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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
5 departures
- Mon 23 Nov 2026 → Mon 30 Nov 2026 Outside $8,049 Balcony $11,796 from $8,049 pp twin share Select
- Sun 29 Nov 2026 → Sun 6 Dec 2026 Outside $8,499 Balcony $10,147 Suite $14,495 from $8,499 pp twin share Select
- Mon 30 Nov 2026 → Mon 7 Dec 2026 Outside $8,049 Balcony $10,296 Suite $14,045 from $8,049 pp twin share Enquire
- Sun 6 Dec 2026 → Sun 13 Dec 2026 Outside $8,798 Balcony $11,945 Suite $14,794 from $8,798 pp twin share Select
- Sun 13 Dec 2026 → Sun 20 Dec 2026 Balcony $12,096 from $12,096 pp twin share Select
Eight-day Danube river cruise through five countries visiting iconic Christmas markets and festive capital cities
- Christmas markets in Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest with handcrafted gifts
- Danube river cruise through Germany, Austria and Hungary aboard AmaWaterways ships
- Choice of walking tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest excursions daily
Trip Details
- Departs
- Mon 30 Nov 2026
- Returns
- Mon 7 Dec 2026
- Embarks
- Vilshofen
- Disembarks
- Budapest
- Ship
- AmaBella
- Operator
- AMAWaterways
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 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.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, Austria and Hungary, calling at Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Vienna, Budapest and Budapest.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaBella and AmaSofia.
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.
Your transports AmaBella
AmaSofia
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
AmaBella
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Vilshofen
Mon 30 NovVILSHOFEN, GERMANY - EMBARKATION.. Board your ship 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. - 2
Passau
Tue 1 DecPASSAU, 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. - 3
Linz
Wed 2 DecLINZ, 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 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. Not combinable with other tours on this day. - 4
Weissenkirchen
Thu 3 DecWEISSENKIRCHEN, 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 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. - 5
Vienna
Fri 4 DecVIENNA, 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. - 6
Vienna
Sat 5 DecVIENNA, AUSTRIA. 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. - 7
Budapest
Sun 6 DecBUDAPEST, 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. - 8
Budapest
Mon 7 DecBUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Oktoberfest celebration.
- Passau walking tour and Christmas Market.
- Passau Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf.
- Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets.
- Full-day Český Krumlov excursion with Christmas Markets.
- Linz walking tour with Christmas Markets.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaBella and AmaSofia.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
Common questions about this voyage
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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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