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Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market

Magna on the Danube - Christmas Markets

Budapest to Vilshofen - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS AmaRudi
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Embark on an 8-day river cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen aboard the MS AmaRudi. Immerse yourself in the city’s historic charm along the shimmering Danube. Explore UNESCO sites, vibrant Christmas Markets, and scenic vistas in Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Visit Dürnstein and Melk Abbey, enjoy exclusive wine tastings, and cycle or hike through the Wachau Valley vineyards. Discover Linz, Salzburg, and Český Krumlov with cultural tours, historic castles, and Alpine holiday markets. Conclude in Passau and Vilshofen, carrying memories of river scenery, festive towns, and Central Europe’s rich heritage.
Wander a cozy Christmas MarketCruise down the charming Wachau valleyAdmire the artistry of LinzExplore beautiful ViennaBudapest, the capital city of HungaryEnjoy the tranquility of DurnsteinPanoramic view of VilshofenBratislavaViennaTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market
Highlights
  • Explore Budapest UNESCO sites and festive Christmas Markets downtown
  • Discover Bratislava Old Town and hike to castle viewpoints
  • Tour Dürnstein Baroque town and hike to fortress ruins
  • Experience Passau walking tours, scenic rivers, & festive Christmas Markets
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest, Hungary | Embark

Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna, your floating home for the days ahead. Settle into your stateroom as the city’s lights shimmer along both banks of the Danube. Meet fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner, where new friendships form and anticipation builds for the journey through the heart of Europe.

Day 2: Budapest

Discover Budapest, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Buda Castle and Heroes’ Square, where culture and tradition unfold at every turn. Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall and wander through hilly Buda and flat Pest, then visit a festive Christmas Market. Hike Castle Hill along Fishermen’s Bastion for an active adventure and sweeping views. Cruise the scenic Danube Bend, where hills frame Hungary’s oldest settlements—Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre—while nature and history meet at the river’s dramatic turn.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • Buda city tour and Christmas Markets
  • Danube Bend

Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia

Host to 11 Hungarian coronations between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava earned the title "Coronation City of Kings." Discover this regal heritage on a walking tour through the Old Town, followed by a visit to the charming Christmas Market. Alternatively, join a "Tastes of Slovakia" tour to savor local delicacies, or hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views across the city and the Danube.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • “Coronation City” Walking Tour with Christmas Market
  • Taste of Slovakia
  • Bratislava Castle Hill Hike with Christmas Market

Day 4: Vienna, Austria

The "City of Waltzes" reveals its treasures on a tour of the Opera House and former Imperial Palace, concluding in the historic city center. Visit the Christmas market at Maria Theresaplatz, or bike along the Danube. During the afternoon, explore Schönbrunn Palace's market with its giant sparkling tree. Cap the day with "Vienna by Night," wandering through magnificently illuminated Christmas Markets that transform this imperial city into a winter wonderland.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • 'Imperial Vienna' tour and Christmas Markets
  • Vienna City Tour by Bike
  • Schonbrunn Christmas Markets
  • Rathaus Christmas Markets by Night

Day 5: Durnstein | Spitz, Austria

From Krems, gateway to UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, visit Baroque Dürnstein and its iconic church tower. Enjoy apricot liqueur and treats, or hike to Dürnstein Fortress or cycle along the river. During the afternoon, tour the 900-year-old Melk Abbey perched atop granite cliffs, or bike to Spitz or hike through vineyard paths. Evening brings an exclusive wine tasting featuring the region's celebrated Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • Dürnstein Walking Tour
  • Melk Abbey Visit
  • Exclusive Wine Experience
  • Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets Tour
  • Dürnstein Bike Tour
  • Spitz Bike Ride
  • Spitz Hike

Day 6: Linz, Austria

From Linz, choose a full-day visit to Salzburg's UNESCO Old Town, magnificent cathedral, and Christmas Markets beneath Alpine peaks. Or journey to the Czech town of Český Krumlov to explore cobblestone streets, Baroque buildings, and Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest complexes. After returning, take a brief walking tour of Linz's old city and Mozart House, or bike the "Cultural Mile" along the Danube.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • Full Day Salzburg Excursion and Christmas Market
  • Full Day Cesky Krumlov Excursion
  • UNESCO city walking tour and Christmas Market
  • “Cultural Mile” Bike Tour

Day 7: Passau, Germany | Vilshofen, Germany

Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home, carrying memories of imperial cities, vineyard valleys, Christmas Markets aglow, and the timeless beauty of the Danube winding through the heart of Europe.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
  • “City of Three Rivers” Walking Tour with Christmas Markets
  • Passau Castle Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf
  • Passau River Inn Bike Tour
  • Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

Day 8: Vilshofen, Germany | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS AmaRudi

AmaRudi - Whirlpool
Sun Deck features unique recreational spaces
AmaRudi - The Gym

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,179 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Category E
Category E
This 205 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Piano Deck and features a fixed window.
Category D
Category D
This 205 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Piano Deck and features a fixed window.
Category AB
Category AB
This 252 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Cello Deck and features a private outside balcony.
Category AA
Category AA
This 252 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Violin Deck and features a private outside balcony.
Category SB
Category SB
This 355 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Cello Deck and features a private outside balcony.
Category SA
Category SA
This 355 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Violin Deck and features a private outside balcony.
Category GS
Category GS
This 474 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Violin Deck and features a private outside balcony.
Category OS
Category OS
This 710 sq. ft. stateroom is located on the Violin Deck and features a private outside balcony.
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
  • Port Fees
  • 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 

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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