2025 : Christmas Markets on the Danube : 7-night Cruise : Vilshofen to Budapest : 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 : VILSHOFEN, GERMANY - EMBARKATION.
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. (D)
Day 2 : PASSAU, GERMANY
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 during your time in Passau, enjoy a guided hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is 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 could go on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA
In the morning, sit back and relax as the Captain navigates the ship along the Danube River through Austria's narrow yet scenic Strudengau and Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Durnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of local apricot treats. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley's finest wine. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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. You will also have the chance to enjoy the festivities of the city's Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : VIENNA
Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava's charming Christmas Market, or an invigorating castle hike from Vienna up to Bratislava castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, may choose to hike through the city up to the Castle, which offers magnificent views across the town of Bratislava, or you can visit the the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Relax and enjoy the view during your scenic cruise into Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes'Square, this city offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. On your tour, follow 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Details
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaBella
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Vilshofen | ||
| Day 2 | Passau | ||
| Day 3 | Linz | ||
| Day 4 | Weissenkirchen | ||
| Day 5 | Vienna | ||
| Day 6 | Vienna | ||
| Day 7 | Esztergom | ||
| Day 8 | Budapest |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
NOTES:
Christmas Markets Notice Most 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.
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price) $240 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% 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 Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Cruise & Land Prices Prices shown are for 3 nights in Prague; please add $940 per person for Munich.
Bedding Please 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).
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
All rates are per person for cruise only, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
