Christmas Markets on the Danube

Journey on the Danube River

7 night Budapest to Vilshofen (reverse below)
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 can be seen right off the banks of the Danube River. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for its fairytale-like 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 pasts 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

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. (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. 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. Enjoy a free evening to explore Vienna on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 6 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. Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. (B,L,D)

Day 7 WEISSENKIRCHEN - MELK

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein 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. Once in Melk, you’ll visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (B,L,D)

Day 8 LINZ

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three 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 can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube River. Or go on 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. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. (B,L,D)

Day 9 PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN

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 10 VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION - REGENSBURG - PRAGUE

Depart the ship and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, 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, enjoy a visit to Old Town’s Christmas market. Later continue your journey on to Prague and check into your hotel. (B)

Day 11 PRAGUE

Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. You will then have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square. (B)

Day 12 PRAGUE

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, 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)

 

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

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube River. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for its fairytale-like 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 pasts 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 PRAGUE - EMBARKATION

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, 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 BPRAGUE - REGENSBURG - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN

Check out of your Prague hotel and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets, then drive to Vilshofen where you will board the ship 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. (B,D)

Day 5 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 6 LINZ AUSTRIA

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 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. You can also visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. (B,L,D)

Day 7 WEISSENKIRCHEN - MELK

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 special 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 8 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, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. (B,L,D)

Day 9 BRATISLAVA

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. As an alternative, visit the Austrian palace of Schloss Hof, located near the Slovakian border. In the evening, explore Vienna’s festive Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 10 ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST

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. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 11 BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION

Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. You will then have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square. (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
09-Dec-24	AmaBella	$3,699	$3,998	$4,998	$5,598	$5,798	$5,998	$6,198	$7,498
01-Dec-25	AmaBella	$3,899	$4,198	$5,298	$5,898	$6,098	$6,298	$6,498	$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
02-Dec-24	AmaBella	$3,699	$3,998	$4,998	$5,598	$5,798	$5,998	$6,198	$7,498
24-Nov-25	AmaBella	$3,699	$3,998	$5,098	$5,698	$5,898	$6,098	$6,298	$7,598
22-Dec-25	AmaVerde	$3,899	$4,198	$5,298	$5,898	$6,098	$6,298	$6,498	$7,798

 

Port Charges an additional $224 per person for 2024

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