Flowing through more countries than any river in the world

The legendary Danube River stretches through 10 countries and four capital cities. When sailing on one of our Danube River itineraries, AmaWaterways guests can explore the majestic natural wonders and experience the unique features that distinguish the "Upper" Danube from the "Lower" Danube.

Upper Danube

FOUR COUNTRIES, ONE JOURNEY

The Upper Danube begins in the Black Forest and travels through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, passing through the three regal capitals of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest along the way. AmaWaterways’ itineraries also offer the opportunity to see a fourth capital with an optional land program to Prague, Czech Republic.

A PRISON WITH A VIEW

An exhausted Richard the Lionheart was on his way home from the Third Crusade when he became shipwrecked in the Adriatic Sea. Forced to make his way home by land, he had to cross through Austria, home of one of his chief rivals, and was imprisoned in Dürnstein Fortress from 1192-1193.

A STORIED CATHEDRAL

A masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to Vienna. It is such an important landmark in Austria that it is featured on their 10-cent euro coin. Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were both married inside, and the latter’s funeral was held there as well.

Hike to Dürnstein Fortress and admire the timeless beauty of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna beginning this summer and fall as we return to the Danube River on our Magna on the Danube, Romantic Danube, Melodies of the Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, Legendary Danube or Grand Danube cruises.

Lower Danube

THE RIVER LESS TRAVELED

What we refer to as the "Lower Danube" River flows southeast from Budapest, Hungary and travels through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Much of the Lower Danube was closed off to tourists until the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991, and the Balkans conflict rendered the region inaccessible for another decade.

THE KING IN IRON

Pass through the Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge along the border between Serbia and Romania with cliffs that reach up to 130 feet high. See the massive stone visage of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia (modern day Romania), who fought against the Roman Empire to preserve the independence of his kingdom.

Marvel at King Decebalus in the Iron Gates on our Gems of Southeast Europe cruise along the Lower Danube River aboard our beautiful AmaBella!

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