A Christmas Straight Out of a Storybook: Cruising the Danube's Magical Markets

Day 1: Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)

Your Danube Christmas adventure begins here. Step aboard, settle into your home for the week, and let the festivities start with a Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest by day is a fairytale in two halves. Wander Castle Hill for panoramic views over Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, then cross the river to Pest for the grand Parliament Building and the quietly moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. Somewhere in between, find your way to the Christmas markets and warm up with a cup of mulled wine.

Day 3: Vienna, Austria

Welcome to the City of Waltzes. Tour the Opera House and the former Imperial Palace, then lose yourself in one of Europe's most beloved Christmas markets. Feeling adventurous? Bike along the Danube before ending the day at the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, twinkling lights and all.

Day 4: Melk, Austria

Perched high on a rocky bluff, Melk Abbey looks like it was pulled from a legend, and its museum and centuries old library are just as impressive up close. Prefer to stay active? Pedal through the charming streets of Melk instead

Day 5: Passau, Germany

Explore 2,000 years of history on foot through Passau's Gothic and Baroque streets, then browse its festive Christmas market. For a bigger adventure, cross into the Austrian Alps for a full day in Salzburg, complete with its UNESCO listed Old Town and holiday markets of its own.

Day 6: Regensburg, Germany

One of Germany's best preserved medieval cities is waiting for you. Wander the Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria, sample Bavarian specialties at the Christmas market, or bike out to the neoclassical Walhalla temple. Watch local artisans at work at the Thurn and Taxis markets before the day winds down.

Day 7: Nuremberg, Germany

Cobblestone streets lead to the Imperial Castle and 900 year old city walls, then straight into the Christkindlesmarkt, one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the world. Sample Nuremberg sausages, sip a local beer, and don't leave without trying the lebkuchen.

Day 8: Nuremberg, Germany (Disembarkation)

Say farewell to the Danube and head home with a suitcase full of memories (and probably a few ornaments).

• 7-night cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations
• The Lark Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor
• Walking track, pool, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration
• Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi
• Spa and massage services**
• The Chef's Table specialty restaurant with glass-enclosed kitchen and tasting menu
• Breakfast and lunch featuring regional cuisine; multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
• Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals - plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
• All-day dining menu at the Lark Lounge; 24-hour coffee station
• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Robert Kellerhals Signature Dinner Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner

**Additional costs apply.

No surprise up-charges here, every excursion on this itinerary is already included in your fare.

• Fixed Window - Category E: $3,889 per person* - SOLD OUT
• Fixed Window - Category D: $3939 per person* 1 CABIN LEFT
• French Balcony: $5,489 per person*
• Double Balcony (BB): $6,088 per person*
• Double Balcony (AB): $6,488 per person*

Deposit: $400 per person
Final Payment: Sept 1st, 2028

*Double occupancy. Travel insurance, extra nights, airport transfers and airfare are additional. Please inquire for more details.

*Pricing valid until October 31, 2026

Gratuities NOT included in cruise fare - $125 Euros each is the average amount given

Fixed Window

Double Balcony cabin

• Hotel stay
• Welcome Reception
• Daily Breakfast
• Shore Excursion/Tour
• Transfers to & from the cruise ship

This is an optional add-on (not included in the cruise pricing) and can be added at anytime, up until final payment date

USD: $800 Per Person

Explore Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” where iconic sights like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and the Hungarian Parliament stand alongside hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Your guide will lead you beyond the riverbanks to uncover the city’s rich history, culture, and lesser-known gems.

• 'Hidden Budapest' tour

USD: $1180 DBL Per person

Following your cruise, journey to Bayreuth for a guided visit to this charming Franconian city, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historic character. Afterwards, continue to Nuremberg and settle into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Discover Nuremberg’s rich history and enduring character during a guided tour featuring some of the city’s most notable landmarks. Learn about the people, events and traditions that have shaped this historic Bavarian destination over the centuries.

USD: $1080 DBL Per Person

Disembark and travel to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, for a guided walking tour through its historic streets. After exploring Regensburg, continue onward to the vibrant city of Prague.

• Disembarkation
• Transfer via Regensburg
• UNESCO City Highlights tour

Post-Cruise Day 2

Immerse yourself in Prague’s grand architecture and history

Explore Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic center on a city tour or hike up to the grand castle. See landmarks like Rudolfinum, the Hundertwasser Dancing House, and the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, then cross the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and its famous Astronomical Clock.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise:

• 'Golden City of a Hundred Spires' tour
• Prague Castle hike

Post-Cruise Day 3

Savor the Czech Republic’s rich brewing heritage and taste world-class beers

Indulge in the storied history of Czech beer, from visits to the first brewery in 993 to sips on iconic brews like Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser. Join a tasting to sample a variety of styles from the country’s more than 100 breweries and experience firsthand why beer is central to Czech culture and identity.

• Czech beer tasting

Passport and Visas: A valid passport is required for each participant. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the scheduled return date to your home country, unless stated otherwise.

All guests should check with the consulate of each country they will visit, or a visa service, to verify current regulations and be aware entry requirements may change without prior notice.

Obtaining the required visas and any other required travel documentation and assuring these are complete and correct in all ways, is the sole responsibility of each participant.

Every breakfast, lunch and dinner during your river cruise will be included on board. This includes dinner at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, all-day tapas, afternoon tea delights and more. Every lunch and dinner includes unlimited complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks. And each day you will be treated to a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour with a full menu of cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

Dress aboard AmaWaterways ships is comfortable and casually elegant. On all ships, something a little dressier is recommended for the Welcome and Farewell dinners.

AmaWaterways will do its best to accommodate most dietary requests when notified in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other preferences can typically be arranged; however, kosher meals cannot be provided due to onboard preparation limitations.

With over 20 years of river cruise experience, AmaWaterways closely monitors river conditions and has contingency plans in place should water levels affect navigation. Adjustments may include alternate docking locations, modified excursions, or ship swaps, ensuring your journey continues smoothly.

Each itinerary features a variety of guided excursions designed to showcase local culture, history, and cuisine. Choose from gentle walking tours, active hikes or bike rides, and immersive experiences such as wine or beer tastings, cooking classes, and visits to local artisans.

Plan to pack attire that is casually elegant; and something a little dressier to wear to the Captain’s Dinner or an evening concert. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes. You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable.

On Christmas Markets cruises, you'll typically have 2-4 hours at each market, depending on the port schedule. Many markets are near city centers, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas too. Some evenings, the ship remains docked late so you can experience the markets illuminated after dark.

Christmas Markets offer a variety of seasonal specialties including glühwein (mulled wine), lebkuchen (gingerbread), stollen (fruit bread), bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and various regional treats. Each market features unique specialties reflecting local culinary traditions, making food tasting a highlight of the experience.