4 Amadeus River Journeys Perfect for Your Group

Danube, Rhine and Holland-Belgium cruise itineraries showcase the very best of Europe, offering U.S. group tour organizers a bounty of appealing choices

No one knows Central Europe better than Amadeus River Cruises, an Austrian company that has been operating on the continent’s great waterways for more than 40 years. Its U.S. office in the Chicagoland area is staffed by group specialists ready to help with inquiries, bookings and custom arrangements.

Having hosted travelers in its own backyard for decades, Amadeus has earned a reputation for offering a luxury product honed to perfection by travel experts who know Europe best.

Amadeus River Cruises maintains one of the youngest fleets on the rivers of Europe and has introduced a brand-new ship every year since 2016. The company’s 17 modern ships differ little from each other, a fact that appeals to group planners. As Executive Vice President Marcus Leskovar likes to say, “Amadeus is easy to learn, easy to sell.”

Following are four popular Amadeus itineraries that group tour planners will want to consider for their next European river cruise:

Classical Danube Cruise

This 8-day voyage from Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary (or vice versa) is the quintessential European cruise itinerary. Perfect for first-time river cruisers, it explores four countries in the heart of Europe, offering plenty of Old World flavor along a lovely stretch of the continent’s second-longest river. As a bonus, select 2025 departures feature a two-night extension in Prague.

The first of 12 “Classical Danube” departures in 2025 is May 4, with the last sailing set for October 26.

The fun begins with a walking tour through the maze of cobblestone streets in Passau, many of them pedestrianized. The enchanting Old Town boasts beautifully restored houses and churches. In the afternoon, visit Fortress Veste Oberhaus, the former residence of the prince-bishops, one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe. The ramparts afford panoramic views of the confluence of three rivers – the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Bavarian foods and entertainment highlight your evening back on the ship.

The next day provides a choice between tours in two Austrian cities – Linz and Salzburg. In Linz, join a leisurely stroll through the Old Town and enjoy a slice of Linzer Torte, the famous raspberry jam pastry, before returning to the ship. Another Linz option is an active hiking tour. A full-day excursion to Salzburg, the hometown of Mozart, and the pretty Salzkammergut Lake District features filming sites from the classic 1965 movie The Sound of Music. Famous for its Baroque architecture, medieval streets and postcard-perfect Hohensalzburg castle, Salzburg claims one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps.

Additional tourist magnets in Austria await Amadeus guests the next day. Melk Abbey, an 18th century Benedictine monastery set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, impresses with its ornate yellow Baroque facade, dazzling ceiling frescoes and magnificent library. During lunch on board, marvel at the passing parade of terraced vineyards and fairy-tale villages flanking the Wachau Valley as your ship continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ town noted for its hilltop castle ruins. Explore the village’s cobbled lanes with a local guide or visit a vineyard to sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines.

The Dürnstein walking tour makes stops for you to savor treats made with the local specialty – apricots.  Indulge your taste buds with a sip of apricot juice, brandy or liquor before continuing to the castle, Schloss Dürnstein, for vistas of the mighty Danube. Then explore the famous Abbey and have a glass of wine to toast the end of your Dürnstein visit. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight.

The Old World comes alive in Vienna, where your tour starts with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, home to grandiose buildings like the Vienna State Opera House, Parliament, Court Theatre and imposing City Hall. Then enjoy a guided walk through the city center, beginning with the Hofburg Imperial Palace and ending at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s soaring centerpiece. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll through the pedestrian area. Another Vienna excursion spotlights Schönbrunn Palace with its elegant ceremonial rooms and formal gardens.

Cap your Vienna stay with a concert of music from the classical era. The Salonorchester Alt Wien presents an evening full of Viennese charm with the sounds of waltzes, polkas, arias and duets. The program includes opera singers and ballet soloists.

On Day 6 of your Danube cruise, wake up in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Explore the city on your own or take an optional tour that starts with a stunning view of the city and river from Bratislava Castle. After the driving tour, a guided walk leads you through the medieval Old Town and ends with a chance to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  In the afternoon, travel to a vineyard and winery in the peaceful Carpathian wine region, where you can learn about wine making while enjoying some Slovakian wine and local delicacies.

