choose Your Afternoon Activity
Option A: Climb Around the Famous Tree Path Kopfing
Walk among the treetops along 41 connected towers that provide an unparalleled view of the surrounding forest and the majestic Austrian Alps. Follow your nature guide up the steps to the tree line and along the rope bridges. There is also a giant slide and fun-filled adventure playground for the kids.
OptionB: Explore Hohenwerfen Castle and See a Live Falconry Show
The 900-year-old Hohenwerfen Castle is a stunning example of medieval life that everyone can appreciate. You will also get a chance to see a falconry flight show that allows you to witness these majestic birds up close.
Enjoy Dinner Aboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat dinner on the ship as you float gently on the edge of Passau.
On Your Own Time to Explore Passau
In the mood for a drink? Passau has five breweries! And they stock most of the local bars&mash;try them all! Hungry? There's no shortage of restaurants serving local Bavarian fare throughout the city. Feel like shopping? The Old Town in the Pedestrian Zone to the New Center has you covered.
Junior Adventurer Movie Night
Kids will delight in a movie that highlights the destination with our Adventure Guides.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three
Day Tours of Salzburg
Enjoy a day in the majestic city of Salzburg with a local expert. Visit
the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other sights made famous from the
movie The Sound of Music.
Following the Tour of Salzburg choose one of the following activities:
Option A: Visit Mondsee
Head to the picturesque town of Mondsee along the famous crescent-shaped lake, with imposing Drachenwand mountain in the background. Visit the medieval Mondsee Abbey and see the church featured in the movie The Sound of Music.
Option B: Explore the Salt Mines
The Salt Mines of Hallein are among the oldest mines in the World that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria's "white gold."
Savor a Meal at Legendary St. Peter Stiftskellar
Treat yourself to 1200 years of culinary excellence at one of Salzburg's finest restaurants. Savor elegant cuisine, a charming atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality. This special lunch is included no matter which full day option you choose.
Enjoy Dinner aboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat dinner on the ship with the city of Linz as your backdrop
Show Your Pipes Off with the Sound of Music Sing-a-long
Enjoy the movie The Sound of Music like never before as our Adventure Guides lead a spirited sing-a-long.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Explore the Famed Melk Benedictine Abbey
Explore the gorgeous Melk Abbey on a privately guided tour and learn about the Danube River, which rests just below.
Cultural Activities and Swimming in the Danube
Get a taste of the local flavors with a fishing activity, marmalade making, wine and juice tasting, a Traditional Austrian Dance lesson, and a fun opportunity to take a splash in the Danube.
Enjoy Lunch Onboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat lunch aboard the ship as it serenely cruises through the Wachau Valley.
Choice 1: Tour of the Countryside with a Bike Ride from Melk to Krems
Take a serene three-hour bike ride from Melk to Krems (via the storybook
village of Durnstein) and enjoy the pastoral landscape dotted with
rolling Wachau Valley vineyards.
As an alternative to bicycling, feel free to stay aboard the ship and enjoy the following activities:
Choice 2: Kids Pretzel Making and Games with Adult Wine Tasting
Junior Adventurers will have a blast with pretzel making—and tasting.
After they finish making treats, the children can play some classic
board games. For our adult Adventurers, savor every sip of Wachau Valley
Wines as local vineyards drift past.
For Guests who choose this option, please select an additional afternoon activity:
Choose Your Afternoon Activity:
Option A: Tour of Durnstein and Hike to the Castle
Join your guide for a tour of Dürnstein including the Burgruine Dürnstein. Rich and full of history, this experience will cover famous historical settings and an amazing look at one of the most popular tourist sites in the region. Reach the castle ruins and see the incredible views of the river, vineyards and villages.
Option B: Bike Along the Danube from Krems to Durnstein
This one-hour bike ride is the perfect choice for those who desire a little less pedaling than our 3-hour option. Ride along the gorgeous Danube river as you leisurely ride down a picturesque bike path towards Dürnstein.
Option C: Experience a Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance to See a "Family Run" Apricot Farm
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a working apricot farm in a region that specializes in it, and to taste the products made there. There's wine for the adults, juice for the kids and a tour of the vineyards and grove for all. Plus, you get to take a jar of marmalade home as a reminder of the visit.
Enjoy Dinner Aboard the AmaViola Ship
Rejoin your fellow Adventurers at dinner aboard the ship before sailing later that night from Krems as you make your way through Melk.
On Your Own Time in Krems
In the mood for a drink? Krems is known for its wine bars, but they usually serve beer as well. Hungry? The local traditional eateries will give you a taste of the regional cuisine. Feel like shopping? Buhl Center is the place to go.
Junior Adventurer Movie Night
Children can enjoy a movie on the AmaViola Ship that highlights the destination while the Adventure Guides keep things fun. Teens will be treated to karaoke in the ship's lounge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Five
Panoramic City Tour of Vienna
The whole family will be treated to a tour of the grand city of Vienna, the jewel of Austria, en route to Schönbrunn Palace.
Tour of Historic Schonbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace (translated as "beautiful spring") is one of the most stunning and historic places in the world. Adults will be treated to a guided tour of the rich history of the Palace, including the amazing gardens, one of which¬—The Oranger¬y—is the longest in the world. You will also be treated to a private tour of the palace, including historic underground kitchens.
