Cruise · AMA Waterways · 7 nights

Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)

Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea or AmaMora
Included excursions such as Salzburg full-day tour, Danube bike ride and castle visits
Multiple activity options daily including walking tours, hikes and wine tastings

$4,959 pp twin share

7 nights

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Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)

Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) - route map

When & how much

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3 departures

Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Experience Old-World European Christmas markets and UNESCO heritage sites aboard an elegantly decorated Danube river ship

Christmas markets throughout Europe's grandest cities
Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Choice of guided tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest excursions

Trip Details

Departs: Sat 18 Nov 2028
Returns: Sat 25 Nov 2028
Embarks: Vilshofen
Disembarks: Budapest
Ship: AmaLea
Operator: AMA Waterways

Those longing for the romance and festivity of Old-World Europe will travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned, and some of the world’s greatest music was composed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. The timeless Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities continue to inspire wonder around the world, but these are only a taste of the incredible sites you will visit along the Danube. Admire the beauty of the Czech Republic, from Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," to the charming mountain town of Ceský Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrate the holidays ahead of the crowds aboard some of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers.

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

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

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.

$4,959

pp twin share

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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
Vilshofen
Sat 18 Nov
EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN, GERMANY. Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your cruise. Spend your evening getting to know fellow passengers while enjoying a delicious meal curated by our chefs.
2
Vilshofen
Sun 19 Nov
VILSHOFEN – PASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll have the option to join a guided walking tour in the city; hike into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or take part in a River Inn bike tour.
3
Linz
Mon 20 Nov
LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll 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. Not combinable with other tours on this day.
4
Weissenkirchen
Tue 21 Nov
WEISSENKIRCHEN. Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen.
5
Vienna
Wed 22 Nov
VIENNA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city.
6
Bratislava
Thu 23 Nov
VIENNA. After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy learning about the country’s history during the “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour, while foodies can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
7
Budapest
Fri 24 Nov
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill.
8
Budapest
Sat 25 Nov
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Exclusive Oktoberfest Celebration.
Free Time.
"City of Three Rivers" Walking Tour.
Fitness Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf.
Danube Bike tour.
Full-Day Salzburg Excursion.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea and AmaMora.

Stateroom categories available

Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category CA
Category CB
Category D

Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) 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 15 Nov 2028 and 30 Dec 2028, 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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