Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Iconic Christmas Markets

Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
Extensive included tours with choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
Guided walking tours of UNESCO World Heritage cities Regensburg and Vienna

$6,407 pp twin share

7 nights

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Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)

Iconic Christmas Markets (Smithsonian Journeys) - route map

When & how much

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18 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

River cruise through Germany, Austria and Hungary visiting iconic Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, Germany's largest and oldest Christmas Market
Vienna's impressive Christmas Markets and regal landmarks including the Opera House
Budapest's festive Christmas Markets and Castle District with Fisherman's Bastion

Trip Details

Departs: Sat 25 Nov 2028
Returns: Sat 2 Dec 2028
Embarks: Budapest
Disembarks: Nuremberg
Ship: AmaLea
Operator: AMAWaterways

Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas Markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany; Regensburg’s Artisan Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas Markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade. Revel in a feast for the senses: sparkling lights; festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; and enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind.

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

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea and 4 sister ships.

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.

$6,407

pp twin share

Enquire

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Life in transit

AmaLea

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaLea

Deck plans: 4

AmaLea · 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
Nuremberg
Sat 25 Nov
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Nuremberg and embark on your ship, marking the start of your immersive journey through Germany’s cozy Christmas festivities.
2
Nuremberg
Sun 26 Nov
NUREMBERG. Explore Nuremberg’s WWII highlights before wandering the cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit the famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest Christmas Markets, or spend the morning fully immersed in its festive atmosphere. Food lovers can sample Nuremberg sausages and beer at the City Brewery and sweet lebkuchen at Sebalder Kirche before crossing the Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal.
3
Regensburg
Mon 27 Nov
REGENSBURG, GERMANY. Discover Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, on a guided walking tour of its architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria. Visit the Old Town Christmas Market, sample Bavarian specialties, or bike to the neoclassical Walhalla temple. At Thurn and Taxis Christmas Markets, watch local artisans at work.
4
Passau
Tue 28 Nov
PASSAU, GERMANY. Explore Linz on a walking tour of its 2,000-year-old streets, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a visit to the festive Christmas Market. For more adventure, bike along the Danube, or take a full-day voyage through the Austrian Alps to Salzburg and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, grand cathedral, and holiday markets.
5
Melk
Wed 29 Nov
MELK, AUSTRIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Perched on a rocky outcrop, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s most celebrated Baroque monasteries. Explore its historic museum and renowned library, or opt for a guided bike ride around the charming town of Melk.
6
Vienna
Thu 30 Nov
VIENNA. Discover the magic of Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” on a tour of its regal landmarks, which includes the Opera House and former Imperial Palace. Visit the city’s iconic and festive Christmas Markets. Adventurous passengers can enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube, followed by a visit to Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market.
7
Budapest
Fri 1 Dec
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest, starting in the Castle District to admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and panoramic city views. Visit the festive Christmas Markets or hike up Castle Hill for a more active experience. In the afternoon, discover Pest’s highlights, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
8
Budapest
Sat 2 Dec
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home