Europe River Cruise








Trip summary statistics
Limited DatesMay – October Only
14days
A Danube River Journey with Oberammergau's Passion Play
Budapest, Europe River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems an der Donau, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen, Munich, Oberammergau, Germany
Begin in Budapest with a private guided tour of Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church.
Spend 7 nights sailing the Danube, from Budapest through Slovakia and Austria to Bavaria.
Explore Vienna with a private guide, from Schonbrunn Palace to a horse-carriage ride.
Experience the 2030 Passion Play, performed by Oberammergau's residents once every ten years.
Your Cruise Expert secures your place at this rare event, with sailings available May to Sept.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
BudapestYou’ve Arrived
- Surprise & Delight
- Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
- Hungary Welcome Package
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Budapest
BudapestExplore with an Expert
- City Tour with Saint Matthias Church & Fisherman's Bastion (4 hrs) - Private
- Folklore Show & Budapest by Night (with Dinner, 4 hrs)
Budapest to Europe River Cruise to Danube River CruiseBon Voyage
- Self-Guided: Best of Thermal Baths
- Private Port Transfer
- Budapest - Embarkation
- AMA Waterways Amenities & Inclusions
Budapest to Danube River CruiseExplore a City of Contrasts
- A tale of two cities
Bratislava to Danube River CruiseFairytale Castles and Royal Realms
- City of Kings
Vienna to Danube River CruiseAudacious Architecture
- Vienna’s imperial grandeur
- Walking Tour and Horse Carriage (3.5 hrs) - Shore Excursion
Krems an der Donau to Danube River CruiseRelax on the River
- Treasures of the Wachau Valley
Linz to Danube River CruiseStrolling the Magical Streets
- Storybook cities of Austria
Passau to Danube River CruiseTastes and Traditions
- From baroque Passau to Bavarian celebrations
Vilshofen to MunichThe Journey Continues…
- Vilshofen - Disembarkation
- Vilshofen Port to Munich (2 hrs) - Private
- Meet & Greet - Assistant
- Germany Welcome Package
- Munich's Old Town Walking Tour (2.5 hrs) - Private
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Munich
MunichA Sight To Behold
- Neuschwanstein Castle (8 hrs) - Private
Munich to Oberammergau to GermanyA Dazzling Drive
- Munich to Oberammergau (1.5 hrs) - Private
- Arrival in Oberammergau Region
- Dinner (Included)
OberammergauCross an Item off the Bucket List
- Morning at Leisure
- Oberammergau Passion Play Performance | 8 hrs
- Dinner (Included)
Oberammergau to MunichSafe Travels!
- Private Transfer Oberammergau to Munich by Car | 1 hr
BUDAPEST


You’ve Arrived
To ensure a seamless arrival experience, your English-speaking private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. The guide will assist with the check-in process and go through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer any questions you have.
A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.
With so many options to choose from, trying to decide on a restaurant during the course of your day can be an unnecessary distraction. To assist, within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition showcasing our top restaurant suggestions in Budapest, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
BUDAPEST



Explore with an Expert
Overlooking the Danube river in the heart of Buda’s Castle District, the neighboring sites of Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion are two of Budapest’s most iconic historic buildings. With your private guide, spend a half day discovering the breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views of the city. Start at the Matthias Church, a Roman Catholic masterpiece dating back to 1015. Rebuilt in Gothic style during the 14th century, this historic site has served as both a mosque during Turkish rule and a symbol of Hungarian resilience, later restored with Baroque influences. Next, visit the Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque marvel constructed between 1895 and 1902. Its seven towers honor the Magyar tribes who first settled the region, while its sweeping terraces offer unmatched panoramic views of the city and the Danube River—a great spot for unforgettable photos.
Savor the vibrant culture of Hungary with an evening of tradition and charm. Begin with a seamless pick-up from your hotel and a transfer to a cozy traditional Hungarian restaurant, where a delectable dinner awaits. Indulge in authentic local flavors as you enjoy a folklore show featuring lively Romani music and dances that bring Hungary’s heritage to life. After dinner, your evening continues with a brief Budapest by night tour. Admire the city's iconic landmarks bathed in golden light, from the shimmering Parliament to the majestic Buda Castle, offering a magical perspective of this stunning capital.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
BUDAPEST TO EUROPE RIVER CRUISE TO DANUBE RIVER CRUISE



