For many travelers, a Danube River cruise is the ultimate European river cruise experience. It’s our number one pick for first-time river cruisers because of the historic capitals, charming villages and stunning landscapes that you visit. However, most river cruise companies stick to a similar itinerary lineup, and while it’s a solid greatest hits collection, AmaWaterways decided to shake things up with their Best of the Danube itinerary.
It still hits all the iconic spots, so what makes it different? And more importantly, is it actually better? Let’s break it down.
Same Cities, Different Approach
Most Danube cruises follow a one-way route, covering a lot of ground before ending after a week, but the Best of the Danube itinerary flips the script, sailing roundtrip from Budapest. This could potentially make flights simpler and more cost-effective to coordinate. But most importantly, it gives you extra time in one of the most dynamic cities on the Danube – both at the start and the end of your trip.
Budapest
I’ve been on more Danube cruises than I can count, and many times an excursion isn’t even offered in Budapest. It is simply the embarkation or disembarkation port. This means to fully see the city, you either have to purchase a pre- or post-cruise extension, or prepare for some independent exploration. I really enjoyed the extra time in Budapest and got to see a lot of the city that I hadn’t had time to see over the years.
Bratislava
Another stop that stood out was Bratislava, which isn’t always included on Danube itineraries. While often overshadowed by its neighbors, Slovakia’s capital has a charming vibe that makes it a great stop.
For this visit, I opted for the Tastes of Slovakia tour – one I tend to repeat because it’s never the same twice. They take you to a local pub where you get to try different beers, meats, cheeses and other regional specialties, and every time I’ve done it, the lineup (and sometimes even the pub we’ve gone to) has been totally different. It’s a super fun, casual way to experience the local food and beer scene.
Vienna
The extra time in Vienna was also much appreciated. We got a Vienna city tour and a Schönbrunn Palace visit on two separate days. Having two days of excursions meant we didn’t have to pick and choose which highlights to see.
One of the new excursions we took part in included a guided walking tour of Vienna followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride. I really enjoyed it, and the couple I was with thought it was a great way to experience the city. Another couple mentioned they weren’t thrilled that the carriage was enclosed and required sitting with another couple – but honestly, no one else in the group seemed to mind at all.
Dürnstein & Melk
One unexpected highlight of the itinerary was a surprise stop in Dürnstein. It’s not officially listed on Ama’s website, so I’m not sure if future sailings will include it, but I was glad we had the chance to visit.
We stopped in both Dürnstein and Melk on the same day, which some guests felt was a little rushed. Personally, I thought it worked well. Dürnstein is small and quiet, so even with a short visit, we were able to take in everything we needed to see. The town itself is postcard-perfect with cobblestone streets and historic ruins, but I haven’t ever felt compelled to stay there for more than a few hours.
Melk, on the other hand, is all about the big, dramatic abbey, and it’s one of those places where a guided tour really adds value. Would it have been nice to slow down a bit for that portion? Maybe. But I thought everything felt pretty well paced.
Linz
Linz might not be the most talked-about stop on the Danube, but it serves as the gateway to two of the most sought-after excursions on this itinerary: Salzburg and Český Krumlov.
- Salzburg, famous for its Mozart connections and Sound of Music sights, is a dream for history and music lovers.
- Český Krumlov, a UNESCO-listed medieval town in the Czech Republic, is straight out of a fairytale, with winding cobblestone streets, a towering castle, and a vibrant artsy vibe.
Both are fantastic options – if you don’t mind a long bus ride. As someone who is extremely prone to car sickness, I do typically mind the bus rides. Since each is about two hours away in one direction, I opted for something closer: a visit to the Lentos Art Museum, just a few steps from the ship. I’ve been to the museum once before, in 2019, and had fond memories so I went back to check it out. It housed a solid collection of modern and contemporary art, and I really enjoyed my time there.
More Excursion Choices
AmaWaterways is known for offering more included excursions than some other river cruise lines. While traditional itineraries lean heavily on walking tours and historical site visits, the Best of the Danube expands those options with tours like:
- Hiking up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views.
- Cycling through the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s most scenic bike routes.
- Guided wine tastings and culinary experiences tailored to each region.
For those who like to mix history with adventure, this itinerary provides more ways to experience the Danube beyond the typical sightseeing tours.
A Fresh Take On The Danube
If you want the Danube’s greatest hits with a fresh approach, the Best of the Danube itinerary delivers. With a roundtrip itinerary, extended time in key cities and a mix of must-see and lesser-known stops, it offers a well-paced, immersive experience. You get the classic highlights without feeling rushed, plus a few surprises along the way, making it a great option for travelers looking for something familiar yet refreshingly different.
So, is Ama’s itinerary the best on the Danube? That’s up to you – but it definitely makes a strong case.
In case you missed it, check out my review of AmaMagna – the ship we sailed on for this itinerary.
