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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
2 departures
Seven nights cruising the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary, experiencing Christmas markets and medieval cities
- Medieval cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg with preserved architecture
- UNESCO Wachau Valley and Benedictine Abbey from your ship
- Christmas markets and local holiday traditions across major cities
Trip Details
- Departs
- Wed 24 Nov 2027
- Returns
- Wed 1 Dec 2027
- Embarks
- Nuremberg
- Disembarks
- Budapest
- Ship
- AmaSonata
- Operator
- AMA Waterways
Celebrate Europe's long-standing holiday traditions at storied historical sites and major metropolises along the Danube. Explore the perfectly preserved medieval cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg; witness the breathtaking UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley from your festively decorated river cruise ship; and keep your eye out for the many Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities. Get ahead of the holiday rush with seasonally exclusive events free from the crowds, knowing that you are experiencing Europe's culture, cuisine, and holiday festivities just as the locals do. 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 Germany, Austria and Hungary, calling at Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest and Budapest.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSonata.
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 AmaSonata
- 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
Nuremberg
Wed 24 NovEMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY. Embark your ship in Nuremberg. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. - 2
Nuremberg
Thu 25 NovNUREMBERG, GERMANY. You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam, and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). En route to Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. - 3
Regensburg
Fri 26 NovREGENSBURG, GERMANY. Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities Regensburg on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample some Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, and for those who wish to be more active, join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. - 4
Passau
Sat 27 NovPASSAU, GERMANY – LINZ, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a walking tour along Passau's cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For guests looking for a more active morning, you can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress for panoramic views overlooking three rivers. Later in the day, set sail for Linz. - 5
Melk
Sun 28 NovMELK, AUSTRIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley; or go on a walking tour along Dürnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, famed church tower. Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. - 6
Vienna
Mon 29 NovVIENNA, AUSTRIA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and on your city tour, you’ll see many of them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then afterwards, visit the grand St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, discover Vienna on a guided bike tour. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. Or, spend leisure time exploring this iconic city at your own pace. - 7
Budapest
Tue 30 NovBUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following 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. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. - 8
Budapest
Wed 1 DecBUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Medieval city tour.
- WWII city tour.
- Tastes of Franconia.
- Cruise Main-Danube Canal.
- UNESCO city walking tour.
- Walhalla bike tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSonata.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
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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