Embark on the senior touring trip of a lifetime with Best of Times Travel and the award-winning AMA Waterways on the Legendary Danube River Cruise. This all-inclusive vacation offers the ultimate travel value as you journey through the heart of Europe, experiencing the highlights of Prague, Hungary, Austria, and Germany.
This meticulously crafted senior group travel itinerary begins with an exclusive 2-night pre-cruise program in the enchanting "city of a hundred spires," Prague. From there, you'll board your luxurious AMA Waterways ship and glide along the majestic Danube, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and charming towns. Explore historic cities like Nuremberg, marvel at the Wachau Valley's beauty, immerse yourself in Vienna's imperial grandeur, and discover the captivating duality of Budapest.
Enjoy enriching shore excursions tailored to various activity levels, savor gourmet cuisine with included beverages, and relax in the comfort of your elegant stateroom. With a dedicated Best of Times Travel Tour Manager ensuring a seamless experience and roundtrip airfare from Logan Airport included, this European River Cruise promises an extraordinary and stress-free adventure. Don't miss this opportunity for exceptional senior group travel on the Legendary Danube River Cruise!
Start your voyage with an Exclusive Best of Times Travel 2 Night Pre-Cruise program to Prague, also called “the city of a hundred spires.” Journey from Nuremberg on the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide, and along the way, visit charming towns and marvel at beautiful vistas. In Germany, explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Enter Austria and see where the Sound of Music was filmed - Salzburg! Cruise through the lush Wachau wine region a true sight to behold. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and the riverside towns in the Wachau Valley. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital—traditional “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest”—and from Fishermen’s Bastion, see how the river divides this fascinating city. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and understand why Strauss immortalized the “Blue Danube” in his famous melody.
Unforgettable Moments on Your All-Inclusive Tulip Time European River Cruise
Experience the pinnacle of senior group travel with Best of Times Travel's meticulously curated Legendary Danube 2026 European river cruise aboard AMA Waterways' AmaSonata. This all-inclusive vacation promises a tapestry of unforgettable moments, perfectly tailored for a delightful senior touring trip.
This senior touring trip is designed to provide the best of times, combining cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and luxurious comfort on an AMA Waterways European river cruise.
Here's What's Included as part of your Best of Times Travel All-Inclusive Tulips & Windmills River Cruise Package:
• 8 Day Deluxe River Cruise on the AmaStella - Elegantly appointed riverview staterooms, most with signature twin balconies, French balconies or full balconies
• 2-Night Best of Times Travel Pre-Cruise Tour in Prague
• Roundtrip Airfare from Logan Airport
• Roundtrip Transfer to Airport - w/ hometown pick-up guarantee*
• Best of Times Professional Tour Manager throughout your trip**
• All Touring Included with private, English-speaking guides and Personal audio device, Quietvox, to better appreciate your guide’s insightful commentary. Plus Bicycles with helmets and Nordic walking sticks. Choose your excursion activity level: gentle, regular or active pace tours. There are even some options for late risers.
• All onboard meals featuring regional specialties & always available American classics - Dining with open seating
• Unlimited Wines, Beers, & Soft Drinks with every lunch and dinner on board ship, plus Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
• Old World Highlights: Distinctive onboard programs, such as lectures, theme dinners, music performances, and afternoon/evening piano music
• Welcome Cocktail Reception/Dinner & Gala Dinner
• Wellness Program offering a variety of daily exercise classes led by a professionally trained Wellness Host.
• Hotel-style bed with optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows, Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms and suites with complimentary high-speed internet, movies, music and English-language TV stations. Unlimited high-quality Wi-Fi on board. Security safe, Hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets & USB port, refrigerator
• Refreshing water always available, with biodegradable Tetra Pak® containers for excursions
• Special Early Booking & Past Passenger Discounts
• Optional Chubb Travelers Insurance Program Available. For More Information on the Insurance Program Click Here.
