Grand Danube Passage – Sofia to Prague Aboard Amadeus Silver III

Upon arrival in Sofia, transfer to the Sofia Hotel Balkan. Unpack and relax or spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the highlights of the neighborhood around your hotel.

A local expert presents a comprehensive overview of the Bulgarian Revival. After, set off to see how this capital city delights visitors with museums, green spaces, food venues and street art. Witness the unearthed remains of the Roman city of Serdica, and admire the architecture of St. George Rotunda, Alexander Battenberg Square and the Cathedral of St. Alexander of Neva. Wrap the day up at a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

After lunch with a striking view of the Belogradchik Rocks, get to know one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns on a panoramic tour. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers several treats for the unassuming visitor. Visit the 17th-century St. Panteleimon Church and the well-preserved Baba Vida Fortress, complete with a draw bridge, a courtyard and a medieval prison. Embark your first-class ship and gather for a convivial Welcome Aboard Reception and Dinner.

Sail through the Carpathian Mountains and the towering cliffs and deep canyons of the Iron Gate Gorge, one of Europe’s most magnificent natural wonders. On your way to Serbia, settle in for a fun gathering on deck and dig into a spread of Brezeln (pretzels), Weißwurst (sausages), mustards and beer. Frühschoppen is a memorable German mid-morning tradition!

Learn about the rich legacy and history of Belgrade, located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Choose from (1) a visit to Kalemegdan Citadel, Belgrade’s cultural heart (2) an introduction into Serbian gastronomy, including a hearty feast of minced meats, sweet treats and local wines or (3) a trip to the Nikola Tesla Museum to learn about the life and work of this great physicist and inventor. After dinner, enjoy an engaging folk show.

Discover the remarkable history, villages and landscape of Croatia’s Slavonia region. Visit Rural House for a tasting of locally made products and visit the villages of Osijek and Vukovar. Both of these villages carry scars from the war in the early 1990s, yet passionate residents are working hard to bring them back to their former splendor. Rejoin your ship and sail toward Mohacs, Hungary.

Pécs lies at the southern end of the Mecsek Mountains near the Croatian border. This multicultural city is home to Hungarians, Croatians, Serbians, Germans and other ethnicities, earning it the nickname “the Borderless City.” Pécs is recognized for its Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, including the green copper domed mosque which has been converted into a Catholic church.

The grandeur of this Austro-Hungarian Empire packs a serious punch! Choose from (1) a deep dive into the history of Budapest with visits to Heroes’ Square, the Opera House and the Gothic-style Parliament Building, (2) a guided tour of Budapest’s bustling Great Market Hall, built in the 19th century or (3) a tour of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter beginning at the Great Synagogue. As your ship departs this evening, delight in the sparkling, awe-inspiring panoramas of Budapest.

After a talk about the Velvet Revolution, choose from (1) a walking tour of enchanting Bratislava, plus a visit to a local café, (2) a walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town, exploring venues associated with Mozart, Beethoven and Hummel, plus a performance by a young musician or (3) a leisurely bike tour along the Danube and Slovak-Austrian border, once part of the Iron Curtain.

The vibrancy of Vienna echoes in its grand facades and timeless sights. Discover this elegant city for yourself by choosing from (1) a tour of the Imperial Apartments of Hofburg Palace, plus the Houses of Parliament and the Opera House, (2) a visit to Klosterneuburg and its 12th-century monastery, home to the gilded copper Verdun Altar or (3) a tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former residence of the imperial family. Tonight, enjoy a waltz lesson on board.

From Dürnstein’s traditional romance to Melk’s extraordinary Benedictine abbey, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing history and heritage today. Choose from (1) a walking tour of Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive during the Crusades, (2) a leisurely bike ride along a portion of the 745-mile Danube Bicycle Trail or (3) a visit to a winery to enjoy samples from its cellar. After, visit Melk’s Benedictine abbey. Tonight, gather for a Farewell Aboard Reception and Dinner.

With its Italian-style architecture, gentle rolling hills and position at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn rivers, Passau is called “one of the most beautifully situated towns in the world.” Highlights of this romantic city include Niedernburg Abbey, the medieval Veste and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Continue to Prague and check in to the Art Deco Imperial Hotel located in the heart of the city.

Prague greets visitors with an arresting hilltop castle and spires that pierce the skyline. Begin your discovery of this storybook city, viewing the iconic Old Town Horologe with a 15th-century astronomical clock and walk along the imposing Charles Bridge. This remarkable Gothic stone bridge spans the Vltava River and is bordered by dozens of statues. On the left bank, the Castle District, or the historical center, consists of Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and a medley of winding cobbled streets.

Delve into Prague’s regal history today with (1) a visit to Lobkowicz Palace and Museum featuring stunning masterpieces, works of art and musical instruments from the 12th-20th centuries, (2) a tour of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and the Prague National Jewish Museum, a showcase of religious treasures or (3) an Art Nouveau and Cubist walking tour that delves into the unique angles, geometric patterns and textures of these architectural styles. This evening join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception.