Icons of the Danube (Taste of Christmas)
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna at the most festive time of year. An apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences in which you will indulge, in addition to either a Christmas feast or a delicious New Year’s Eve gala dinner on board, depending on your departure. Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur with the magic of wintertime; while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west adorned with holiday splendor. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you’ll be able enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullest—from the Al Fresco Restaurant to the enchanting decorations and seasonal traditions occurring inside the ship and out!
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, Passau and Vilshofen.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaRudi and AmaMagna.
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.
- 19 Nov 2028 – 26 Nov 2028
from $6,079 pp twin share * - 24 Dec 2028 – 31 Dec 2028
from $5,791 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Step aboard the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom, ready to immerse yourself in the magic of a Christmas cruise along the Danube. Tonight, toast to the season with your fellow travelers over a festive welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
Day 3 – Bratislava
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. 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. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava’s gleaming castle.
Day 4 – Vienna
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Vienna offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, Vienna’s historic city center, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria.
Day 5 – Dürnstein
DÜRNSTEIN – SPITZ, AUSTRIA. Enjoy your morning in the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle through Dürnstein. During the afternoon, explore Spitz, where you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Day 6 – Linz
LINZ, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day
Day 7 – Passau
PASSAU – VILSHOFEN. Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau’s Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sail to the charming town of Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an AmaWaterways-exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels.
Day 8 – Vilshofen
VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home.
Highlights
- Included Buda and Pest city tours with a Castle Hill hike option
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
- Full-day excursion to Salzburg included on the Linz day
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna at the most festive time of year. An apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences in which you will indulge, in addition to either a Christmas feast or a delicious New Year’s Eve gala dinner on board, depending on your departure. Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur with the magic of wintertime; while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west adorned with holiday splendor. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you’ll be able enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullest—from the Al Fresco Restaurant to the enchanting decorations and seasonal traditions occurring inside the ship and out!
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, Passau and Vilshofen.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaRudi and AmaMagna.
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
- Buda city tour.
- Bratislava Castle Hill hike.
- Pest city tour.
- “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour.
- Tastes of Slovakia.
- Castle hike.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaRudi and AmaMagna.
Stateroom categories available
- Category OS
- Category GS
- Category SA
- Category SB
- Category AA
- Category AB
- 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 19 Nov 2028 and 31 Dec 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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