Heritage in Motion
A Jewish Heritage River Cruise Hosted by Shai DeLuca,TV Design Expert and Advocate
Featuring Exclusive Architectural Insights Along the Danube, Conversations, and Guided Excursion Participation
October 14–21, 2026 | With 3-Night Post-Cruise in Prague
Heritage in Motion is a thoughtfully curated Jewish Heritage River Cruise hosted by renowned Interior Designer, TV Personality and Advocate Shai DeLuca aboard AmaWaterways. Sailing through the heart of Central Europe and follow with a three-night stay in historic Prague, this immersive journey blends meaningful exploration of Jewish history and culture with exclusive onboard conversations and design presentations led by Shai.
Throughout the journey, guests will engage in candid discussions on Jewish identity, resilience, and cultural continuity, while gaining insight into Shai’s celebrated design philosophy. In addition, Shai will offer architectural perspectives on several of the Danube’s most iconic cities and landmarks, highlighting the design, history, and cultural influences that shape these remarkable destinations. Guests will also enjoy the added dimension of Shai’s participation in carefully curated excursions, where he will share personal reflections and observations while professional local guides provide historical context and ensure a seamless experience.
Here is a Five Minute Video by our wonderful, Business Development Manager Neil Dudley with AmaWaterways
Spacious staterooms provide a comfortable home base for your journey, while the ship’s inviting lounges and sunny Main Lounge offer ideal spaces for reflection, conversation, or enjoying light bites throughout the day. Guests can savor exquisite dining — from the Main Restaurant to the specialty Chef’s Table — and stay active with a heated sun deck pool, whirlpool, walking track, fitness center, or a complimentary fleet of bicycles for scenic riverside rides. Every detail of the AmaSonata is designed for comfort, connection, and discovery, creating the perfect setting for the Heritage in Motion experience.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
*Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
*Complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
*Sun Deck hot tub/whirlpool and walking track
*Fitness room, massage services, and hair salon
*Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
*Daily/nightly entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
*All onboard dining in a variety of venues
*Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
*Specialty Chef’s Table restaurant (private dinner planned for this group)
*Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail, and Gala Dinner
*Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
*Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
*Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks (not to be missed!)
*Tapas, snacks, and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
*Immersive tours in every destination
*Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options
*Bike tours and hikes
*Special interest tours led by knowledgeable guides
*VIP group bus for tours
*Personal headset for easy exploration
*Port charges of $325 per person included
*All gratuities included
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
*Airport Transfers
*Flights
*Insurance (we can help with that, too !)
*Post Cruise Tour in Prague PRICED SEPARATELY (3 nights @ $1350/pp based on double occupancy)
PRICING:
FIRST column is the Group VIP Pricing (vs. Online Pricing) Based on double occupancy (ask about single occupancy rate)
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
20% Deposit by April 15, 2026
Final Payment due July 16, 2026
Luxurious Staterooms
Our spacious Riverview staterooms, starting at 160 square feet, combine comfort and convenience with thoughtful amenities designed to make you feel at home:
*Marble bathrooms with multi-jet showers, soothing bath products, cotton bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryer
*Generous closet and storage space with in-room safe
*Entertainment-On-Demand with high-speed internet, movies, music, and English-language TV
*Individually controlled air-conditioning
*Bottled water replenished daily
***Plus: you’re welcome to bring wine back on board to enjoy in your cabin
Deck Plan
Click here to view a 360 degrees of the AmaSonata
Itinerary
Day 1
BUDAPEST – EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Budapest for your Melodies of the Danube river cruise.
Day 2
BUDAPEST
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. Or as part of the Jewish Heritage tour, you can also visit the spectacular Dohány Street Synagogue, Hungarian Jewish Museum and Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial when you venture to Budapest’s sprawling Jewish Quarter. This area boasts a variety of Jewish Hungarian restaurants, bakeries and shops. Alongside the river, you can also visit the deeply moving Shoes on the Danube memorial.
Day 3
BRATISLAVA
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
Learn more about the history of the poignant Holocaust Memorial that stands in the center of Old Town, marking the site of the former Neolog Synagogue. You may also pay your respects at the Rabbi Chatam Sofer Memorial – exclusively available to the Jewish Heritage tour.
Day 4
VIENNA
The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
Visit Vienna’s historic Jewish Quarter. Marvel at the contemporary Memorial Against War and Fascism designed by Austrian sculptor Alfred Hrdlicka and journey through time at the Jewish Museum in Palais Eskeles, where you will see the foundations of the medieval synagogue.
Day 5
WEISSENKIRCHEN/DURNSTEIN
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above.
Day 6
LINZ
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Upon your return to Linz, you may choose to take a brief walking tour in the city. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour.
Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day
Day 7
PASSAU/VILSHOFEN
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive.
Day 8 (9/10/11)
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - POST CRUISE TOUR
Depart the ship in Vilshofen and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague.
*3 nights hotel in Prague at the Marriott Prague(or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast
*Discover Josefov, Prague’s Jewish district—once home to more than 90,000 Jewish residents including Franz Kafka. Marvel at the brightly colored façade of Jubilee Synagogue and the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Europe and your gateway to the Old Jewish Cemetery, dating back to the 15th century.
*English speaking AmaWaterways host or hostess at hotel
*Cruise Manager leading excursions in Prague
Another bucket list Exceptional Journey HOSTED and presented by:
Contact: Pauline Blacoe - shine@shinetravel.ca 705-294-1545
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