** Minimum requirement of 20 paying customers from Best of Times Travel to ensure Tour Director services throughout the cruise.
* For a Single Group Pick-Up within 20 miles of Boston Logan Airport. Group Locations within 20 miles of Boston Logan Airport are ensured a singular pick-up in their home town. Groups outside of 20 miles may need to pay a transportation upcharge. Non-Group Bookings will need to drive to the closest designated Best of Times Travel or Group Departure Location. Best of Times Travel will notify you of the closest designated pick-up location to where you live approximately 45 days prior to the sailing date.
Day 1, Boston, MA - Day 2, ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - Board your overnight flight to Prague. Arrive in Prague an ancient European city renowned for its beauty and unique wealth of historical sights, the capital of the Czech Republic. The town originally founded in the 10th century on the banks of the Vltava River is often called, golden, or, hundred-spired. Our accommodations are at the 5 Star Hilton Prague Old Town located at the gates of the Old Town and within walking distance to the cities landmarks. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Prague passing the Old Town Square with the famous astronomical clock, fashionable Paris Street, the former Jewish Ghetto of Prague with the Jewish cemetary and several Jewish synagogues and the historical Charles Bridge overlooking the panorama of the Prague Castle. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at a Bohemian restaurant in the Old Town of Prague with a historical wine-cellar. (D)
Day 3, PRAGUE - Enjoy a halfday motorcoach sightseeing tour of Prague including orientation city tour and visit to the Prague Castle with magnificant St. Vitus Cathedral, picturesque Golden Lane, Gothic Vladislav Hall and St. George´s Basilica, ending your tour in the Old Town of Prague. The afternoon will be at our leisure to enjoy the sights at our own pace. Dinner this evening is on our own. With many local restaurants within walking distance and a restaurant in our hotel there are plenty of options available for the evening. (B)
Day 4, PRAGUE - PLZEN – NUREMBERG, GERMANY - Depart from Prague after breakfast. In route to Nuremberg we visit Plzen, the metropolis of Western Bohemia and famous for its famous Pilsner Urquell Beer. We will take a Pilsner Urquel Brewery tour and have a Bohemian lunch at the Brewery Restaurant that will satisfy the taste buds of all! Then it’s Welcome to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city! After boarding our ship, you have free time to explore the city on your own—or join your Best of Times Tour Director for a “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Tonight, join fellow passengers for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Nuremberg & Main-Danube Canal - You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam, and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, red beer and gingerbread. En route to Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Regensburg, Germany - Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample some Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, and for those who wish to be more active, join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Passau, Germany - Salzburg Austria - Enjoy a walking tour along Passau’s cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, venture to Salzburg, Austria*, on a full-day tour that includes a stop in Mondsee in the Austrian Lake District, as well as the opportunity to see Mozart’s Birth House and Mirabell Gardens, prominently featured in the movie, The Sound of Music. For guests looking for a more active morning, you can choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress for panoramic views overlooking three rivers. (B,L,D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 8 - Melk Abbey & Wachau Valley / Vienna Austria- Explore Melk and the magnificent Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries. Within these walls you will find frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, as well as a famed collection of musical manuscripts. Guests looking for a more active experience may choose to hike to this impressive monastery. Alternatively, you can go on a walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, or join a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna for a free evening. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Vienna, Austria - The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and on your city tour, you’ll see many of them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then afterwards, visit the grand St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, discover Vienna on a guided bike tour. During the afternoon, spend leisure time exploring this iconic city even more, or make plans to visit Schönbrunn Palace, home of Maria Theresa and summer residence of the Habsburgs. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Budapest, Hungary - Arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital divided by the Danube River. Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Budapest - Boston, MA - After breakfast, disembark the ship and proceed to the airport for our return flight home. (B)
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
** There is a minimum requirement of 20 paying customers to ensure the services of a Best of Times Travel Tour Manager throughout your trip.
AmaSonata Overview - The award-winning AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe’s great rivers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations. A soft color palette in each stateroom calms the mind for relaxation, but when you’re ready to get active, head to the fitness center or up to the Sun Deck to the heated pool. Crisp white tablecloths and napkins grace the tables in the subdued Main Dining Room, while The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant highlights its 5-star multi-course cuisine with gold-hued tones and a twinkling overhead centerpiece. With a stunning Main Lounge, tranquil library, sun-deck walking track, massage and hair salon, and gift shop, you’ll never find a dull moment—and will sing AmaSonata’s praises while sailing on board.
TECHNICAL DATA
Built in Netherlands
Length 443 feet
Width 38 feet
Crew 51
Staterooms 81
Passengers 162
Number of Decks 4
Registry Switzerland
Award-Winning Dining - Savor exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.
Inviting Public Spaces - With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
Enriching Entertainment - Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.
Sightsee by Bike - With a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, you have the opportunity to explore Europe on our guided bike tours, or go discover on your own.
Sun-Deck Pool - Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Massage Services and Hair Salon - After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Fitness Room - Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON AND ARE BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE A SOLO TRAVELER, PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE DIRECTLY FOR OFFICIAL PRICING. SOLO CABINS ARE APPROXIMATELY 125% - 150% OF THE COST OF DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Enjoy all of the amenities you have come to expect from a modern day cruise ship and then some. All staterooms come with Hotel-style bed with optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows, Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms and suites with complimentary high-speed internet, movies, music and English-language TV stations. Unlimited high-quality Wi-Fi on board. Security safe, Hair dryer, 110/220 volt outlets & USB port, refrigerator
Category D - Standard Cabin with Fixed Window - Located on the Piano Deck (Deck 1). Cabin Size: 160 sq. ft.
Category C- French Balcony Cabin - Located on the Violin (Deck 3) & Cello Decks (Deck 2). Cabin Size: 170 sq. ft.
Category BB- French Balcony & Outside Balcony Combo Cabin - Located on the Cello Deck (Deck 2). Cabin Size: 210 sq. ft.
Category BA- French Balcony & Outside Balcony Combo Cabin - Located on the Violin Deck (Deck 3). Cabin Size: 210 sq. ft.
Category AB- French Balcony & Outside Balcony Combo Cabin - Located on the Cello Deck (Deck 2). Cabin Size: 235 sq. ft.
Category AA- French Balcony & Outside Balcony Combo Cabin - Located on the Violin Deck (Deck 3). Cabin Size: 235 sq. ft.
For Full Details Regarding the Optional Chubb Travel Insurance Click Here.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Responsibilities: Best of Times Travel is acting solely as an agent for supplier(s) identified on accompanying documents in selling travel related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this agency. Best of Times Travel is not responsible or liable for breach of contract or any other intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers which result in any delays, missed connections, changes in ports of call, climatic conditions, losses, damages, or additional expenses owning to advertised schedules, change in any service or accommodations, or any other causes beyond our control. Departure/arrival points will try to be satisfied but are not guaranteed. In the event the services and accommodations set forth in this brochure cannot be supplied because of delays or other causes beyond our control, Best of Times Travel will use its best efforts, provided they have received notice of the delay or disruption, to arrange for comparable services and accommodations. Rates and itineraries shown here were in effect at the time of printing and no changes are anticipated; however, Best of Times Travel reserves the right to withdraw any tour or to make any rate changes, as necessary. Prices are subject to change. A deposit is always required to confirm a reservation. A Deposit of $850pp, plus insurance premium (if selected) is due upon registration to confirm your reservation. Travel Insurance: We recommend your purchase of optional travel insurance. This optional travel insurance is per person and the premium is based on the overall trip cost. Travelers MUST purchase the plan at the time of initial deposit. Coverage will not be in place unless your full Deposit is received. Cancellation schedule and fees are in place regardless of cancellation reason (including, but not limited to, force majeure, health pandemics or government restrictions). Travel Insurance Premium is also Non-Refundable regardless of cancellation reason. Payment in full must be received by February 6th, 2026 or this may result in an automatic cancellation. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Best of Times Travel via traditional mail or emailed to cancellations@bestoftimestravel.com. The date of cancellation is deemed to be the date received by Best of Times Travel. Cancellation Charges for this programs are as follows: Cancellations from date of booking until 1/15/2026 have a $550pp cancellation fee that is not covered by insurance. Cancellations from 1/16/2026 until 2/15/2026 have a cancellation fee of $850pp. Cancellations from 2/16/2026 until 3/17/2026 have a cancellation fee of 35% of the total fare. Cancellations from 3/18/2026 until 4/15/2026 have a cancellation fee of 50% of the total fare. Cancellations after 4/15/2026 will receive no refund, 100% of the total fare. Best of Times Travel is not responsible for any refunds over and above said amount. Best of Times Travel reserves the right to issue any refunds due, in whole or in part, in the form of future travel credit.
*Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver has the following stipulations: plan must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment, insured must be medically able to travel at time of purchasing the plan, all pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs need to be insured. This information is a brief description of the features of this insurance program. Coverage & pricing may vary by state. The provision of this document is for informational purposes only and is not an insurance contract. Coverage is being marketed by Chubb Insurance Solutions Agency, Inc. located at 202 Halls Mills Road, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889. Insurance benefits are underwritten by ACE Property & Casualty Insurance Company located at 436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.
PASSPORT - A valid government issued passport is required for this trip, and must be valid for 90 days AFTER the date this trip returns. *BEFORE BOOKING, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU PROVIDE YOUR LEGAL NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH AS THEY APPEAR ON YOUR PASSPORT. Errors in passenger information can result in your being denied boarding privileges.
COVID VACCINATION - There are no requirements or restrictions regarding COVID Vaccinations at this time. Guests will be notified by Best of Times Travel of any changes to requirements or mandates that take place prior to our trip departure date. Best of Times Travel is not responsible for guests being denied boarding due to their inability to meet required mandates to sail.
Here are some important details regarding the finalization of your cruise booking once it is completed:
Official Cruise Booking - Once you have made your booking with Best of Times Travel on-line through this site you will receive an email notification that your reservation has been placed and payment received. This is NOT your official booking information with the cruise line. Shortly after your booking you will receive a secondary email directly from Best of Times Travel Office with your official Cruise Registration Number and Cabin Number for the Cruise. Any customers receiving a confirmation from our office with a Cabin Number that begins with a "GTY" means that your are guaranteed that cabin category or better on the ship. It means the ship is getting full and the cruise line would only guarantee you that category or better. If Best of Times Travel is unable to confirm your reservation with the Cruise Line you will be notified as such and a full refund of payments made upon registration will be issued.
Travel Insurance – If you have chosen the optional Chubb Travel Protection program, please print off a copy of the brochure for your records. This has important information on it regarding coverage and services provided by the insurance program.
Final Payment – Please note that final payment is due into our office no later than February 6th, 2026. Please note that our on-line booking system is set up with automated installment payments on your account instead of making one lump sum payment at the end. If you do not wish to be on the automated installment plan, please email our office at rtreat@bestoftimestravel..com and we will stop the automated payment plan. You will be notified via email closer to the final payment time that your balance is due. Please be reminded that failure to submit final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation and subsequent cancellation fees.
Final Documents - Please note that all of your final boarding documents will be available for you to print out on-line approximately 3 weeks prior to the sailing date. You will also receive email correspondence from Best of Times Travel outlining your transfer details to/from the Pier in Boston.
In the meantime if you have any questions or concerns regarding your booking please feel free to contact our office via email or you may call us at 603-554-8901.
Warmest Regards,
Best of Times Travel
All Components Listed Under EXCLUSIVE All-Inclusive Bundle
The gratuity for your Best of Times Travel Tour Manager is not included in your package. A suggested amount is $75 - $100 per person for the entire cruise.
