Name: Magic of Advent on the Rhine
Brand: Amadeus River Cruises

Amadeus River Cruises

Austrian-owned Amadeus has been going for more than 30 years, recognised as one of the oldest providers in Europe, and one of the most established and reliable river cruise lines. It's the Rolls-Royce of river cruising.

Originally for the German-speaking market, the cruise line has branched into international cruising, along with a revamp of its fleet and the launch of a handful of new ships – like Amadeus Imperial.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Budapest

Many Danube cruises start or end in Budapest, and the Hungarian capital remains a highlight for passengers. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a city, with something for everyone – muscle-melting thermal spas for those seeking relaxation, museums packed with artefacts for the culturally curious and ruin bars for travellers searching for an offbeat adventure.

Day 2

Esztergom

Day 3

Bratislava

Known as 'the little big city', Bratislava is smaller than most other European capitals, but still has plenty to do. From castles and clock towers to cocktail bars and 'the UFO Bridge', it's full of mysteries you'll want to unravel.

Day 4

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 5

Emmersdorf

Day 5

Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a fairytale town on the banks of the Danube, offering a mix of Austrian hospitality and medieval history. You can visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive before heading deeper into the Wachau Valley to stroll the rolling vineyards and sip the crisp Riesling.

Day 5

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 6

Linz

Linz is a charming stop on a Danube cruise for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it's home to Austria's largest cathedral. Secondly, it has an impressive array of art and science museums. Last, but certainly not least, it's the home of the delicious Linzertorte, which is especially popular around Christmas.

Days 7-8

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Days 1-2

Budapest

Many Danube cruises start or end in Budapest, and the Hungarian capital remains a highlight for passengers. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a city, with something for everyone – muscle-melting thermal spas for those seeking relaxation, museums packed with artefacts for the culturally curious and ruin bars for travellers searching for an offbeat adventure.

Day 2

Esztergom

Day 3

Bratislava

Known as 'the little big city', Bratislava is smaller than most other European capitals, but still has plenty to do. From castles and clock towers to cocktail bars and 'the UFO Bridge', it's full of mysteries you'll want to unravel.

Day 4

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 5

Emmersdorf

Day 5

Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a fairytale town on the banks of the Danube, offering a mix of Austrian hospitality and medieval history. You can visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive before heading deeper into the Wachau Valley to stroll the rolling vineyards and sip the crisp Riesling.

Day 5

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 6

Linz

Linz is a charming stop on a Danube cruise for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it's home to Austria's largest cathedral. Secondly, it has an impressive array of art and science museums. Last, but certainly not least, it's the home of the delicious Linzertorte, which is especially popular around Christmas.

Days 7-8

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.