15 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest 2026

Day 1 Amsterdam

Step aboard your ship in Amsterdam and feel the city’s energy as it glides past elegant canal houses and vibrant neighborhoods. 

Day 2 Amsterdam

Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or, as a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. 

Day 3 Düsseldorf

Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, as a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine.

Day 4 Rüdesheim

Glide through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where castles perch above rolling vineyards along the river. Quaint towns and riverside paths invite you to linger, breathe in the scenery, and embrace the timeless beauty of this storied stretch. Every turn of the river reveals a new vista, offering quiet reflection or a moment to capture the perfect memory.

Day 5 Wertheim

Today your beautiful river cruise ship leaves the Rhine River in Mainz and continues east along the Main River toward the town of Wertheim. Once in Wertheim, take a walking tour of its charming historic center and visit a glass-blowing workshop, take a guided bike tour along the riverbanks, or hike up to the evocative ruins of Wertheim Castle. Alternatively, head to a bakery for a pretzel tasting.

Day 6 Würzburg

Würzburg’s Baroque architecture and elegant streets reflect a rich cultural heritage. Explore the grand façades, intricate gardens, and riverbanks that have inspired travelers for generations. Whether wandering the streets or hiking to vantage points, the city’s beauty and charm provide a serene backdrop for leisurely exploration.

Day 7 Eltmann

Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today.

Day 8 Nuremberg

Nuremberg’s streets rise beneath its castle, blending centuries of architecture, art, and history. Wander the Old Town, discover local traditions, and feel the energy of a city that has shaped Europe’s past. Every turn offers a glimpse into the city’s stories, from grand squares to quiet courtyards.

Day 9 Nuremberg

Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets wind past medieval towers, ancient fountains, and colorful façades that whisper centuries of stories. The city’s rhythm blends history, artistry, and everyday life, inviting quiet strolls and moments of reflection. From the Old Town’s charming squares to the riverbanks that frame its skyline, Nuremberg reveals a city shaped by time, culture, and enduring spirit.

Day 10 Regensburg

Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities.

Day 11 Passau

Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour you will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress.

Day 12 Melk

Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. 

Day 13 Vienna

Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon.

Day 14 Budapest

Budapest’s dual personalities unfold along the Danube, from hilly Buda to flat Pest. Wander historic streets, admire panoramic vistas, or explore vibrant squares and quiet lanes. The city’s rich culture, architecture, and riverside charm provide endless opportunities for reflection and discovery.

Day 15 Budapest

Disembark and begin your journey home