Blue Danube Discovery (Taste of Christmas)
Discover a wealth of history, cultural treasures, and seasonal festivities ahead of the holiday crowds as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube. From the world-renowned Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities, to the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, your journey along the Danube will bring you to the brightest holiday gems along the Danube. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich Sacher-Torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSonata, AmaMora and AmaBella.
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.
- 15 Nov 2028 – 22 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 18 Nov 2028 – 25 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 20 Nov 2028 – 27 Nov 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Budapest
EMBARKATION – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and relax in your cabin on the Danube, where the city’s holiday charm will welcome you.
Day 2 – Bratislava
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Learn why Bratislava is known as the “Coronation City of Kings” on a guided walking tour, or savor local flavors on a special “Tastes of Slovakia” experience, with an option for a more active adventure hiking up to Bratislava Castle for stunning city views.
Day 3 – Vienna
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Admire the treasures of the “City of Waltzes” on a guided tour of Vienna’s regal landmarks, including the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with the option for a more active adventure on a guided bike ride, followed by leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 4 – Dürnstein
DÜRNSTEIN – MELK. After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products. Alternatively, for a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. After your morning excursions, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey or take a guided bike ride through Melk. Guests looking for a more active experience may choose to hike to this impressive monastery.
Day 5 – Passau
PASSAU, GERMANY. Disembark in Linz for a full-day voyage to Salzburg, where you can explore the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market. Or, remain on board to enjoy a scenic cruise to Passau with a walking tour of its Gothic and Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with the option to take a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus Fortress or a bike tour along the Inn River.
Day 6 – Regensburg
REGENSBURG. Sightsee in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, on a guided walking tour featuring the Old Town Hall and the ancient Roman Porta Praetoria. Indulge in Bavarian specialties like beer, sausage, and pretzels. Or, take a scenic bike ride to Walhalla to admire the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon.
Day 7 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise along the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg, then explore the medieval city center with a tour of the Imperial Castle, Albrecht Dürer’s home, and Market Square. In the afternoon, delve into the city’s WWII history with a visit to Zeppelin Field and the Nuremberg Trials museum or savor traditional Franconian flavors with Nuremberger Bratwurst, Rotbier, and gingerbread.
Day 8 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, depart the ship after breakfast.
Highlights
- Guided walking tour of Bratislava’s Coronation City
- Included Vienna City Tour by bike
- Choice of excursions, from standard tours to hikes and bike rides
Discover a wealth of history, cultural treasures, and seasonal festivities ahead of the holiday crowds as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube. From the world-renowned Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities, to the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, your journey along the Danube will bring you to the brightest holiday gems along the Danube. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich Sacher-Torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg and Nuremberg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSonata, AmaMora and AmaBella.
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.
Inclusions
- “Coronation City” Walking Tour.
- Tastes of Slovakia.
- Bratislava Fitness Castle Hike.
- “Imperial Vienna” tour.
- Vienna City Tour by bike.
- Evening time to explore the city.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSonata, AmaMora and AmaBella.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
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 27 Nov 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.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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