
2025 Romantic Danube Christmas Market
Experience the Magic of Christmas on an AmaWaterways
River Cruise!
Cruise From: Vilshofen to Budapest
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 Salzburg and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town,
Český 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.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS: Danube
THE ITINERARY
November 19 - 26 , 2026
CRUISE ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Vilshofen to Budapest
Day 1
Vilshofen
EMBARKATION
Exclusive Oktoberfest
Day 2
Vilshofen
Free Time
Passau
“City of Three Rivers” walking tour
OR Passau Castle hike
Or Danube Bike tour
Day 3
Linz
Full-day Salzburg excursion
OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion
OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
Day 4
Weissenkirchen
Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey
OR Dürnstein Fortress hike
OR Apricots, Sweets and Wine tasting
OR Wachau Valley bike tour
Weissenkirchen
Evening wine tasting at local winery
Day 5
Vienna
“Imperial Vienna” tour
OR Vienna bike tour
Free time
Day 6
Bratislava
“Coronation City” walking tour
OR Tastes of Slovakia
OR Bratislava Castle hike
Day 7
Budapest
Buda city tour
OR Castle Hill hike
Pest city tour
Day 8
Budapest
DISEMBARKATION
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
SHIP & CABIN OVERVIEW
Cruise From: Vilshofen to Budapest
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to 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 and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven.
Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Salzburg or the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov.
From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic
RIVERS: Danube
CRUISE INCLUSIONS
CRUISE INCLUSION DETAILS
7-night Cruise
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music
library and English language TV stations - Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on
healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore. - Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special interest tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Bonus Amenities Included!!
- Elite Beverage Package - Premium wines, cocktails, and specialty coffees.
- Shore Excursion Credit – $100 per person credit towards the purchase of shore excursions.
- Specialty Dining Credit – Each guest receives 1 specialty dining credit to indulge in elevated culinary
experiences at the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, or Tamarind. - Unlimited Wi-Fi for each guest
- Prepaid Gratuities
PRE & POST CRUISE TOURS
EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE
Enhance your "Romantic Danube: A Taste of Christmas" experience
with our exclusive pre-cruise extensions in Munich and Prague.
These carefully curated stays allow you to immerse yourself in the
rich history, culture, and festive ambiance of these iconic cities
before embarking on your river journey.
Pre-Cruise: 3-Night Prague City Stay
- 2 nights hotel in Prague at the Old Town Hilton (or similar), including city tour,
Czech beer tasting, and daily breakfast - Transfer from the hotel in Prague to Regensburg with a city tour and then on to
Vilshofen
Pre-Cruise: 2-Night Munich City Stay
- Start your adventure with 3 nights in Munich, including a city tour, Hofbrauhaus beer
and pretzels tasting, and daily breakfast - Transfer from the hotel in Munich to the ship in Vilshofen
Highlights:
- Christmas Markets: Explore Munich's renowned Christmas markets, where wooden
stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, seasonal treats, and aromatic mulled
wine. The markets' festive lights and decorations create a magical atmosphere
that embodies the holiday spirit. - Historical Landmarks: Visit the city's iconic sites, including Marienplatz with its
historic Glockenspiel, the majestic Nymphenburg Palace, and the bustling
Viktualienmarkt, offering a glimpse into Munich's rich heritage. - Bavarian Culinary Delights: Indulge in traditional Bavarian cuisine at local beer
halls, savoring specialties like pretzels, schnitzel, and locally brewed beers,
providing an authentic taste of the region's gastronomic offerings. - Optional Excursions: Enhance your stay with optional tours to nearby attractions
such as the Dachau Memorial Site, the BMW Museum, or the fairy-tale
Neuschwanstein Castle, each offering unique insights into the area's history and
culture. - Enchanting Christmas Markets: Experience the magic of Prague's Christmas
markets, particularly the expansive market in Old Town Square, set against a
backdrop of medieval architecture and featuring the city's tallest Christmas tree. - Architectural Wonders: Stroll across the historic Charles Bridge, explore the
grandeur of Prague Castle, and admire the intricate design of the Astronomical
Clock, each landmark telling a story of the city's storied past. - Cultural Experiences: Attend classical music concerts by the Czech Philharmonic,
visit artisan bakeries offering traditional treats, and immerse yourself in local
customs and traditions that bring the festive season to life. - Culinary Treats: Savor local delicacies such as klobása (Czech sausage) and
warm up with a cup of svařák (mulled wine), enjoying the hearty flavors that
define Czech cuisine.
These pre-cruise extensions are designed to enrich your holiday experience, offering
a blend of guided tours and leisure time to explore at your own pace. Whether
wandering through festive markets, indulging in regional cuisines, or uncovering
historical treasures, your time in Munich or Prague will set the perfect tone for your
upcoming river cruise.
For more details and booking information, please visit our Romantic
Danube (Taste of Christmas) itinerary
SPECIAL GROUP PRICING
PRICING DETAILS
Join us for the 7-night cruise, enhance your adventure with a 2- night in Munich or 3- night pre-cruise in Prague!
What is not included?
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Cruise shore excursions
- Spending money
Let’s Plan Your Next Adventure!
Looking to book your next vacation or need more information? Fill out the contact form, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Let me know your travel preferences, and I’ll help create a trip that fits your style perfectly. I can’t wait to hear from you and start planning your next adventure!