Let's Talk Travel

Two weeks ago, my husband and I embarked on a journey along the Danube River with AmaWaterways, traveling from Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg, Germany. This experience not only brought us closer together as a couple but also introduced us to a whole new way of seeing the world. As a travel agent, I'm frequently immersed in researching options for clients, but experiencing this voyage firsthand illuminated just how special these vacations can be.

From the moment we stepped onboard, the crew made everything seamless and easy. Our hardest decisions were picking a cocktail for the evening Sip and Sail, choosing from delicious meal options, or selecting which daily tour to join (if any). Every detail was taken care of. The crew's ability to anticipate our needs and remember our names and preferences made us feel like valued guests!

The intimate setting of the ship, with just 162 passengers, was unlike any cruise experience we have ever had. They did a great job creating connections among passengers and the communal spaces were designed to encourage social interaction, making it easy for travelers to chat and form friendships. When we wanted time to ourselves, the ship's indoor and outdoor spaces provided quiet spots to unwind, maybe play a game of Cribbage and soak in the beauty of the Danube During our cruise we had the opportunity to visit three capital cities: Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava. Each city offered its own unique charm and rich history. We loved exploring the centuries-old churches and palaces, stopping at the outdoor cafés to taste the local specialties

and walking hand and hand down cobblestone streets. In Vienna, we saw Vivaldi’s Four

Seasons Classical Concert at a Baroque church built in 1737. I cannot find the words to describe how special that evening was to us. Our favorite stop was Dürnstein, in Austria's Wachau Valley.

An enchanting small town where we went on a beautiful hike to the ruins of a 12th century castle and then biked through the countryside along the Danube. Salzburg, with its old town, hilltop fortress, and musical heritage is also a must see. 

The array of included tours and activities ensured there was something for everyone.

AmaWaterways only hires local tour guides renowned for their in-depth knowledge of the region, each bringing their unique personality and style to the experience. Evenings were filled with performances by local musicians and cultural performers. Onboard we loved sitting on the deck watching the changing scenery pass by.

In every way imaginable, AmaWaterways exceeded my expectations. If you're curious about river cruising, I'd be delighted to share my insights with you. Feel free to email me at [email protected].