Join Linda’s small group as she discovers the unique Ama Magna ship which is so different from all the other river cruise ships in Europe. The departure date is May 5 to 12th, 2024 on AmaWaterways Gems of Southeast Europe itinerary from Bucharest, Romania to Budapest, Hungary.
There is an option to do a 4 night pre-cruise land stay from May 1st to 5th before the cruise which includes 2 nights in Bucharest (nicknamed Little Paris of the East) and 2 nights in Brasov (also called Transylvania) before being transferred to the ship
Here is the day-to-day itinerary once onboard:
May 5, GIURGIU. Embark the stunning AmaMagna in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
May 6, ROUSSE. Experience more of Bucharest or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th and 20thcentury NeoBaroque and NeoRococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO designated Rock Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14thcentury paintings. (B,L,D)
May 7, VIDIN. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, or visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
May 8, IRON GATES. The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most aweinspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
May 9, BELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
May 10, NOVI SAD ILOK. Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
May 11, MOHACS. Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCOdesignated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest redwinegrowing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour from Mohács through DanubeDrava National Park. (B,L,D)
May 12, BUDAPEST. After breakfast, you’ll disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home or you can choose to carry on to Vienna for an optional 2 night post-cruise stay.
Included Benefits on the AmaMagna:
– Multiple dining venues, including the Main Restaurant, The Chef’s Table, Jimmy’s and the Al Fresco Restaurant
– Hand selected wine and beer with meals, plus Sip & Sail cocktail hour most evenings
– Split-level lounge creating intimate pockets in which to relax unhindered
– Heated sun-deck pool with whirlpool and sky bar
– Multi-functional, expansive Zen Wellness Studio with juice bar & space to hold group exercise classes led by a qualified Host
– Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi—at no additional charge
– Salon services, including manicures, pedicures, hair and massage (additional costs apply)
– Low draft with quieter, more fuel-efficient engines
– No parallel docking with other ships in most ports along the Danube
Stateroom Accommodations:
– Most accommodations are suites, ranging from 252 sq. ft. to 474 sq. ft., featuring step-out balconies
– Marble bathrooms, multi-jet showers, soothing bath products, cotton bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer
– Generous closet, storage and shelf space with in-room safe
– Entertainment-On-Demand with high-speed Internet, movies, music and English-language TV
– Individually controlled air-conditioning
– Connecting staterooms and triple/quad occupancy available (select staterooms)
River Cruise Lady’s Group rate (does not include the port charges of $224usd or $285cad)
Category AB $5950usd/$7550cad per person based on two sharing
Category AA $6150usd/$7750 per person based on two sharing
For other category prices or single rates, please email linda@therivercruiselady.com