Bon Voyage
Budapest is opportunely located on a fault line that happens to be fed by over 120 natural hot springs, prompting the city to open an impressive assortment of thermal baths. Spend some time at leisure exploring some of the best bathhouses and thermal pools located in neo-baroque palaces, sprawling outdoor and rooftop spaces. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive a supplemental composition showcasing our top thermal bath suggestions, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a port transfer.
Step into the elegance of your Ama ship and begin your Danube journey in beautiful Budapest. Unpack, relax, and savor your first evening onboard as you prepare for an unforgettable adventure ahead.
Your journey with AmaWaterways includes an array of exceptional amenities and thoughtful inclusions designed to elevate your river cruise experience. From the moment you step aboard, enjoy fine dining with regionally inspired cuisine, unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and a variety of included shore excursions at every port. Relax in elegantly appointed staterooms, each featuring a view of the river for a gorgeous perspective of the passing landscapes. Stay connected with complimentary wifi, and indulge in wellness-focused options such as guided fitness classes, a well-equipped gym, and refreshing sun-deck pool access.
Enhance your voyage with AmaWaterways’ superb onboard amenities. Savor expertly crafted cocktails in stylish lounges, unwind with soothing treatments at the spa, or take in the scenery from the comfort of the sun deck. Enjoy an enriching selection of nightly entertainment, from local performances to live music that reflects the heart of your cruise destination. For those seeking adventure, complimentary bicycles and hiking excursions provide unique ways to explore charming riverside towns. With AmaWaterways, every detail is designed to ensure a truly unique river cruise experience.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
BUDAPEST


Explore a City of Contrasts
Discover both sides of Budapest, beginning with the storybook charm of Buda’s Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. Then cross to lively Pest to admire the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank,” immersing yourself fully in this iconic European capital.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
BRATISLAVA


Fairytale Castles and Royal Realms
Uncover Bratislava’s regal history on a walking tour through its Coronation City streets, or savor a deeper connection through a special “Tastes of Slovakia” culinary experience. For sweeping views, choose an invigorating hike to the city’s hilltop castle.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
VIENNA




Audacious Architecture
Experience Vienna’s cultural splendor as you tour its grand boulevards, iconic opera house, and historic center crowned by St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, wander through the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens for an intimate look at Habsburg imperial life.
Acquaint yourself with Vienna's culture as you stroll through the historic Old Town during a private guided walking tour of the former imperial capital. Discover historical buildings and the innumerable galleries, shops and cafÉs that line its pedestrianized streets. Start with a transfer from the port, and stroll through narrow alleyways and stumble upon immense palaces, grand Baroque buildings, monuments and gardens. Perhaps visit the Imperial Crypt, the burial place of the Habsburgs. Explore Stephansplatz, dominated by the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and get a glimpse of Habsburg emperors’ opulent lifestyle at the Hofburg Palace. Conclude your tour with a private horse-carriage ride discovering the famous landmarks along the Ringstrasse, with its beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings. Admire the stunning Vienna State Opera House, the striking Rathaus, the impressive Burgtheater and the immense Austrian Parliament Building, among else, before returning to the port to rejoin your cruise.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
KREMS AN DER DONAU


Relax on the River
Spend the morning among Durnstein’s pastel-blue church tower, charming lanes, and apricot delicacies before exploring the Wachau by foot or bike. Later, visit the stunning Melk Abbey and end the day with an exclusive tasting of the region’s celebrated Gruner Veltliner and Riesling.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
LINZ


Strolling the Magical Streets
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg’s Sound of Music charm or Cesky Krumlov’s fairytale streets and castle. Or stay local to explore Linz’s historic old town, vibrant arts scene, or scenic bike paths along the Danube.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
PASSAU


Tastes and Traditions
Wander through Passau’s Gothic and Baroque splendors, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or opt for an invigorating hike or bike ride.
Where you’ll be staying
Category AB
VILSHOFEN TO MUNICH



The Journey Continues…
Disembark and continue your journey onwards.
On arrival to Vilshofen port, meet your private driver for a transfer to your Munich hotel. Approximate travel time is two hours.
For your added comfort, an English speaking assistant will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby. Your representative will help you to check in and walk you through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer your questions.
A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you in destination.
Explore the soul of Munich during a private walking tour through the city's picturesque old town. Join your private guide for an intimate exploration of the city's most captivating tales. Traverse the cobblestone streets and uncover the events that have shaped Munich's destiny, from royal scandals that resonated globally to grand international celebrations that marked pivotal moments in its rich tapestry. Take a leisurely break to explore the bustling cafes and iconic beer halls for which Munich is renowned. Your guide, a connoisseur of local delights, stands ready to offer recommendations or share insider tips upon your request.
With options galore, deciding on which restaurant to try during your stay in Munich could prove challenging. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our restaurant suggestions for Munich, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
MUNICH


