-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise Lines
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers - Curated Cruise Experiences
-
Tours
All Tours
Tour Companies
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Antarctica & Artic
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a call with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
Departure & Pricing
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Your departure
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Seven nights celebrating Christmas aboard an elegantly decorated Danube river ship through four European capitals
- Extended stays in Budapest and Prague with included city tours
- Christmas Markets and seasonal celebrations ahead of holiday crowds
- Cruise through Strudengau Valley with choice of included excursions
Trip Details
- Departs
- Wed 20 Dec 2028
- Returns
- Wed 27 Dec 2028
- Embarks
- Budapest
- Disembarks
- Vilshofen
- Ship
- AmaReina
- Operator
- AMA Waterways
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 ship AmaReina.
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 AmaReina
- 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
Budapest
Wed 20 DecEMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. - 2
Budapest
Thu 21 DecBUDAPEST. 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
Fri 22 DecBRATISLAVA, 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
Sat 23 DecVIENNA, 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
Sun 24 DecWEISSENKIRCHEN – 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
Mon 25 DecLINZ. 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
Tue 26 DecPASSAU, 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
Wed 27 DecVILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Buda city tour.
- Castle Hill hike.
- Pest city tour.
- “Coronation City” walking tour.
- Bratislava Castle hike.
- Tastes of Slovakia.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaReina.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
What is generally included?
What style of accommodation is used?
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.
You might also like
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
Melodies of the Danube (Christmas Time)
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina and AmaLea
- Included guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg and Melk Abbey
- Multiple daily excursion options including hikes, bike tours and cultural experiences
Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)
- Accommodation aboard elegantly decorated AmaWaterways river ships
- Extensive included tours with choice of standard, bike, hiking and special interest options
- Full-day excursions to Salzburg and Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov