Arrive Budapest and board the AMA Sonata, afternoon to explore the city

Today upon arrival into Budapest make your way to the riverbank and board your home for the next week aboard the AMA Sonata.  Depending on your arrival time you can join a city walking tour or relax from your travels. (B,L,D)

Budapest

Today we will get to explore the Hungary’s capital city.  This morning take one of the included guided tours of the city and explore this history of this (B,L,D)

Bratislava, Slovakia

Cruise to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose to taste local Slovakian specialties and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. Alternatively, hike up to Bratislava Castle. Later in the day, set sail for Vienna(B,L,D)

Vienna, Austria

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center and then visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour(B,L,D)

Weissenkirchen, Austria

After reaching Weissenkirchen in the heart of the Wachau Valley, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Discover the best of both Dürnstein and Melk with a walking tour in Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. You can also opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by a visit to the abbey. For those who would like a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then be treated to a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner as well as a visit to a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, set sail through the scenic Strudengau Valley to the medieval riverside town of Grein. Be treated to an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally above the village. While here, enjoy a folklore show along with a sparkling wine reception(B,L,D)

Salzburg, Austria

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music.” Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through the old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options of excursions. Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Passau

Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing—an AmaWaterways exclusive (B,L,D)

Depart the ship - Munich Touring

Welcome to Munich.  Upon arrival, we’ll have a guided bus tour of the city.  The evening is yours to enjoy the city. (B,L)

Bavaria Countryside - Oberammergau

Today we’ll depart Munich and travel into the Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles.  These were the residences of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  An eccentric recluse, Ludwig depleted the treasury of his country building extravagant castles and died in mysterious circumstances. Neuschwanstein seems unreal in its romantic Alpine setting and Linderhof is certainly the most elaborate “hunting lodge” you will ever see!  In the afternoon we will visit the fabulous Rococo Weiskirche—it looks somewhat plain and simple on the outside, but just wait until you see the interior.(B,D)

Oberammergau

Today we will attend the famous Oberammergau Passion Play that began in 1634.  It will act out with music the last week of the Savior’s ministry.  This will be a great follow-up to our studies in the Holy Land.  (B,D)

Oberammergau to Munich for flights home

Bidding a fond farewell to Europe, we travel by coach back to Munich for our return flight to the U.S.A. (B)