Christmas Markets on The Danube – BD124
Christmas Markets on The Danube - BD124
Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.
Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you.
Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.
Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.
COUNTRIES:
WATERWAYS:
7 NIGHT CRUISE
On our Christmas Markets on The Danube you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. 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.
Christmas Markets Notice: Most Christmas Markets open during the last week of November and remain open until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information.
Itinerary ~ Christmas Markets on The Danube
Day 1
EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest to begin your Christmas Markets on The Danube cruise and board your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2
BUDAPEST
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition.
The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river.
Afterwards, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest.
As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)
Day 3
BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
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.
You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas market.
Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour.
For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
Enjoy a free evening to explore Vienna on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 4
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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.
If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna.
During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree.
Cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 5
WEISSENKIRCHEN – WACHAU VALLEY – MELK
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions.
Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then taste some of the village’s distinctive wines.
Or visit a local boutique to taste Durnstein’s special apricot treats, such as jams and chocolates.
Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk.
For those not biking to Melk, you’ll sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk. Once in Melk, you’ll visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. (B,L,D)
Day 6
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions.
The first is 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 “Culture Mile” and the Danube River.
Or go on a full-day visit to Salzburg where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria.
During the afternoon, for those not going on the full-day Salzburg excursion, visit the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov. (B,L,D)
Day 7
PASSAU
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau 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 magnificent cathedral.
Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments.
If you prefer a more active adventure, hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf or join a guided bike ride along the Danube.
Later, sail for Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)
Day 8
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)
Land Extensions (add to departure date)
- 2021 A. Pre-Cruise - 3 nights Prague
- 2021 B. Pre-Cruise 2 nights Budapest and Post-Cruise 3 nights Prague
- 2022 A. Pre-Cruise 3 nights Prague
- 2022 B. Pre-Cruise 2 nights Munich
- 2022 C. Pre-Cruise 2 nights Budapest, Post-Cruise 3 nights Prague
- 2023 A. Pre-Cruise 3 nights Prague
- 2023 B. Pre-Cruise 2 nights Munich
- 2023 C. Pre-Cruise 2 nights Budapest, Post-Cruise 3 nights Prague
Note: All packages include fully guided tours, excursions and experiences contact us for more details. Pricing is shown below.
Included ~ Christmas Markets on The Danube
- 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
Pricing ~ Christmas Markets on The Danube
2021
2022/2023
| Embark Date | Start City | Ship Name | Cruise | Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov-27-2021 | Vilshofen | AmaSonata | 3,299 | - |
| Nov-28-2021 | Budapest | AmaBella | 3,299 | - |
| Nov-29-2021 | Vilshofen | AmaLea | 3,399 | Solo Traveler Offer |
| Dec-05-2021 | Vilshofen | AmaBella | 3,399 | - |
| Dec-06-2021 | Budapest | AmaLea | 3,399 | - |
| Dec-12-2021 | Budapest | AmaBella | 3,399 | - |
| Dec-13-2021 | Vilshofen | AmaLea | 3,399 | - |
| Dec-19-2021 | Vilshofen | AmaBella | 3,399 | Save $1000 per Stateroom. Solo Traveler Offer. |
Price Per Person in USD
Promotions
- Solo Traveler Offer: Take advantage of our 10% Single Supplement offer on Fixed Window Staterooms OR 25% Single Supplement offer on Balcony Staterooms in lieu of other savings. Exclusions apply.
- Save $1000 per Stateroom on select sailing dates.
Cabin Upgrades
| Cabin Upgrade | Sq. ft. | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Suite Violin Deck French & Outside Balcony | 300 | 3,599 |
| Category AA+ Violin Deck French & Outside Balcony | 290 | 2,799 |
| Category AA Violin Deck French & Outside Balcony | 235 | 2,199 |
| Category AB Cello Deck French & Outside Balcony | 235 | 1,999 |
| Category BA Violin Deck French & Outside Balcony | 210 | 1,799 |
| Category BB Cello Deck French & Outside Balcony | 210 | 1,599 |
| Category C Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony | 170 | 999 |
| Category CB Violin Deck French Balcony | 155 | 699 |
| Category D Piano Deck Fixed Window | 160 | 299 |
| Category E Piano Deck Fixed Window | 160 | - |
Optional Tour Extensions
Vilshofen Departures
- Pre Cruise: 3 nights Prague $900
Budapest Departures
- Pre Cruise: 2 nights Budapest; Post Cruise: 3 nights Prague $1,460
Notes:
- Port Charges not included in cruise price $196 per person.
- Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
- Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
- Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
Blue Danube Holidays are certified AmaWaterways Distirbutors
Gallery ~ Christmas Markets on The Danube
Ships ~ Christmas Markets on The Danube
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.
AmaLea
This 158-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.
