The Blue Danube: A Taste of Christmas

Join Grace and your fellow travellers on a special escorted 7-night AmaWaterways river cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg in 2027.

This richly layered journey follows the Danube through some of Central Europe’s most celebrated cities and landscapes during the time of year when the Christmas Markets are starting to open! Discover Budapest’s dramatic riverfront, Bratislava’s royal history, Vienna’s imperial treasures, the vineyards and villages of the Wachau Valley, and the medieval beauty of Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg.

Each day offers a choice of included experiences, from guided city walks and regional tastings to scenic hikes and bike rides. Onboard, settle into the relaxed rhythm of river cruising, enjoy fine dining and ever-changing views, and share the journey with a friendly group hosted by Travel with Grace.

Board your ship in Budapest and settle in for your Blue Danube journey. Meet your fellow travellers and begin your cruise with dinner onboard. (D)

Discover why Bratislava is known as the “Coronation City of Kings” on a guided walking tour through its historic centre. Alternatively, sample local flavours on a Tastes of Slovakia tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle for sweeping views over the city and the Danube. (B,L,D)

Explore the regal splendour of the “City of Waltzes” on a tour featuring the Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs and Vienna’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, concluding near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Active travellers may choose a guided bike ride instead. The afternoon is yours to explore Vienna at your own pace. (B,L,D)

Begin in Dürnstein with a choice of experiences: stroll its cobblestone streets to the blue Baroque tower of the Stiftskirche and enjoy a local wine tasting; visit a boutique to sample the Wachau Valley’s celebrated apricot products; or hike to the hilltop fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley to Melk, where you may tour magnificent Melk Abbey, join a guided bike ride, or hike to the monastery. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Linz for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, with highlights including the historic centre, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Guests remaining onboard will enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Passau, followed by a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city. More active options include a hike to Veste Oberhaus Fortress or a guided bike tour along the Inn River. Please note: Passau tours are not available with the full-day Salzburg excursion. (B,L,D)

Explore one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walk reveals the Old Town Hall, the Porta Praetoria and other architectural treasures. Alternatively, taste Bavarian favourites including beer, sausage and pretzels, or cycle to Walhalla, a neoclassical marble temple inspired by the Parthenon. (B,L,D)

Cruise across Europe’s Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal before arriving in Nuremberg. Choose a medieval city tour featuring the Imperial Castle, town walls, Albrecht Dürer’s home and Market Square; explore the city’s WWII history, including Zeppelin Field and the Nuremberg Trials site when available; or savour Franconian specialties such as bratwurst, red beer and gingerbread. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to your ship and fellow travellers as your cruise comes to an end. (B)

B, L and D indicate breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on that day

Your AmaWaterways Cruise Includes:

• 7 nights aboard the award-winning AmaMora
• Daily guided shore excursions
• Fine dining throughout the cruise, including Italian lunch in the Lounge daily
• Chef's Table experience with wine pairing
• Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour featuring wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard, refillable water bottles, soft drinks, and coffee throughout the day
• Coffee Machine in room
• Wellness activities, including guided hikes and fitness classes
• Use of onboard bicycles for independent exploration and guided bike tours
• Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
• Included gratuities on the cruise

Not Included:

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Optional pre- and post-cruise hotel stays
• Airport transfers not associated with an AmaWaterways air package
• Personal expenses and purchases ashore

AmaMora is a beautifully designed river ship with warm tones that reflect the colours of autumn in Europe. Onboard, you’ll find a relaxing Sun Deck with a whirlpool, loungers and plenty of space to enjoy the passing scenery.

Dining is a real highlight, with meals served in the Main Restaurant as well as The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant. AmaWaterways is known for its cuisine, using fresh, locally inspired ingredients, and its European ships are part of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary society.

Most staterooms include French Balconies, signature twin balconies and suite options, along with thoughtful comforts such as Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. The ship also offers a fitness room, sauna and massage room.

