Christmas Markets on the Danube
Melodies of the Danube River
7 night Budapest to Vilshofen (reverse below)
and 3 nights land tour in Prague and 2 nights in Budapest
and 3 nights land tour in Prague and 2 nights in Budapest
Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague—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 (as part of the motorcoach transfer journey to Prague) 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.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
Day 3 BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel to board your ship. (B,D)Day 4 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. 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 5 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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. 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 6 VIENNA
The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems 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 Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 7 WEISSENKIRCHEN - MELK - GREIN
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. (B,L,D)
Day 8 LINZ
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)
*Note: Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 9 PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration— an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)
Day 10 VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION - REGENSBURG - PRAGUE
Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague. (B)
Day 11 PRAGUE
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 12 PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
Day 13 DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
Romantic Danube
7 night Vilshofen to Budapest
and 3 nights land tour in Prague
Day 1 ARRIVE IN PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 PRAGUE
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 3 PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)*Czech beer tasting may take place on Day 2 or Day 3 of this itinerary
Day 4 PRAGUE - REGENSBURG - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey on to Vilshofen, where you will board your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)
Day 5 VILSHOFEN - PASSAU GERMANY
Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 6 LINZ AUSTRIA
The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 7 WEISSENKIRCHEN - MELK
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)
Day 8 VIENNA AUSTRIA
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 BRATISLAVA
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. 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 10 BUDAPEST
Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)
Day 11 BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
2024 / 2025 Per Person Cruise Fares
Cruise Departure |
Ship: |
Piano Deck - Cat E w/window |
Piano Deck - Cat D w/window |
Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft |
Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid |
Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies |
Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies |
Violin Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies |
Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vilshofen to Budapest |
|||||||||
| 16-Nov-24 | AmaLea | $3,599 |
$3,898 |
$4,898 |
$5,498 |
$5,698 |
$5,898 |
$6,098 |
$7,398 |
| 18-Nov-24 | AmaVerde | $3,499 |
$3,798 |
$4,798 |
$5,398 |
$5,598 |
$5,798 |
$5,998 |
$7,298 |
| 17-Nov-25 | AmaVerde | $3,939 | $4,298 | $5,398 | $5,998 | $6,298 | $6,498 | $6,698 | $7,898 |
| 19-Nov-25 | AmaSonata | $3,839 | $4,198 | $5,298 | $5,898 | $6,198 | $6,398 | $6,598 | $7,798 |
| 22-Nov-25 | AmaMora | $3,839 | $4,198 | $5,298 | $5,898 | $6,198 | $6,398 | $6,598 | $7,798 |
|
|||||||||
Cruise Departure |
Ship: |
Piano Deck - Cat E w/window |
Piano Deck - Cat D w/window |
Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft |
Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid |
Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies |
Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies |
Violinr Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies |
Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budapest to Villshofen |
|||||||||
| 21-Dec-24 | AmaSonata | $3,699 |
$3,998 |
$4,998 |
$5,598 |
$5,798 |
$5,998 |
$6,198 |
$7,498 |
| 22-Dec-25 | AmaVerde | $4,199 | $4,498 | $5,598 | $6,198 | $6,498 | $6,698 | $6,898 | $8,098 |
| 24-Dec-25 | AmaSonata | $4,039 | $4,398 | $5,498 | $6,098 | $6,398 | $6,598 | $6,798 | $7,998 |
| 27-Dec-25 | AmaMora | $4,039 | $4,398 | $5,498 | $6,098 | $6,398 | $6,598 | $6,798 | $7,998 |
Port Charges an additional $224 per person for 2024
For 2025, Port Taxes are included inhe Cruise Price
3 Night land program in Prague - $900 per person additional for 2024
2 Night land program in Budapest - $560 per person additional for 2024
Rates include: standard or SLIDING GLASS DOOR CABIN or CABIN WITH A USEABLE BALCONY, excursions, free internet, all meals, wine with dinner and daily happy hour
LINK TO AMA SHIP DETAILS AND PICTURES: Amacerto, Amaverde, Amaprima
LINK TO AMA DECK PLANS: Amacerto, Amaverde, Amaprima
