Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Magna on the Danube (Christmas Markets)

Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships AmaMagna and AmaRudi
Extensive included tours with choice of standard, bike, hike and special interest options
Exclusive wine evening in Spitz featuring regional Grüner Veltliner and Riesling

$10,228 pp twin share

7 nights

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Gems of Southeast Europe

Magna on the Danube (Christmas Markets) - route map

When & how much

Choose your departure

4 departures

Sun 28 Nov 2027 → Sun 5 Dec 2027 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaMagna Balcony $11,879 from $11,879 pp twin share Select
Sun 5 Dec 2027 → Sun 12 Dec 2027 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaRudi Balcony $10,978 from $10,978 pp twin share Select
Sun 12 Dec 2027 → Sun 19 Dec 2027 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaMagna Balcony $10,228 from $10,228 pp twin share Enquire
Sun 12 Dec 2027 → Sun 19 Dec 2027 7 nights · Vilshofen → Budapest · AmaRudi Outside $6,345 Balcony $10,228 from $6,345 pp twin share Select

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Eight-day Danube river cruise through five countries visiting Christmas Markets in iconic European capitals

Christmas Markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and beyond
Danube Bend scenic cruising through historic Hungarian settlements
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market with giant sparkling tree

Trip Details

Departs: Sun 12 Dec 2027
Returns: Sun 19 Dec 2027
Embarks: Budapest
Disembarks: Vilshofen
Ship: AmaMagna
Operator: AMAWaterways

Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—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. Delight your palate with a wine evening in Spitz - exclusive with AmaWaterways! Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, 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 Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Linz, Passau and Vilshofen.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMagna and AmaRudi.

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.

$10,228

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaMagna

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaMagna

Deck plans: 4

AmaMagna · 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
Sun 12 Dec
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner.
2
Budapest
Mon 13 Dec
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit one of the city's vibrant Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. Then, cruise through the scenic Danube Bend where you’ll see the Börzsöny and Visegrád hills and some of Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Nature, culture and history intertwine into a picturesque sight as the Danube River turns into a sharp bend.
3
Bratislava
Tue 14 Dec
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
4
Vienna
Wed 15 Dec
VIENNA, 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, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Following your city tour, you’ll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city.
5
Krems
Thu 16 Dec
KREMS – SPITZ, AUSTRIA. Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a bike tour from Krems to Spitz or a hiking adventure in Spitz. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
6
Linz
Fri 17 Dec
LINZ, AUSTRIA. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a full-day visit to Salzburg where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube.
7
Passau
Sat 18 Dec
PASSAU – VILSHOFEN. 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, join a guided bike ride along the picturesque River Inn. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
8
Vilshofen
Sun 19 Dec
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Buda city tour and Christmas Markets.
Castle Hill hike.
Scenic cruising along the Danube Bend.
“Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market.
Tastes of Slovakia.
Bratislava hike with Christmas Market.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMagna and AmaRudi.

Stateroom categories available

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

Gems of Southeast Europe 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 28 Nov 2027 and 19 Dec 2027, 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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