Magical Christmas Markets – Cruise #123
Magical Christmas Markets
A winter wonderland awaits at Prague’s Christmas, the medieval atmosphere of Nuremberg’s main Christmas Market. Stroll through Regensburg’s romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn and Taxis Castle, savoring fresh dumplings with vanilla sauce. Get caught up in the magic of Salzburg’s Christmas Markets at both Hellbrunn Palace and at Christkindelsmärik, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress And while in Vienna, visit four of the city’s most enchanting Christmas Markets from the regal Schönbrunn Palace to Vienna’s largest, Rathaus Christmas Markets, with its carousel rides and light-bedecked trees and pavilions.
7 NIGHT CRUISE
On our 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.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
EMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Board your cruise in Nuremberg. Tonight, gather on board your ship and meet your fellow passengers. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (D)
Day 2
NUREMBERG
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Later in the day, cruise through the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 3
REGENSBURG
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch craftsmen make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
Day 4
PASSAU
Picturesque Passau, a fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago, is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. During the season of Advent, the city 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 stunning 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 Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 5
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is a full-day visit to magnificent Salzburg dressed in her holiday best. Enjoy a walking tour of its UNESCO-designated Old Town, its grand cathedral, inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican, and its Christmas Market at Hellbrunn Palace. Alternatively, you can choose a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can join a half-day excursion to Salzburg or visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
Day 6
MELK – DÜRNSTEIN – KREMS
The awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on full display for your enjoyment on your tour. Later in the day, set sail through the breathtaking Wachau Valley. Or for those seeking a more active adventure, bike through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. Once in Dürnstein, join a walking tour and wine tasting, or an apricots and sweets tasting. Later in the day, set sail to Krems, where you can enjoy a wine tasting or walking tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7
VIENNA
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. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Abbey. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. (B,L,D)
Day 8
VIENNA – DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Pricing & Tour Dates
Optional Tour Extension
- 3 Nights Prague Pre Cruise and 2 nights Vienna Post Cruise $1, 360ptional Tour Extension
Included Features
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Computer for internet access
- 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
- 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
- Wellness Program 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 programs
- 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
- 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
See The Ships
AmaSonata
This 162-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms with our exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, in-room Internet access and more.
AmaCerto
This 162-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design offering spacious staterooms featuring our exclusive twin balconies, multiple dining venues, heated pool, Internet/WiFi access and more.
Not Included:
- Port Charges are not included in cruise price$182 per person.
- A Single Supplement for Cruise is 50% of twin price; A+, AA+ & Suites 100% of twin price
- A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
- Please note that due to local closures, we will not visit Bratislava during cruises departing in November or December. Guests will instead spend this time in Vienna and the Wachau Valley.