On the way to Budapest, those interested in exploring the Hungarian countryside can choose the optional excursion in Esztergom, with its massive domed basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continue to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin your Amadeus vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch.

This afternoon, see the highlights of Budapest, “Queen of the Danube.” Included in the tour are Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill on the Buda side, and the iconic Hungarian Parliament building on the Pest shore. The final evening features the festive Captain‘s Gala Dinner and a cruise through the magnificently illuminated metropolis, accompanied by a spirited folklore show onboard.

For details on Amadeus River Cruises’ 8-day “Classical Danube Cruise,” click here.

Group travel organizers wishing more information on Amadeus River Cruises may call the company’s U.S. office in suburban Chicago toll-free at 844-462-6727 or email the sales team at sales@amadeus-rivercruises.com.

Tulip Serenade

This springtime cruise, an 8-day roundtrip from Amsterdam, spotlights the best of Holland and Belgium. Amadeus guests tour historic cities, taste Belgian chocolates and Dutch cheeses, and witness the annual floral spectacle staged by one of the most famous gardens in the world. As the idyllic countryside awakens from a long winter‘s slumber, marvel at the blossoming foliage, iconic windmills and sleepy towns found along the region’s intricate network of waterways. Tulip time is the perfect time to explore Holland and Belgium.

Eight “Tulip Serenade” departures are offered between April 1 and May 1, 2025.

Your first day is devoted to Arnhem, an eastern Netherlands city rich in World War II history. You will drive past sites associated with the failed Allied airborne operation in which hundreds of British and Polish troopers died in their attempt to secure the Rhine River bridge featured in the movie A Bridge Too Far. Dramatic exhibits and eyewitness videos at Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek describe the 1944 battle and how Dutch civilians endured the German bombing and looting of their city. In the afternoon, one option is a tour of the Open Air Museum, a collection of historic homes, farmhouses and mills. Or choose to visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which contains the world’s second-largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and has one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe.

Before lunchtime the next day, your Amadeus ship arrives in the lovely Dutch town of Middleburg. An afternoon walking tour features the historic merchant houses and stores lining the canals. Or choose a culinary tour to the quaint village of Veere.

Next on the itinerary is Ghent, one of the most attractive cities in Belgium. On a walking tour through the picturesque medieval center, see St. Bavo Cathedral, a massive Gothic-style church that claims one of the most important works of art of the Middle Ages – The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck. Then visit the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen Fortress), built in the 12th century by the Count of Flanders after his return from the Crusades. After chocolate tasting at a confectionery, you’ll have free time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship.

More medieval magic awaits those who take the excursion to Bruges, a well – preserved storybook town with cobbled alleys, crooked bridges, romantic canals and monuments to the Middle Ages.

On Day 5, your Amadeus river ship anchors in Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s largest ports. Join a morning excursion to Brussels and in the afternoon explore Antwerp’s tourist-friendly cobweb of medieval lanes. Highlights of an Antwerp walking tour include paintings by the city’s own Peter Paul Rubens in the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Our Lady, the largest Gothic church in Belgium. Join your guide for a Belgian waffle, then enjoy some free time on your own before returning to the vessel. Perhaps you’ll have time to patronize one of the stands offering Vlaamse frites (Flemish fries) served with a generous blob of mayonnaise or sit at a cafe with an amber-hued De Konnick beer, the signature brew of Antwerp customarily served in the brand’s goblet-shaped glass.

Your ship arrives early the next morning in Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second- largest city. After breakfast, you can pay a visit to Kinderdijk, home to a collection of traditional windmills (built around 1740) and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. After lunch onboard, explore famous Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, where fields of flowers delight springtime visitors.

The largest bulb-flower garden on earth, open for only eight weeks from late March to mid- May, boasts more than 1,600 varieties of tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, daffodils and other brilliant blooms. Keukenhof’s pavilion features flower shows, historical exhibits, artwork and gift shops selling wooden shows, Delftware, chocolates, cheese and flower bulbs.

During dinner, the ship departs for the final leg of the cruise back to Amsterdam.

