2026 : Christmas Markets on the Danube : 7- Night Cruise : Budapest to Vilshofen : ms AmaBella
Overview
CRUISE FROM : Budapest to Vilshofen
Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries'Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Let 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. Wander the stalls of Europe's most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg and 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.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS: Danube
Christmas Markets on the Danube
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. (D)
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. You will also visit the city's famed Christmas Markets. 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 and the moving 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
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
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. In the afternoon, experience the spectacular festive atmosphere of the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets. at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. In the evening, spend some free time at the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Chirstkindlmarkt, Vienna's largest Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : WEISSENKIRCHEN - WACHAU VALLEY - MELK
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and then taste some of the village's distinctive wines. Or visit a local boutique to taste Durnstein's special apricot treats, such as jams and chocolates. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, you'll sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk, where you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : LINZ
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of four excursions. Join a full-day visit to Salzburg where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its breathtaking Christmas Markets, or a full-day visit to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov and explore its dazzling Christmas Markets. Alternatively, join a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city's famed 'Culture Mile' and the Danube River. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : PASSAU
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, hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf or join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later, sail for Vilshofen, where you'll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Vilshofen as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Call (209) 521-0800 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18729111
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaBella
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Budapest | ||
| Day 2 | Budapest | ||
| Day 3 | Bratislava | ||
| Day 4 | Vienna | ||
| Day 5 | Melk | ||
| Day 6 | Linz | ||
| Day 7 | Passau | ||
| Day 8 | Vilshofen |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Notes:
Christmas Markets NoticeMost Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country's tourist office for more information.
ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna)Category E and D 25% of twin price; Category AB, AA, SB and SA 50% of twin price; Category Grand Suite and Owners Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Cruise & Land PricesPrices shown are for 3 nights in Prague; please add $940 per person for Munich.
BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
