AmaWaterways' new 'Best of the Danube' is Rudi Schreiner's pick

The 'godfather of river cruising' grew up in Vienna, alongside the Danube. So, when asked to pick a favorite route, Schreiner said: 'The Danube flows through the heart of Europe, offering a river cruise that combines the charm of three capital cities — Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava — with the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley.

'These cities are close to each other, ensuring short cruising distances and ample time to explore. Vienna, with its rich history, classical music scene, charming wine villages, coffee houses and imperial sites like Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palace, is a highlight,' he continued. 'Easily accessible with roundtrip flights to Budapest, it’s a year-round itinerary, ideal for any season.'

Plentiful excursions

The cruise spends full days in the capitals of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Excursions are plentiful with bike and walking tours, food tasting opportunities, visits to cathedrals and palaces and hikes.

Highlights include sampling the traditional foods and beers of Slovakia; touring the UNESCO site of Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous active monasteries dating back to the 11th century; a guided bike ride along the Danube Canal and through the city, heading to Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse Boulevard; and exploring Budapest with the city’s Castle District and panoramic views on the Buda side and the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side.

Fifteen 'Best of the Danube' departures will operate in 2025 and 14 in 2026.

Special early-season sailings (Schreiner's favorite time to see the Danube) are scheduled Feb. 23 and March 2, 2025 and Feb. 8, 15, 22 and March 1, 2026 on AmaWaterways’ double-wide AmaMagna. Later season departures in 2025 and 2026 sail on AmaBella, AmaReina, AmaViola and AmaLea.

'Best of the Danube' webinar

Schreiner will host a 'Best of the Danube' webinar Aug. 21. Registration is available at register.gotowebinar.com/register/3089223494722304597.