15 Day Grand Danube: Bavaria to the Black Sea River Cruise
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ 14-night Danube river cruise from Vilshofen (Germany) to Giurgiu (Romania), visiting Passau, Linz, the Wachau Valley, Vienna, Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Belgrade, the Iron Gates, Vidin and Rousse
✓ Included shore excursions in each port, with a choice of experiences daily
✓ All onboard meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
✓ Onboard WiFi included
✓ Wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner
Follow the Danube through central and eastern Europe, from Bavaria to the Black Sea. Across eight countries we pass vineyard villages, imperial cities and river gorges, with a choice of shore experiences each day and a focus on the wines of the regions along the way.
Welcome to Vilshofen, the riverside town in Bavaria where our Grand Danube voyage begins. We board our ship and settle in ahead of the journey along the river.
This evening we gather for a private Oktoberfest celebration, with live music and a taste of the local Bavarian beers to mark the start of our cruise.
Special Information
Airport and port transfers are not included. Please make your own way to the ship for embarkation in Vilshofen.
Your final travel documentation, including embarkation details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to sailing.
Visa requirements vary by nationality and by the countries visited on this cruise. Australian passport holders should refer to Smartraveller and New Zealand passport holders to SafeTravel for current entry requirements, including any Schengen visa.
This morning after breakfast we take a stroll through Vilshofen before continuing along the river to Passau, known as the City of Three Rivers where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet.
Passau rewards exploration on foot, with its Gothic and Baroque streets, or from the heights of the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Those after something more active can cycle along the River Inn.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We arrive in Linz, a UNESCO City of Media Arts on the banks of the Danube, and the base for a choice of full day excursions.
We can travel to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, or cross into the Czech Republic to visit Cesky Krumlov and its medieval old town. Those who prefer to stay in Linz can explore the city on foot or by bike, and round off the day with a guided distillery tour.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
Today we cruise into the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO listed stretch of the Danube lined with terraced vineyards and castle ruins.
In Durnstein we can wander the cobbled lanes or climb to the fortress ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held. The valley is also known for its apricots and white wines, with tastings on offer in Weissenkirchen.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
This morning after breakfast we visit Melk Abbey, a Baroque monastery set above the Danube and known for its frescoes and historic library. There is time afterwards to wander the village of Melk at our own pace.
For a more active morning we can join a guided bike ride through the Wachau Valley, following riverfront paths past its vineyard slopes. Wine lovers may prefer a cellar tour and tasting at Schloss Gobelsburg.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We arrive in Vienna, the Austrian capital long associated with music and the Habsburgs.
This morning we can join a walking tour taking in the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace and St Stephens Cathedral, finishing in the old city centre. A guided bike tour offers another way to see the citys landmarks.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We arrive in Budapest, the Hungarian capital divided by the Danube into the hills of Buda and the flatter plains of Pest.
On the Buda side we can join a guided tour of the Castle District, taking in Fishermans Bastion and Matthias Church, with wide views back across the river. A guided walk up Castle Hill is available for those after a more active morning.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
Today we can step into Hungarys royal past at Godollo Palace, once a residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
In the afternoon we travel out to the Great Hungarian Plain for a farm visit, where local horsemen demonstrate the traditions of Magyar horsemanship.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
Godollo Palace and Puszta Excursion
We arrive in Mohacs in southern Hungary. From here we can travel to Pecs, a UNESCO World Heritage city shaped by Roman and Ottoman history, with its early Christian sites, former mosque and open squares.
Alternatively we can cycle along the riverbanks near Mohacs, or visit Szekszard, one of Hungarys oldest red wine regions, for a tasting.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We cross into Croatia and arrive in Vukovar, a city on the Danube that has been rebuilt since the conflict of the 1990s. We can explore it on a guided tour, or visit the older streets of nearby Osijek.
The afternoon brings a choice of regional wine tasting in Croatias Old Cellars or a visit to the Vucedol Culture Museum, which tells the story of one of the regions earliest civilisations.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We arrive in Belgrade, the Serbian capital set where the Sava meets the Danube. A guided tour takes in Kalemegdan Fortress and the Temple of Saint Sava, followed by a tasting of Serbian brandy and local specialities.
Alternatively we can head to Novi Sad, or see the city from a different angle on a guided bike ride or a walk up to its viewpoints.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
Today we sail through the Iron Gates, the series of gorges where the Danube narrows between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. This is one of the most scenic stretches of the river and is best enjoyed from the ships decks.
We also visit the medieval Golubac Fortress at the entrance to the gorge, with a tasting of regional produce.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We cross into Bulgaria and arrive in Vidin, home to the Baba Vida Fortress, the best preserved medieval castle in the country. A walking tour takes in the fortress and the riverside town.
