14-night Grand Danube Christmas Cruise

Board the ship in Vilshofen for your Grand Danube Christmas Markets Cruise. In the evening, be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration — an AmaWaterways exclusive. (D),

Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways. 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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B,L,D),

Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways. 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. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B,L,D),

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Ceský Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D),

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Ceský Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D),

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Ceský Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D),

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weißenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D),

Weissenkirchen, or "White Church", is a charming town sprawled along the banks and the hills of the Danube River. Like other villages in the Wauchau Valley, you can see terraced vineyards, off-set by the red roofs of the town proper. View the white church the town is named for, which in its long history has served both as sacred space and protection from invaders in the  the 16th century. You will find the inside designed in the traditional Gothic and Baroque style. Visit the Wachaumuseum, housed in a 16th century building, to learn more about Weissenkirchen's role in wine production, as well as the importance of the salt trade in the town's development and art by Krems painter Kremser Schmidt. Nearby villages include Krems and Dürnstein, while further up stream you can visit the Göttweig Abbey and Melk.

 

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weißenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D),

Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weißenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'll find spectacular views of the valley, river, and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D),

The "City of Waltzes" is a treasure trove 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 the UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen's Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. Perhaps sample Vienna's famous pastries or you may choose to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas markets. Then spend the afternoon at the Schönbrunn Christmas markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening on your own. (B,L,D),

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1563 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title "Coronation City of Kings", as you'll discover during your walking tour, including a visit to 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. (B,L,D),

You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the "Queen of the Danube". Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest, and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D),

Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians' warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D),

Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians' warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D),

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohács. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D),

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohács. For wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go instead to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D),

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights, and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Graševina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Back onboard, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the "Serbian Athens". Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruška Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D),

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights, and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Graševina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Back onboard, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the "Serbian Athens". Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruška Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D),

Ilok lies on Croatia's eastern border, and has a long history of affilitation with multiple entities, including the Kingdom of Bulgaria, Kingdom of Croatia, Ottoman Empire, Austrian Empire and Yugoslavia. The Ilok Castle provides panoramic views of the city and Serbia, and several Gothic churches give visitors a look into Ilok's heritage as these structures present old art and Islamic architecture. There is also an annual wine event that celebrates the region's Traminer, Burgundy and Grasevina wines.

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights, and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Graševina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Back onboard, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the "Serbian Athens". Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruška Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D),

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts, and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts, and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),

Visit Golubac Fortress — one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe — before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D),

Visit Golubac Fortress — one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe — before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D),

This scenic passage is truly a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Iron Gates are a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. The gorge, one of the most dramatic sights in Europe, forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D),

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D),

Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),

Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),

The former medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo is easily recognized as a historical and cultural center of contemporary Bulgaria. The cities museums are rich in artifacts and historical monuments and monasteries dot the landscape. The most visited spot in Veliko Tarnovo is the Arbanasi village. The St. Virgin Mary convent lies on one end of the village, the St Nikola monastery on the other. Exploring the village will be a memorable experience.

Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B),