Magna on the Danube – Christmas Markets (sailing on the AmaRudi)

Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in four countries—Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna. Let iconic capital cities—Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest—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. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Salzburg, 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.

Day 1: Embarkation in Vilshofen, Germany (D)

Board the AmaMagna in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration.

Day 2: Port in Passau (“City of Three Rivers” walking tour with Christmas Markets OR Hike to Paulinekloister Mariahilf) (B, L, D)

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 Bavarian­style houses and glass ornaments. Or, climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back.

Day 3: Port in Linz (Full­Day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets OR Full­day Český Krumlov excursion OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour) (B, L, D)

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever­popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. Take a full­day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive city’s Christmas Markets also beckon. You may also choose to join a full­day 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 Renaissance­style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full­day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, enjoy a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz.

Day 4: Port in Melk and Spitz (Melk Abbey visit OR Melk bike tour); Dürnstein (Dürnstein walking tour OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Spitz bike ride OR Spitz hike) Exclusive Wine Experience (B, L, D)

In the morning, you can visit the 900­year­old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride through Melk before returning to the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Dürnstein, where you’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Dürnstein Fortress, cycle to Emmersdorf or hike in the town to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines.

Day 5: Port in Vienna (“Imperial Vienna” tour OR Vienna City tour by bike; Schönbrunn Christmas Markets; Illuminated Vienna Christmas Market) (B, L, D)

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. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to explore the beautifully decorated Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the Illuminated Vienna Christmas Market. 

Day 6: Port in Bratislava (Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market OR Tastes of Slovakia OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike with Christmas Market)

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 “Slovakian Specialties” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the city’s distinctive Christmas Market.

Day 7: Scenic cruising, then port in Budapest (Danube Bend; Buda city tour and Christmas Markets OR Castle Hill hike with Christmas Markets) (B, L, D)

This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. 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 festive 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.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Budapest (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 2 nights hotel in Budapest at the Marriott (or similar), including tour and daily breakfast; and transfer to ship
• Transfer from the ship in Passau to Regensburg with city tour and then on to Prague
• 3 nights hotel in Prague at the Prague Andaz (or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast

These are 2026 details and are subject to change for 2027.

Double Occupancy: 

Deposit: $400 per person (50% non-refundable)

Final Payment: 100 days prior to sailing (August 19, 2027)

Please note:

• Prices listed are the starting price for the cruise portion only and do not include pre-cruise land portion (optional), trip insurance, or flights. The prices above DO include port fees of $280 per person.
• We can add airfare on to create a cruise+air package or a cruise+land+air package. AmaWaterways offers discounted airfares or custom flight itineraries. You can find all flight info HERE.
• Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the addition of the cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways.

Let me take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your journey!

We'll be sailing on the AmaRudi, a brand new ship for 2027. Because it's not fully built yet, we only have images of the AmaMagna (Rudi's sister ship) to share. AmaRudi will have the same layout as the AmaMagna, so while the names are different, the premium experience you will find in both will be the same. With less than 200 passengers on board, you will experience fantastic service, incredible dining, and impeccable finishes all over the ship.

View the 360 tour of the AmaMagna here: https://share.exp360.com/4341cfa0-7c02-11ef-a392-65e3a8baa376/

Category OS: Violin Deck, Outside Balcony, 710 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category GS: Violin Deck, Outside Balcony, 474 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category SA: Violin Deck, Outside Balcony, 355 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category SB: Cello Deck, Outside Balcony, 355 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category AA: Violin Deck, Outside Balcony, 252 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category AB: Cello Deck, Outside Balcony, 252 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category D: Piano Deck, Fixed Window, 205 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

Category E: Piano Deck, Fixed Window, 205 sq. ft.

• In-room temperature control
• Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
• Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
• Flat-screen TV
• Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
• Desk and chair

1. Expertly Curated Itinerary: Explore iconic European destinations with seamless transitions between ports.
2. Luxurious Accommodations: Tailored to your preferences, comfort level, and budget.
3. Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in gourmet dining inspired by regional flavors with attention to allergens.
4. Cultural Immersion: Included shore excursions (for all levels of activity!) designed to connect you with the heart of each destination.
5. Stress-Free Planning: Everything from lodging to meals is included, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey, spending time with your loved ones, and experiencing the beauty of European Christmas Markets firsthand.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the Christmas Markets of the Danube with the comfort and luxury of AMA Waterways. Reserve your spot now for $400 per person, and let us take care of every detail so you can enjoy your dream vacation stress-free!