Your “Tulip Serenade” ends in Amsterdam, whose historic center consists of 90 islands linked by 1,300 bridges. On a walking tour you will see the Maritime Museum, Jewish Quarter and Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to experience the city than from the water, the tour will end with a canal boat trip. After lunch you may choose the excursion to the old fishing village of Volendam, followed by a cheese farm visit and a walk through the quaint village of Edam, famous for its cheese.

This evening, the festive Captain’s Gala Dinner will provide a fitting finish to the day and a memorable way to end your adventure exploring the waterways of Holland and Belgium.

For details on Amadeus River Cruises’ 8-day “Tulip Serenade” itinerary, click here.

Group travel organizers wishing more information on Amadeus River Cruises may call the company’s U.S. office in suburban Chicago toll-free at 844-462-6727, or email the sales team at sales@amadeus-rivercruises.com.

1,200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube

This 10- or 11-day journey from Vienna to Bucharest, Romania (or vice versa) provides an eye-opening peek into Eastern Europe, passing through Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. A scenic highlight is sailing through the Iron Gates, the imposing gorge where the Danube breaks through the Carpathian Mountains.

Departure dates for 2025 are July 17 and 24 and September 20. A 3-night Brasov/Transylvania extension is available on select departures.

What better place to begin a European river cruise than Vienna, former capital of the Habsburg Empire? After settling into your floating hotel, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and get ready for the next day in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Explore Bratislava on your own or take an optional tour that starts with a stunning view of the city and river from Bratislava Castle. After the driving tour, a guided walk leads you through the medieval Old Town. Following lunch onboard, you may choose the excursion into Austria to Schloss Hof, the sumptuous Baroque palace and country estate of Empress Maria Theresa.

On day 3, start your morning with a guided tour featuring the awe-inspiring basilica of Esztergom and artists’ village of Szentendre. Meanwhile, the vessel continues gliding towards Budapest, where those who opted for the excursion will rejoin for lunch. In the afternoon, Amadeus guests can choose a city tour of the Hungarian capital or, alternatively, embark on “An Authentic Taste of Budapest,” starting with food sampling at the Market Hall, continuing to the famous geothermal baths and ending at a pastry shop. In the evening, local dancers and musicians entertain onboard while the vessel cruises through this iconic city, the “Queen of the Danube.”

From Vukovar, Croatia the next afternoon, travel to Kopački Rit, one of the largest wetlands in Europe, for a boat tour through marshes that are home to a wide variety of birdlife, animals and plants. In the village of Kopačevo, you can sample Croatian fruit brandies and wines along with smoked pork sausage and homemade cakes. Continue to Osijek for a walk through the town and visit its Baroque military fortress.

Awake the next day in Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia. During a morning sightseeing tour, visit Kalemegdan Fortress for breathtaking views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Then see the National Museum, the Parliament, and St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. After lunch, travel to Topola and Oplenac and trace the heritage of the Serbian royal family. In the evening, enjoy a Serbian folklore performance and taste regional specialties in the artists' quarter of Skadarlija.

Midway through your Danube cruise, grab a spot on the Sun Deck for an afternoon going through the Iron Gates. The longest and deepest series of gorges in Europe, this natural phenomenon marks the border between Serbia and Romania. Majestic views of the Carpathian and Balkan mountains paint a memorable scene. Tour choices in Serbia on the morning of that day include Golubac Fortress, Lepenski Vir archaeological site and a hike in Djerdap National Park.

At lunchtime the following day you arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svisthov, the southernmost point on the Danube. Choose from an excursion to Rousse and Basarbovo cave monastery, or one that goes to the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo and quaint village of Arbanasi with its pair of fresco-decorated Orthodox churches from the 16th century.

A real treat in Romania is the full-day excursion to the beautiful Danube Delta, one of the largest wetland biotopes in the world. Along the nature reserve’s waterways, a three-hour trip in small boats showcases the flora and fauna. A typical lunch awaits you in the idyllic village of Mila 23 before you head back to the Danube port of Hârşova.

On the last full day of your seven-country adventure, transfer from the ship to Bucharest, known as the “Paris of the East” for its stately boulevards and landmark buildings. A tour of the Romanian capital includes lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant. A farewell dinner and overnight in a luxury hotel provides a memorable end to your journey through Eastern Europe.

