Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River from Budapest to Vilshofen An Der Donau (near Munich)
December 12-19, 2027
*optional pre/post trips in both cities
 

Experience the one of kind charm of the twinkling cities along the Danube River at Christmastime! Our relaxing river cruise will take us through 4 beautiful countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, & the Germany - all dressed up in their holiday best!

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Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Delight your palate with a wine evening in Spitz - exclusive with AmaWaterways! Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.

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** Optional Pre cruise - 2 nights in Budapest

** Optional post cruise - 3 nights in Prague

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Sail on the incredible AmaMagna, the newest ship in the Ama Waterways fleet of amazing river cruise vessels designed with your luxury in mind. The extraordinary AmaMagna is redefining the river cruise experience while sailing on the Danube River. Experience the ultimate in luxury, whether you’re exercising in the expansive Zen Wellness Studio or enjoying the views from the full balcony in your stylish suite. With five bars, four unique restaurants – including the new Al Fresco restaurant and Jimmy’s, a warm family-style venue – a heated sun-deck pool and whirlpool, the AmaMagna has quickly become the
most luxurious cruise ship on the river.

Included Benefits:

- Excursions in every port.
- 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 space to accommodate group exercise classes led by a qualified Wellness Host
- Unlimited 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
- Exclusive Concierge Golf Program offered on select sailings

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Prices for this fabulous holiday experience -

from $5178/person for a beautiful stateroom with a large picture window. Balconies from $6878/pp.

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Prices will increase as the trip dates get closer, so be sure to book your stateroom while the prices are still low!

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Itinerary:

12/12 - Budapest, Hungary

12/13 - Budapest, Hungary

12/14 - Bratislava, Slovakia

12/15 - Vienna, Austria

12/16 - Krems An Der Donau, Austria

12/16 - Spitz, Austria

12/17 - Linz, Austria

12/18 - Passau, Germany

12/19 - Vilshofen an Der Donau, Germany

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Detailed day by day Itinerary:

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Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION

Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
 

Day 2

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit one of the city's vibrant Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. Then, cruise through the scenic Danube Bend where you’ll see the Börzsöny and Visegrád hills and some of Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Nature, culture and history intertwine into a picturesque sight as the Danube River turns into a sharp bend. (B,L,D)
 

Day 3

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA

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. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
 

Day 4

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Following your city tour, you’ll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. (B,L,D)
 

Day 5

KREMS – SPITZ, AUSTRIA

Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a bike tour from Krems to Spitz or a hiking adventure in Spitz. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)
 

Day 6

LINZ, AUSTRIA

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a full-day visit to Salzburg where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets. 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. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)
 

Day 7

PASSAU – VILSHOFEN

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the picturesque River Inn. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)
 

Day 8

VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
 

What's Included? 

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)

• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations

• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area

• Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

• Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes

• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages

• Internet and Wi-Fi access

• Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track

• Fitness room

• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar

• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily

• Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

• All onboard dining in a variety of venues

• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients

• The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant

• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner

• La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience

• 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

• Tapas, sandwiches, 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

• Knowledgeable guides

• Personal headset for easy exploration

• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

 

Ask Claudia what deals she has for our group & be sure to email NOW for more information on how to snag your spot on this amazing vacation!