Hosted Journey
Legendary Danube
Seven nights down the Danube in the best week of European spring, from medieval Nuremberg to the lit bridges of Budapest.
Dates
May 19–26, 2027
Route
Nuremberg to Budapest
Ship
AmaReina · AmaWaterways
Length
Seven nights
Open and ready to plan
May is the reason we chose these dates. The Wachau Valley is green, the terraces are in leaf, the evenings are long enough to sit on deck after dinner, and the crowds of high summer have not arrived.
The route runs from Nuremberg through Bavaria's oldest river cities, past Passau where three rivers meet, into the Wachau at Melk and Dürnstein, then Vienna and finally Budapest — arriving at the one city where the approach by water is the whole point.
There is a Salzburg day available mid-week for anyone who wants it, and a hiking or biking option almost every day for those who would rather be moving.
Region
Germany · Austria · Hungary
Who it suits
- Travelers who want central Europe's capitals and countryside in one week
- Anyone who cares about timing — late May is the sweet spot on this river
- Couples and friend groups who like a mix of walking, cycling, and long dinners
Day by day
Nuremberg to Budapest.
Day 1
Nuremberg
Board in the afternoon, with a Pilsen stop en route for anyone arriving from Prague.
Day 2
Nuremberg
The medieval city, the twentieth-century history, or a tasting walk through Franconia.
Day 3
Regensburg
A UNESCO old town almost untouched by war, plus Bavarian tastings and a ride out to Walhalla.
Day 4
Passau
The city of three rivers, a full day in Salzburg, a castle hike, or a ride along the Inn.
Day 5
Melk & the Wachau
Melk Abbey above the river, the village of Dürnstein, or the valley by bike — the prettiest stretch of the whole Danube.
Day 6
Vienna
Imperial Vienna on foot or the city by bicycle, with the evening free.
Day 7
Budapest
Buda and Pest in one day, with a Castle Hill hike for those who want the climb.
Day 8
Budapest
Disembark after breakfast. Most travelers wish they had added nights here — we suggest you do.
On board
What the journey includes.
- Seven nights aboard AmaReina, a 162-guest ship
- All meals on board across multiple dining venues
- Hand-selected wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Small-group excursions in every port, including hiking and biking options
- A wellness host leading daily activities, plus the sun-deck pool and fitness room
- Live local entertainment and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
Before or after
Add Prague first
Three nights in Prague before the ship, with a city tour, a castle walk, and a Czech beer tasting, then a scenic transfer to Nuremberg. Prague and the Danube belong on the same trip.
Worth knowing
This departure is newly open, which means the best cabin categories are still available. That changes over the coming months.
If you are flying from the middle of the country, we will build the air and the pre-nights so you arrive rested rather than straight off a redeye.
A closer look
More of the journey.
Also on the calendar