For details on Amadeus River Cruises’ “1,200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube” itinerary, click here.

Group travel organizers wishing more information on Amadeus River Cruises may
call the company’s U.S. office in suburban Chicago toll-free at 844-462-6727, or email the sales team at sales@amadeus-rivercruises.com.

Classical Rhine Cruise

This 8-day sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland captures the true essence of Europe. With its vineyard-covered slopes, hilltop castles and storybook towns graced with church steeples and gabled houses, the fabled Rhine is a dream come true for travelers seeking Old World charm. As a bonus, this four-country itinerary includes a stretch of the winding Moselle River, a narrower, slower- moving, more intimate tributary of the Rhine.

In 2025 Amadeus will offer 17 “Classical Rhine” departures from Amsterdam or Basel. A 2-night extension in Lucerne, Switzerland is available on select departures. The northbound journey begins with a late-afternoon embarkation from Basel, a Swiss city wedged between Germany and France.

An optional excursion on the morning of Day 2 features a canal boat ride through the historic core of Strasbourg, France, capital of the Alsace region. Then walk through the traffic-free streets, admiring the centuries-old, half-timbered houses. A guided tour of Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, is another highlight. An afternoon excursion visits atmospheric Alsatian wine villages.

On the next morning in Speyer, Germany, Amadeus passengers may opt for a walking tour in what was one of the great cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Attractions include the impressive Imperial Cathedral, among the world’s finest Romanesque cathedrals, and the remains of the medieval Jewish Quarter. When the ship arrives in Mannheim after lunch, guests may opt for the excursion to the famous university city of Heidelberg and the majestic ruins of its red-sandstone castle. The castle’s Grand Terrace affords a wonderful view of the city and Neckar River.

On one of the most unforgettable days of your cruise, you will visit the wine village of Rüdesheim in the morning, perhaps doing some wine tasting at a vineyard or visiting the Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. From lunchtime on, head north and see what everyone has been waiting for—the concentration of castles populating the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. While some of the castles are ruins, others have been restored as hotels, restaurants, museums or private residences. Vine-ribboned hillsides and timeless villages seem to be waiting around every bend of this castle-studded corridor.

Your next stop is Koblenz, where you can explore the colorful alleys and squares of the pedestrianized Old Town independently or on an excursion that includes a cable ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a massive castle complex that overlooks the confluence of the mighty Rhine and little sister Moselle.

Cochem, one of the prettiest towns on the Moselle, is your destination the following day. With its half-timbered houses, tangle of cobbled alleyways and picture-perfect castle perched on a crag high above the market square, the German village seems to have been plucked right from a medieval fairy tale. The terraces of Reichsburg Castle offer splendid views of the Moselle Valley’s forests and vineyards as well as the town.

Back on the Rhine, your next stop is Cologne, an ancient city noted for the soaring twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s great Gothic landmarks. On a walking tour, explore the Old Town’s narrow, cobbled streets and lively squares. As the excursion concludes, enjoy a glass of Kölsch, the No. 1 beer in Cologne and large parts of the Rhineland.

By breakfast of the next day you’ll be in Amsterdam, where an optional morning tour includes a boat ride through the Dutch capital’s famous canals. After lunch you may choose to take the excursion to the old fishing village of Volendam, followed by a cheese farm visit and a walk through the quaint village of Edam, famous for its cheese.

This evening, the Captain invites you to a festive Gala Dinner, which is followed by a rousing Shanty Choir performance. The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight, and after breakfast on Day 8, it’s time to bid your new-found friends and Amadeus crew a fond farewell.

For details on the “Classical Rhine Cruise,” click here.

Group travel organizers wishing more information on Amadeus River Cruises may call the company’s U.S. office in suburban Chicago toll-free at 844-462-6727, or email the sales team at sales@amadeus-rivercruises.com.

Information on 2- and 3-night land packages before or after selected Amadeus cruises is available here.

By Randy Mink

Lead Photo – The Amadeus Star navigates the Iron Gates, a gorge on the Danube that forms the boundary between Serbia and Romania. (Photo credit: Amadeus River Cruises)

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