We can also visit a local home for a hands on session making Banitsa pastry and Bulgarian yoghurt, or join a guided bike tour along the river.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
We arrive in Rousse, a Bulgarian city on the Danube known for its nineteenth century architecture. From here we can visit Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgarias former capital, or the UNESCO listed Rock Hewn Churches of Ivanovo.
Alternatively we can cross into Romania for a full day excursion to Bucharest, with a tour of its wide boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings.
Choose from a range of included shore experiences:
Our Grand Danube voyage comes to an end this morning in Giurgiu, Romania. After breakfast onboard, we disembark.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable journey along the Danube.
Special Information
Airport and port transfers are not included. Bucharest airport is approximately one hour from Giurgiu.
Vilshofen – Board our ship and mark the start of the voyage with a private Oktoberfest evening
Passau – The City of Three Rivers, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet
Linz – A UNESCO City of Media Arts and the base for excursions to Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov
Wachau Valley – A UNESCO listed valley of vineyards, Durnstein and Melk Abbey
Vienna – The Austrian capital of music and the Habsburgs
Budapest – The Hungarian capital astride the Danube, with the Castle District and Godollo Palace
Mohacs – Gateway to Pecs and the Szekszard wine region
Vukovar – A rebuilt Croatian city and the Vucedol Culture Museum
Belgrade – The Serbian capital and its Kalemegdan Fortress
Iron Gates – The gorge where the Danube narrows between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains
Vidin – The medieval Baba Vida Fortress in Bulgaria
Rousse – Gateway to Veliko Tarnovo, the Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and Bucharest
Giurgiu – Disembark and continue our journey home
Grand Danube Cruise sails with AmaWaterways along the length of the Danube. The ship varies by departure date across three vessels: AmaMagna, AmaBella and AmaVerde.
AmaMagna
Launched in 2019, AmaMagna is built to roughly twice the width of a standard river vessel and carries up to 196 passengers across 98 staterooms. The extra beam allows for larger staterooms, most with full balconies, four dining venues, a heated pool and whirlpool on the Sun Deck, a wellness studio and a water sports platform at the stern.
AmaBella and AmaVerde
Sister ships launched in 2010 and 2011, AmaBella and AmaVerde each carry up to 161 passengers in 81 staterooms. Most staterooms feature the AmaWaterways twin balcony layout, combining a French balcony with a separate outside balcony. Both ships offer multiple dining venues including the Chefs Table, an observation lounge, a fitness room and a Sun Deck with a heated pool.
Across all three ships the fare includes all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and onboard WiFi, with a fleet of bicycles carried for use in port.
Guaranteed Cabin – What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. This means you are confirmed in your selected cabin category (or higher), however your specific cabin number will be allocated by the cruise line closer to departure.
You may receive an upgrade at no additional cost, but cabin location and deck cannot be requested. You will enjoy all the features and inclusions of the category you have chosen, with the exact cabin details confirmed a little later.
Included Cabin Type – Fixed Window Stateroom (Category E / D)
The lead-in stateroom is a fixed window category (E or D), with a window that does not open, twin beds that convert to a queen, an ensuite bathroom and a sitting area.
French Balcony Stateroom – upgrade from $3,855 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
French balcony staterooms feature a full length sliding glass door opening onto an open-air balcony railing, allowing fresh air and river views from the room.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
This product is eligible for a 3 day cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please review the terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $11,450.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences.
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
About Your Inspiring Bonus Value
Your package has been designed to deliver exceptional value by bundling everything you need into one all-in fare — including flights, accommodation, your cruise, and a range of additional inclusions provided by the cruise line.
The "Inspiring Bonus Value" figure shown represents the indicative value of these inclusions if you were to purchase them separately, either onboard or directly from the supplier; it is not a discount, refund, cash equivalent, or amount deducted from your fare, and the value figure is not redeemable for cash or transferable.
This figure is calculated by reference to the cruise line's own published value for inclusions provided (where applicable), the standard onboard rate of any shore excursion credits applied to eligible ports of call, and the recommended retail rate of any bundled hotel nights, flights, tours, transfers, complimentary upgrades or other extras included in your package at the time of pricing; supplier-supplied values and rates used in this calculation are documented and available on request, and USD amounts are converted to AUD at an indicative rate that may vary.
All figures shown are approximate and indicative only, specific inclusions vary by stateroom category, package and supplier, and are subject to availability and the cruise line's terms and conditions, and inclusions may be substituted with items of equivalent or higher value where required. If the cruise line modifies or withdraws an inclusion after your booking is confirmed, Inspiring Vacations will pass on the modified inclusion as advised by the supplier; the Inspiring Bonus Value is calculated at the time of pricing and is not a guarantee of specific inclusions through to the date of travel, and where a package is purchased at a promotional price, the Inspiring Bonus Value figure relates to the inclusions of the package, not any discount applied.
For questions about how the Inspiring Bonus Value has been calculated for your package, please contact our Cruise Specialists on 1300 88 66 88.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
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