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Rathaus in Vienna

Christmas Markets on the Danube - Cruise Only

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amalea
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Few events are awaited with as much anticipation as Europe’s Christmas Markets. Be spellbound by Nuremberg and Regensburg’s Christmas Markets. In Linz, marvel at the small clay figurines representing the people of a typical village—the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker; and while in Vienna, visit four Christmas Markets. Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany and Austria where many Christmas traditions began on this magical journey through time.
Basilica BudapestViennaEvening in Vienna, AustriaPanoramic view of Budapest cityscapeVisit charming PassauPanoramic view of VilshofenColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzRathaus in Vienna
Highlights
  • Enjoy a special Illuminations Cruise past the capital’s glittering river front
  • Visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest of all the Christmas markets in Budapest
  • Explore "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at the Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market
  • Tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark | Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. Tonight, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the capital’s glittering river front. 

Day 2: Budapest

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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, tradition and even a secret labyrinth of caves and caverns under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. 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. 

Day 3: Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the Karlsplatz (Artisans) Christmas Market, a local favorite, and 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 Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. 

Day 4: Vienna | Krems

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring more of Vienna’s splendid Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later in the day, set sail through the breathtaking Wachau Valley to Krems, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting or an evening walk.

Day 5: Weissenkirchen | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After reaching Weissenkirchen in the heart of the Wachau Valley, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then be treated to a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner as well as visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, you sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk. Once in Melk, you’ll visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. 

Day 6: Linz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 full-day visit to magnificent Salzburg dressed in her holiday best. Enjoy a walking tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican and its Christmas Market, which is a feast for the senses. 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 “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can join a half-day excursion to Salzburg or visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. 

Day 7: Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 magnificent 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. Later in the day set sail for Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. 

Day 8: Vilshofen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amalea

Lounge Area
Spa
Gym

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,399
Category E
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E
160 square feet. 4 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category D
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D
160 square feet. 8 cabins on Piano Deck, fixed windows.
Category CB
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CB
155 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony.
Category CA
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CA
170 square feet. 14 cabins on Violin and Cello Deck, French balcony.
Category BB
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BB
210 square feet. 15 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category BA
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BA
210 square feet. 12 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AB
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AB
235 square feet. 10 cabins on Cello Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category AA
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AA
235 square feet. 8 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony.
Category Suite
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Suite
350 square feet. 4 cabins on Violin Deck, French balcony and outside balcony, mini-bar, sofa and two chairs, expansive bathroom with bathtub and separate shower.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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