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Christmas Markets on the Danube

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Our Price From
US$6,680
Save $312pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Vilshofen
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Christmas Markets on the Danube Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
156
Crew
51
Launched
2026
Cruise Code
AGX

Overview

Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Let iconic capital cities—Prague, 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 Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the read more 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.

Itinerary

. 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)

Excursions:

  • Oktoberfest celebration

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)

Excursions:

  • Passau walking tour and Christmas Market OR Passau Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is 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.

You may also opt for a full-day excursion over the Czech-Austria border to the charming mountain village of Česky Krumlov, known for its exquisite castle, the second largest in all of Bohemia. 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 participate in a guided bike tour along the Danube River.

In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B/L/D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Excursions:

  • Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets* OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion with Christmas Markets* OR Linz walking tour with Christmas Markets OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
  • Distillery tour

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 Dürnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk.

For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Dürnstein 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)

Excursions:

  • Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
  • Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey OR Dürnstein Apricots & Sweets tasting OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Danube bike tour
  • Wine tasting at local winery

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)

Excursions:

  • “Imperial Vienna” tour with Christmas Markets OR Vienna bike tour
  • Rathaus Christmas Market by night

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 Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its festive atmosphere. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Bratislava Walking Tour and Christmas Markets OR Bratislava Castle Hike OR Schönbrunn Christmas Markets

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)

Excursions:

  • Buda city tour and Christmas Markets OR Castle Hill hike

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Life Onboard AmaSofia

AmaSofia
AmaSofia

AmaSofia launches on the Danube in 2026. Sister ship to the award-winning AmaLucia, you'll find inviting public spaces, massage and hair salon, fitness room and heated pool with swim-up bar. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call. Read more

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Sophisticated, contemporary and elegantly appointed, your spacious stateroom serves as your personal oasis for rejuvenation. Read more

Award-Winning Dining
Award-Winning Dining

All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you'd like. Read more

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us. Read more

Active Ways To Discover
Active Ways To Discover

All of our guided hikes and bike tours are included in the cruise fare so you have more choices when it comes to how you prefer to explore. Read more

Download Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart. more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

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From $6,680
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Sunday 29 Nov 2026 29 Nov 26 Vilshofen
Sunday 06 Dec 2026 06 Dec 26 Budapest
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AmaSofia
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Balcony
US$6,680
Save $268
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 13 Dec 2026 13 Dec 26 Vilshofen
Sunday 20 Dec 2026 20 Dec 26 Budapest
Details
AmaSofia
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$7,736
Save $312
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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