Here is a video tour of the Ama Mora's sister ship, AmaLucia

Price includes the current promotion of $900 savings per person & exclusive group savings of $300 per person

Valid on new bookings confirmed by August 30, 2026

Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy, and includes all port taxes and fees

In addition to the above promotion, the group will receive the Upgrade Rewards on this sailing:

• Complimentary one cabin category upgrade (like-to-like category only, subject to availability) for twin balcony
• Not applicable to Suites
• Balcony Staterooms include: $100 per person shipboard credit
  
  

AmaWaterways’ AirPlus program is a convenient option for guests who would like AmaWaterways to assist with their international flights. Rather than booking air independently, guests can take advantage of AmaWaterways’ preferred air program, which offers fixed airfare pricing on select sailings and gateways, subject to availability and current promotion terms.

The AirPlus deposit is $450 per person and is non-refundable. AmaWaterways will assign the proposed air schedule closer to departure, generally within the period of approximately 6 months to 90 days prior to travel.

Flights are booked on regularly scheduled airlines, including major carriers such as Air Canada and their airline partners or alliances, depending on routing, availability, and the specific itinerary.

Once AmaWaterways provides the proposed air schedule, you will have the opportunity to review it. The itinerary they offer is not final until accepted, and changes CANNOT be requested. If the schedule works for you, you may accept the air offer and proceed with AmaWaterways’ flight arrangements. If you prefer not to accept the assigned AirPlus option, the AirPlus deposit may be applied toward a Custom Air request through AmaWaterways instead.

Custom Air allows guests to request preferred airlines, routings, travel dates, or schedules, subject to availability and any applicable fare difference or fees.

A helpful benefit of booking air through AmaWaterways is that scheduled airport transfers between the airport and the ship or AmaWaterways hotel are generally included when flights align with AmaWaterways’ standard arrival and departure dates. Please note that air schedules, routings, airlines, and transfer arrangements are always subject to availability and AmaWaterways’ current terms and conditions.

EXTEND YOUR CRUISE WITH OPTIONAL LAND PACKAGES

2-Night Budapest Pre-Cruise Package

Dates: November 18-20, 2027

Pricing: From C$986 per person, double occupancy

3-Night Prague Post-Cruise Package

Dates: November 27-30, 2027

Pricing: From C$1563 per person, double occupancy

All Land Packages Include:

*Stays at world-class 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites

*Daily breakfast at the hotel

*Convenient transfers and portage service between your hotel and river cruise ship

*The services of one of our extraordinary Cruise Managers throughout your journey

*Enriching city tours and excursions led by knowledgeable local guides

Travelling with Grace offers the best of both worlds: the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share an appreciation for food, wine, culture, and meaningful travel, while still enjoying the freedom to shape each day in a way that suits you. You will also have the support of Travel with Grace to ensure your journey is seamless

A river cruise is especially well-suited to group travel because it offers a relaxed, flexible experience. Each day, guests can choose from a variety of included excursions based on their own interests and activity level, whether that means a wine tasting, a cultural walking tour, a culinary experience, or time to explore at a gentler pace.

There will be opportunities to gather, share stories, and discuss the day’s discoveries with fellow like minded travellers, while still having space to enjoy the journey independently. It is social, but not overly structured, a comfortable way to travel together while still making the experience your own.

Email: grace@travelwithgrace.ca
Phone: 416.486.9245

Grace would be happy to help you explore it further and will:

• Confirm current pricing and availability
• Walk you through the itinerary
• Answer your questions
• Place a courtesy hold on a cabin while you decide

Space is not being held
All reservations are subject to availability upon receipt of full names and a C$ 500-per-person deposit.

$250 is immediately non-refundable.
Final balance due August 12, 2027

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to help protect your travel investment. Unexpected situations can happen before or during a trip, including illness, injury, trip interruption, flight delays, lost or delayed baggage, or the need to cancel for an insured reason.

Travel with Grace offers Manulife Travel Insurance and can provide a personalized quote based on the type of coverage you need, such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage protection, or a more comprehensive package.

AmaWaterways also offers Travel Waiver Plus 31 at C$299 per person. This is not travel insurance, but it can provide added flexibility. It allows you to cancel your AmaWaterways vacation for any reason up to 31 days prior to the start of your AmaWaterways purchased services. If you cancel under this waiver, you will receive a future cruise credit valid for 24 months from the date the cancellation is received.

Travel Waiver Plus 31 must be purchased at the time of initial payment and only applies to penalties charged by AmaWaterways. It does not cover non-refundable items such as airfare, custom arrangements, medical expenses, or post-departure benefits. For this reason, additional travel insurance is highly recommended.