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Grand River Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - Vilshofen (Germany)
Embark your ship in Vilshofen and meet your fellow travellers. Later, enjoy a festive Oktoberfest celebration - an Amawaterways exclusive. (D)
Day 2 - Volshofen - Passau
Enjoy free time exploring the quaint village of Vilshofen before cruising on to Passau. Perhaps join a guided walking tour of Passau and admire the Gothic Italian and Baroque architecture or enjoy a guided bike tour along the River Danube. Alternatively, hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Linz (Austria)
This morning, join a guided walking tour through the old city centre of Linz, cycle along the city's famed 'Cultural Mile' or perhaps head to Salzburg to discover the historic centre, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Austrian Lake District or opt for a half-day excursion to Salzburg. Alternatively, visit the charming Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Weissenkirchen
Admire the scenery as you cruise through Strudengau and the UNESCO Wachau Valley. From Weissenkirchen, explore the pretty town of Durnstein and visit the magnificent Melk Abbey or perhaps hike to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. Alternatively, sample apricot treats at a local boutique. This evening, enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Vienna
See the Baroque elegance in Vienna on a guided city tour past the famous Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and St Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively join a bike tour along the Danube. This afternoon explore at leisure or take the guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Bratislava
From Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, you can enjoy a guided walking tour to the Old Town Hall and Mirbach Palace or join the Slovakian Specialities tasting and sample some local delicacies. Alternatively, hike up to Bratislava Castle before enjoying time at leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Budapest (Hungary)
See the twin cities of Buda and Pest on a sightseeing tour and visit the Fisherman's Bastion, St Stephen's Basilica and the Heroes' Square, or enjoy an active hike to Castle Hill. After dinner, enjoy an 'Illuminations Cruise' this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Budapest
Visit the famous Puszta region, the vast flat plain where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional dress. Try a traditional lunch goulash, tour a genuine Hungarian farm and watch an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Mohacs
Arrive in Mohacs this morning and depart for an excursion to Pecs, an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. Alternatively, opt for a bike tour of Mohac's or head to the Szekszard wine region for a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Vukovar (Croatia) - Novi Sad (Serbia)
In Vukovar join a guided walking tour including a visit to the Ovcara Memorial, a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia's struggle for independence, or travel to Ilok for a wine tasting. Cruise to Novi Sad and take a walking tour of the city or join an active biking tour through Fruska Gora National Park. This evening, visit the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Belgrade
Explore Belgrade's plazas and squares. See the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox temple of St Sava. Choose to either visit the Royal Palace and the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, first president of Yugoslavia; enjoy Serbian plum brandy and snacks at a local distillery; or join a guided bike tour through Belgrade. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Cruising the Iron Gates
Enjoy a full day of cruising through the awe-inspiring landscape of the Iron Gates where the Danube winds its way through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Vidin (Bulgaria)
Visit the Baba Vida fortress which stands guard over the Danube here and take the excursion to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle located in a landscape of stunning rock formations. Alternatively enjoy a Banitsa pastry and yoghurt tasting in a local home or see the sights on a guided bike ride. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Rousse - Bucharest (Romania)
Tour the ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo and see highlights including the old citadel, Royal Palaces and Baldwin's Tower. Alternatively discover the beautiful architecture of Rousse then visit the Churches of Ivanovo, where churches, chapels and monasteries have been hewn into the side of a mountain. Later, journey to the vibrant city of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East' and join a panoramic tour to see the historic sights of the city centre. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Giurgiu
Disembark in Giurgiu after breakfast. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.