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Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary

Christmas Markets on the Danube - Cruise Only

Budapest to Vilshofen - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Amasonata
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Few events are awaited with as much anticipation as Europe’s Christmas Markets. Be spellbound by Europe'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.
Panoramic view of Budapest cityscapeMorning view on Bratislava cityRathaus in ViennaPanoramic view of VilshofenFisherman's Bastion in Budapest, Hungary
Highlights
  • Sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the Budapest capital’s glittering river front
  • Visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest of all the Christmas markets in Budapest
  • Tour the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market
  • Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk.
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: Embarkation | 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 Castlequarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition.Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both theBuda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richestand 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. 

Day 3: Bratislava | Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Tonight, explore Vienna’ssplendid Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. 

Day 4: Vienna

  • 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. 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 MariaTheresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna’s majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. 

Day 5: Weissenkirchen | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then a visit to a local boutique where you’ll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen toMelk. For those not biking to Melk, you’ll sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk. Once inMelk, you’ll visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. 

Day 6: Linz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Linz is known for being the city of Christmascrèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is 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. 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. 

Day 7: Passau

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During the season of Advent, beautifulPassau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which youwill discover on your walking tour through the city and atits Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square—also hometo its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Ifyou prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ridealong the Danube. Later, sail for Vilshofen, where you’ll betreated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. 

Day 8: Vilshofen | Disembarkation

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

Ship/Hotel

MS Amasonata

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,699
Amasonata E cabin
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Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata D cabin
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Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata C
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Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Amasonata BB cabin
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Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Amasonata BA cabin
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft
Amasonata AA cabin
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Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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