AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Package

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Arrive in Bucharest and check into your hotel.

Day 2 : BUCHAREST
Bucharest, Romania's capital, has earned its nickname, the 'Little Paris of the East,' with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Step back in history with a walking tour through Bucharest's Old Town. Explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted goods at the small wooden stalls. (B)

Day 3 : BUCHAREST - Brasov, ROMANIA
Check out of your Bucharest hotel and journey through the Romanian countryside. En route, you'll visit Peles Castle in Sinaia, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Afterwards, you'll arrive in Brasov and enjoy a walking tour around the fairytale-like old town and its beautiful Christmas Market. Later in the day, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 4 : Brasov - SIGHISOARA
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called 'Casa Dracula.' (B)

Day 5 : Brasov - GIURGIU, ROMANIA - EMBARKATION.
Depart Brasov in the morning. On your way to Giurgiu, you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Following your excursion, continue to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Grand Danube Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)

Day 6 : ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East.' Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights. Later in the day, visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : VIDIN, BULGARIA
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle, or you can visit a local winery just outside of the city for a tasting of traditional Bulgarian wines. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress - one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : BELGRADE, SERBIA
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. For those looking for a more active excursion, pedal through Vukovar on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : MOHACS, HUNGARY - PECS, HUNGARY
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs and then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pecs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Start by heading to the 18th century Godolls Palace. Explore its labyrinth of 31 colorful rooms lit by elaborate chandeliers as you learn the palace's history through striking art galleries and antiquities. After touring the royal residence and the Baroque theatre, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then head for Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain stretching across the East. Here you can find Hungarian cowboys still wearing traditional dress and practicing the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Next, we will tour a genuine Hungarian csarda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world-champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship before returning for the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : BUDAPEST
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the 'Queen of the Danube.' Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to the Bruda (hilly) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : 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, including a visit to 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 15 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The 'City of Waltzes' is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. Perhaps sample Vienna's famous pastries or you may choose to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas Markets. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening to visit the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Chirstkindlmarkt, Vienna's largest Christmas Market, on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 16 : WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA - GREIN
Be treated to several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour through the medieval cobblestoned streets of Durnstein, After free time in this charming city, you will experience a special wine tasting in the Wachau Valley. You can also choose visit a local Abbey where you will be greeted by your hosts from nearby Weiser's Sweets Shop and treated to the region's finest apricot products. In the afternoon, you can cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to the picturesque village of Melk, or you can visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a Baroque monastery that now houses a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts, with free time in Melk after your tour. (B,L,D)

Day 17 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city's famed 'Cultural Mile' and the Danube. Alternatively, visit charming Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day tour. (B,L,D)

Day 18 : PASSAU, GERMANY
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. 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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration - an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

Day 19 : VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION 'REGENSBURG, CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE
Disembark the ship and enjoy a stop in Regensburg. After a local highlights tour, head to Prague where you will check into your hotel. (B)

Day 20 : PRAGUE
Discover fairytale Prague and its magical church spires via a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 21 : PRAGUE
Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was established. Beer is vital to the country's national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the world. (B)

Day 22 : DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague as you prepare for your flight home.