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Cruise · AMA Waterways · 7 nights

Blue Danube Discovery (Taste of Christmas)

  • Extensive included tours with choice of standard, bike, hike and special interest options
  • Accommodation aboard elegantly decorated AmaWaterways river ships
  • Multiple excursions daily so you choose how to explore each destination
From
$4,888 pp twin share
7 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

3 departures

  1. Wed 15 Nov 2028 → Wed 22 Nov 2028 7 nights · Budapest → Nuremberg · AmaSonata Outside $4,888 Balcony $7,188 Suite $10,929 from $4,888 pp twin share Enquire
  2. Sat 18 Nov 2028 → Sat 25 Nov 2028 7 nights · Budapest → Nuremberg · AmaMora Outside $4,888 Balcony $6,613 Suite $10,929 from $4,888 pp twin share Select
  3. Mon 20 Nov 2028 → Mon 27 Nov 2028 7 nights · Budapest → Nuremberg · AmaBella Outside $4,888 Balcony $7,188 Suite $10,929 from $4,888 pp twin share Select
Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

Seven-night Danube river cruise through Christmas markets and historic European cities

  • World-renowned Christmas Markets across Europe's grandest cities
  • Wachau Valley winemaking region and Baroque abbeys
  • UNESCO sites including 2,000-year-old Regensburg and Melk Abbey

Trip Details

Departs
Wed 15 Nov 2028
Returns
Wed 22 Nov 2028
Embarks
Budapest
Disembarks
Nuremberg
Ship
AmaSonata
Operator
AMA Waterways

Discover a wealth of history, cultural treasures, and seasonal festivities ahead of the holiday crowds as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube. From the world-renowned Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities, to the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, your journey along the Danube will bring you to the brightest holiday gems along the Danube. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich Sacher-Torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city

This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSonata, AmaMora and AmaBella.

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.

Life in transit

AmaSonata

AmaSonata
Details · AmaWaterways

AmaSonata

Deck plans
4
AmaSonata · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaSonata — Piano Deck deck plan

Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Budapest

    Wed 15 Nov
    EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and relax in your cabin on the Danube, where the city’s holiday charm will welcome you.
  2. 2

    Bratislava

    Thu 16 Nov
    BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Learn why Bratislava is known as the “Coronation City of Kings” on a guided walking tour, or savor local flavors on a special “Tastes of Slovakia” experience, with an option for a more active adventure hiking up to Bratislava Castle for stunning city views.
  3. 3

    Vienna

    Fri 17 Nov
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Admire the treasures of the “City of Waltzes” on a guided tour of Vienna’s regal landmarks, including the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with the option for a more active adventure on a guided bike ride, followed by leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.
  4. 4

    Dürnstein

    Sat 18 Nov
    DÜRNSTEIN – MELK. After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products. Alternatively, for a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. After your morning excursions, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey or take a guided bike ride through Melk. Guests looking for a more active experience may choose to hike to this impressive monastery.
  5. 5

    Passau

    Sun 19 Nov
    PASSAU, GERMANY. Disembark in Linz for a full-day voyage to Salzburg, where you can explore the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. Or, remain on board to enjoy a scenic cruise to Passau with a walking tour of its Gothic and Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with the option to take a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus Fortress or a bike tour along the Inn River.
  6. 6

    Regensburg

    Mon 20 Nov
    REGENSBURG. Sightsee in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, on a guided walking tour featuring the Old Town Hall and the ancient Roman Porta Praetoria. Indulge in Bavarian specialties like beer, sausage, and pretzels. Or, take a scenic bike ride to Walhalla to admire the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon.
  7. 7

    Nuremberg

    Tue 21 Nov
    NUREMBERG. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise along the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg, then explore the medieval city center with a tour of the Imperial Castle, Albrecht Dürer’s home, and Market Square. In the afternoon, delve into the city’s WWII history with a visit to Zeppelin Field and the Nuremberg Trials museum or savor traditional Franconian flavors with Nuremberger Bratwurst, Rotbier, and gingerbread.
  8. 8

    Nuremberg

    Wed 22 Nov
    NUREMBERG – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, depart the ship after breakfast.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • "Coronation City" Walking Tour.
  • Tastes of Slovakia.
  • Bratislava Fitness Castle Hike.
  • “Imperial Vienna” tour.
  • Vienna City Tour by bike.
  • Evening time to explore the city.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSonata, AmaMora and AmaBella.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category AB
  • Category BA
  • Category BB
  • Category C
  • Category D
  • Category E
Legendary Danube stateroom
Legendary Danube stateroom
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 15 Nov 2028 and 27 Nov 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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