Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas Time)

Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
Choice of included excursions: guided tours, bike rides and hikes at each port
Wine tastings, Christmas markets and local food demonstrations included

$5,275 pp twin share

7 nights

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Grand Danube Cruise (Wine Cruise)

Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas Time) - route map

When & how much

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3 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

River cruise through Southeast Europe's Christmas markets and medieval treasures from Budapest to Bucharest

Seven nights cruising the Danube through five countries
Medieval fortresses, UNESCO sites and Iron Gates gorges
Christmas markets, wine tastings and local seasonal experiences

Trip Details

Departs: Mon 16 Nov 2026
Returns: Mon 23 Nov 2026
Embarks: Giurgiu
Disembarks: Budapest
Ship: AmaBella
Operator: AMAWaterways

From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year along the lower Danube. Immerse yourself in the winter magic of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities await as they burst with traditional holiday cheer. You will relish the sight of beautiful landscapes, perhaps glistening with snow, and journey through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates. Wine and food lovers will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans and savor local seasonal sweets during Winterfest in Novi Sad, the first Christmas Market in Serbia. Be treated to the diverse culture and holiday joy on this unforgettable journey down the Danube.

This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaBella, AmaMagna and AmaVerde.

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.

$5,275

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaBella

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaBella

Deck plans: 4

AmaBella · Deck plans

Piano Deck

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
Budapest
Mon 16 Nov
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas cruise.
2
Mohacs
Tue 17 Nov
MOHÁCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. In the afternoon, you can visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You will also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Alternatively, you can travel to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács.
3
Vukovar
Wed 18 Nov
VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Explore this historic Croatian city of Vukovar on a city tour, where you may see sites such as the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For a more active excursion, enjoy a guided bike tour of Vukovar. In the afternoon, wine connoisseurs will want to sample Croatia’s famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines during a special tasting excursion. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
4
Belgrade
Thu 19 Nov
BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can opt for more active excursions with either a hike to Belgrade Fortress or a guided bike tour through Belgrade. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, paired with delicious local delights, at the Quburich Distillery. Or discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a full-day walking tour to Dunavski Park, through Stari Grad, the Old Town center, and the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below.
5
Golubac
Fri 20 Nov
SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
6
Vidin
Sat 21 Nov
VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, then explore Vidin on a guided walking tour, where you will also have the opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Market. For a taste of local cuisine, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting at a local boutique winery.
7
Rousse
Sun 22 Nov
ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament.
8
Giurgiu
Mon 23 Nov
GIURIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Pécs excursion with Christmas Markets.
Szekszárd wine tasting.
Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube </dd.
Vukovar City Tour.
Osijek tour.
Vukovar bike tour.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaBella, AmaMagna and AmaVerde.

Stateroom categories available

Category OS
Category GS
Category SA
Category SB
Category AA
Category AB
Category D
Category E

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 16 Nov 2026 and 28 Dec 2026, 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.

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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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