Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Melodies of the Danube (Christmas Time)

Included tours in each port: Castle Hill hike, Pest city tour, Bratislava Castle hike
Choice of excursions: standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
Seven nights aboard AmaWaterways river ship with stateroom accommodation

$7,297 pp twin share

7 nights

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Enchanting Rhine (Latin Touch)

Melodies of the Danube - route map

When & how much

Choose your departure

4 departures

Sun 22 Nov 2026 → Sun 29 Nov 2026 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaSofia Outside $6,998 Balcony $8,198 from $6,998 pp twin share Select
Sun 20 Dec 2026 → Sun 27 Dec 2026 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaSofia Outside $7,297 Balcony $8,497 from $7,297 pp twin share Enquire
Mon 21 Dec 2026 → Mon 28 Dec 2026 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaBella Balcony $9,397 Suite $11,946 from $9,397 pp twin share Select
Wed 23 Dec 2026 → Wed 30 Dec 2026 7 nights · Budapest → Vilshofen · AmaSonata Outside $4,825 Balcony $7,072 from $4,825 pp twin share Select

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Cruise four European capitals during Christmas season aboard an elegantly decorated Danube river ship

Extended stays in Budapest and Prague with included city tours
Christmas Markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague
Cruise through Strudengau Valley and visit Melk Abbey

Trip Details

Departs: Sun 20 Dec 2026
Returns: Sun 27 Dec 2026
Embarks: Budapest
Disembarks: Vilshofen
Ship: AmaSofia
Operator: AMAWaterways

Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, witnessing firsthand how this storied river inspired artists, poets, and musicians. Experience the unique seasonal celebrations ahead of the holiday crowds in four magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague. Keep your eye out for the Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike; set out on breathtaking city tours free from the holiday crowds; and cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley, letting the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time. Plus, spend some time getting acquainted with wonderous Prague and magnificent Budapest during your extended stays in these storied European capitals.

This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Linz, Passau and Vilshofen.

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

$7,297

pp twin share

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Life in transit

AmaSofia

Details · AmaWaterways

AmaSofia

Deck plans: 4

AmaSofia · 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 20 Dec
EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship.
2
Budapest
Mon 21 Dec
BUDAPEST. 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.
3
Bratislava
Tue 22 Dec
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
4
Vienna
Wed 23 Dec
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
5
Weissenkirchen
Thu 24 Dec
WEISSENKIRCHEN – MELK. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein and sample local wines, such as the apricot wine for which this town is renowned. For a more culinary-focused experience, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats such as chocolates and jams from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk where you will meet the ship. Later in the day, visit Melk Abbey. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, the Benedictine abbey houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger.
6
Linz
Fri 25 Dec
LINZ. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music , enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. 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. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day
7
Passau
Sat 26 Dec
PASSAU, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN. Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing—an AmaWaterways exclusive.
8
Vilshofen
Sun 27 Dec
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Buda city tour.
Castle Hill hike.
Pest city tour.
“Coronation City” walking tour.
Bratislava Castle hike.
Tastes of Slovakia.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSofia, AmaBella and AmaSonata.

Stateroom categories available

Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Category E

Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 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 22 Nov 2026 and 30 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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