A Sight To Behold
Embark on a journey to discover one of Bavaria's most magnificent treasures - the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle. After being picked up from your Munich hotel, journey through the picturesque Bavarian countryside and marvel at the stunning scenery. As you approach Neuschwanstein Castle, see how the great towers rise before you, standing tall and proud amid the German Alps. Located in one of Europe's most beautiful locations, the castle boasts incredible panoramic views of the idyllic medieval village of Fussen, as well as breathtaking natural lakes and valleys stretching far into the horizon. Join a tour of the castle and be mesmerized by the exquisite beauty of this architectural masterpiece. During your excursion, stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant (cost not included). After this unforgettable experience, you will be privately transferred back to your Munich hotel in style and comfort.
Please note: All tours inside Neuschwanstein Castle are conducted on a shared basis. Tickets become available approximately three weeks prior to the visit and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
MUNICH TO OBERAMMERGAU TO GERMANY

A Dazzling Drive
Depart Munich with your private driver and transfer to Oberammergau. The approximate transfer duration is 1.5 hours.
Experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps as you arrive in the Passion Play region of Oberammergau. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the charm of the surrounding villages, traditional Bavarian hospitality, and spectacular mountain scenery before tomorrow's Passion Play.
Enjoy a three-course dinner with selected beverages at your hotel, providing a relaxed start to your stay.
Where you’ll be staying
OBERAMMERGAU


Cross an Item off the Bucket List
Enjoy a relaxed morning, with time to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps before this afternoon's Passion Play. Take the opportunity to appreciate the region's peaceful villages and mountain scenery at your own pace.
Experience the Oberammergau Passion Play, a remarkable tradition performed once every decade since the villagers fulfilled a vow first made in 1633. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, the open-air production brings the story of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection to life through powerful performances, orchestral music, choral singing, and living tableaux. Presented in two parts with a dinner intermission, this extraordinary cultural and faith tradition continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
During the intermission, enjoy a three-course dinner with selected beverages before returning for the concluding performance.
Where you’ll be staying
OBERAMMERGAU TO MUNICH

Safe Travels!
A private transfer from Oberammergau to Munich is provided. Approximate travel time is one hour.
BUDAPEST





Prestige Hotel Budapest
Situated in the heart of the city center, the Prestige Hotel Budapest is an epitome of class and elegance. Occupying a recently reconstructed 19th century town house, this luxurious hotel brings back the memories of an era when this magnificent city flourished with culture, grandiosity, innovation, and bohemian lifestyle. The hotel’s rooms are splendidly equipped with designer furniture, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, along with hand-painted English silk wallpapers, and they are sure to dazzle you from the moment you step in. To top it all off, the hotel has joined forces with a Michelin-starred Costes Downtown restaurant to provide its guests with unforgettable, world-class culinary experiences. The magnificent architecture of the Prestige Budapest Hotel, along with its lavishly decorated rooms and fine dining options make up an unparalleled environment to unwind after a day of exploring the numerous attractions of Budapest.
DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

















AmaMagna
AmaMagna is the flagship of the award-winning river fleet. Twice the width of traditional European river ships and offering the luxury of space, four unique dining venues and more leisure opportunities, the innovative AmaMagna is reimagining river cruising on the Danube! Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 sq. ft. with full balconies. In addition to the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AmaMagna offers Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for AmaWaterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy, and the intimate Al Fresco Restaurant, serving up delicious vegetable-forward fare. Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views, while AmaMagna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a state-of-the-art fitness center, two massage rooms and a refreshing juice bar. A brand-new full-size pickleball court on the ship’s Sun Deck is popular among active guests. With connecting staterooms and triple/quadruple accommodations available, AmaMagna is also the perfect river cruise ship for families and groups!
MUNICH





Hotel Excelsior by Geisel
Situated in the heart of Munich, the Hotel Excelsior by Geisel is a premium property celebrated for its exceptional service and warm Bavarian hospitality. Just a five-minute walk from the central train station and steps away from vibrant Karlsplatz square, it offers an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel's 114 rooms and suites blend stylish, cozy interiors with modern amenities, showcasing a mix of traditional Bavarian charm and contemporary comfort. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations adorned with bright colors, elegant designs, and abundant natural light, ensuring a relaxing stay. A highlight of the Hotel Excelsior is its charming wine bar, Vinothek by Geisel, which doubles as a restaurant. It boasts an unparalleled selection of around 750 wines from across the globe, complemented by a menu featuring homemade pasta and Mediterranean-inspired specialties. Whether you're exploring Munich's cultural attractions or enjoying a leisurely getaway, the Hotel Excelsior by Geisel promises a memorable stay with its prime location and authentic Bavarian appeal.
OBERAMMERGAU
Oberammergau Region Category A Hotel
A Category A hotel is provided during your stay in the Oberammergau Region for the Passion Play performance. The specific hotel will be confirmed prior to your departure.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