Junior Adventurer Activities at Schonbrunn Palace
Kids will enjoy visiting the Palace's children's museum and dressing up in historical garb. Children's activities will be hosted by Adventure Guides.
Private Marionette Show and Strudel Making at Schonbrunn Palace
The whole family regroups for a unique marionette demonstration, which this location is famous for, followed by a strudel making demonstration featuring a famous regional treat—apple strudel.
Choose Your Lunch Option
Option A: On Your Own Lunch Time in Vienna
Hungry? The Naschmarkt has existed since the 16th century and is an open-air market for fresh food. There are also many small restaurants offering various types of cuisine including traditional Viennese food.
Option B: Enjoy Lunch Onboard the AmaViola Ship
Explore Vienna on your own then enjoy a delicious lunch aboard the ship.
Choose Your Afternoon Activity
Option A: Explore the Famed Spanish Riding School
Take an enchanting backstage tour of the famed Spanish Riding School at HofBurg castle. See where the horses are trained, the stables, the tack room and the riding arena.
Option B: Take a Bike Ride to Klosterneuberg Abbey
This bike ride will be one to remember. The rarely seen, but incredibly beautiful path to the Abbey is truly unforgettable. Klosterneuburg Abbey holds scores of historical artworks in its collections, ranging from the world-famous Verdun Altar from 1181, a rich collection of gothic panel painting, magnificent Baroque works and modern paintings.
Option C: On Your Own Time to Explore Vienna
Thirsty? Gürtel at Nußdorferstraße has several bars and clubs to choose from. Feel like shopping? There are over 20 outdoors markets spread throughout Vienna, including farmer's markets.
Enjoy Dinner Aboard the AmaViola Ship
Eat dinner on the ship and enjoy the sights of Vienna in the background.
Choose Your Evening Actitivty
Option A: Celebrate at a Traditional Viennese Wine House (Huerige)
A festive, fairytale atmosphere awaits you at this marvelous family-run local wine tavern. Snack on finger foods, cheeses and breads, and explore the many rooms and lush garden. Live music and entertainment from a local performer is also in store.
Option B: Mozart & Strauss Concert
Enjoy the classical sounds of two legendary composers in one night at an elegant concert hall.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Six
Bratislava Tour
Take a privately guided walking tour of the beautiful city of Bratislava, with dozens of historical and architectural highlights including Dukla battlefield, the Fortress of Komarno, St. Martin's Cathedral and Vihorlat Observatory.
Explore the Incredible Devin Castle
Perched atop a cliff, these castle ruins now serves as a museum. Don't miss the famous Maiden Tower, a Rapunzel-like prison tower. Enjoy archery and other medieval activities, plus candle making with real beeswax— and take your creation home with you. A custom-designed Adventures by Disney coin that you mint yourself is also yours to keep.
Enjoy Lunch Onboard the AmaViola Ship
Savor regional specialties as you eat lunch aboard the ship.
Explore Schloss Hof
Prince Eugene of Savoy's country estate in the Marchfeld is a beautiful, quirky and enchanting world of Baroque. Some of the architecture and surroundings have an almost Alice in Wonderland feel. You'll hear from costumed storytellers and have a culinary tasting experience with decadent chocolate samples. You can learn to waltz in the grand ballroom while kids enjoy the petting zoo and a dress-up activity. Junior Adventurers take home a traditional Austrian craft with you as a souvenir.
Enjoy Dinner Aboard the AmaViola Ship
Savor regional local foods as dinner is served aboard the ship before setting sail from Bratislava.
Sing Your Heart Out on Karaoke Night
Enjoy a familiar sing-a-long or a tackle a soaring solo as the whole family cheers you on.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Seven
Take in all the Fun Activities at Lazar Equestrian Park
This rolling, pastoral, bucolic family estate is part farm and part entertainment venue of the famed Lazar Brothers and is full of fun activities for everyone. Take a carriage ride, see the famous "csikósok"- Hungarian cowboys, enjoy an entertaining horse show and meet the animals up close at a petting zoo.
Enjoy Lunch at Lazar Equestrian Park
Enjoy lunch at the park and be treated to live music by traditional Hungarian folklore musicians. You can even challenge your friends to a ghoulash making competition, then enjoy the local favorite afterwards.
Be Dazzled by a Panoramic City Tour of Budapest
Prepare to be amazed by some of the most striking views and vistas to be seen anywhere in the world. Nature and man's creations accent each other to create this amazing journey.
Toast to your Adventure at the Captain's Farewell Cocktail
Raise your glasses with the Captain as you say goodbye to your unforgettable adventure.
Enjoy Dinner aboard the AmaViola Ship
Enjoy one final dinner onboard the ship with Budapest as a majestic backdrop.
See the Rubik's Cube Magic Show Up Close
Be dazzled by a magic show featuring everyone's favorite toy, which was invented in Hungary. An interactive performance with the audience is followed up with a souvenir Rubik's cube that is yours to keep and play with.
Have a Glorious Farewell with our Illuminations Cruise
A night to remember with the buildings and the skies along the river lit up like a fairytale. Enjoy the spectacular architecture of Budapest and toast to the end of a fantastic adventure as your ship leisurely cruises up and down the Danube.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Eight
Breakfast Onboard
Settle in for one last breakfast at the close of your incredible adventure.
Transfers to Airport
Say goodbye to your fellow Adventurers and leave with the memories of a lifetime!
Meal Included: Breakfast
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