2025 Christmas Markets
on the Danube
7-Night Cruise | December 1 - 8, 2025 | AmaWaterways
Join Melissa Meredith Fail, CEO and Lead Travel Advisor with RLX Travel Group on this amazing 7-night Christmas Markets river cruise. Imagine strolling through Europe's most magical Christmas Markets, enjoying a warm cup of cider, munching on chimney bread, and relishing the scent of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and Salzburg, where you'll shop for exquisitely handcrafted treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts, and tasty treats that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your loved ones' faces - and yours too!
Sailing along the Danube, you'll experience European holiday elegance, with the winter scenery outside complementing the warm and inviting atmosphere onboard the beautiful ship, AmaBella, your home away from home.
This is the perfect river cruise getaway for Christmas shopping!
Seeking to extend your vacation?
Add a Land package! Consider adding a 3 Pre-Cruise night package in Prague. More information about this add-on package is found below.
ITINERARY
December 1 - Vilshofen, Germany (EMBARKATION)
Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration
December 2 - Passau, Germany
Passau walking tour and Christmas Market
OR Passau Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf
December 3 - Linz, Austria
Linz walking tour and Christmas Market
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
OR Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets
OR Český Krumlov excursion with Christmas Markets
December 4 - Weissenkirchen, Austria
Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey
OR Dürnstein Apricots & Sweets tasting
OR Dürnstein Fortress hike
OR Danube bike tour
Wine tasting at local winery
December 5 - Vienna, Austria
“Imperial Vienna” tour with Maria Theresa Platz Christmas Market
OR Vienna bike tour
Rathaus Christmas Market by night
December 6 - Vienna, Austria
Bratislava Walking Tour (Christmas Markets)
OR Bratislava Castle Hike
OR Schönbrunn Christmas Markets
December 7 - Esztergom, Hungary to Budapest, Hungary
Scenic Cruising with afternoon tours. Your choice of
“Queen of the Danube” tour
OR Castle Hill hike
December 8 - Budapest
DISEMBARKATION
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |
STATEROOMS
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Relax in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, ranging in size from 170-235 square feet. Suites measure at a generous 350 square feet featuring a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. Most staterooms have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony.
Additional stateroom amenities include: Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe.
From the moment you step aboard AmaBella, you will feel welcome and right at home on this intimate small ship.
AMABELLA DECK PLAN
ACTIVITIES YOU'LL EXPERIENCE WHILE ON THIS CRUISE
You'll begin your luxury river cruise adventure in Vilshofen, where you will board the ship for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Next, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration.
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau 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 during your time in Passau, enjoy a guided hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf.
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is 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 could go on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion.
In the morning, sit back and relax as the Captain navigates the ship along the Danube River through Austria's narrow yet scenic Strudengau and Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you’ll enjoy a tasting of local apricot treats. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley’s finest wine
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. You will also have the chance to enjoy the festivities of the city’s Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna.
In Bratislava, you can go on a walking tour with Christmas Market visits, hike up to the Bratislava Castle, or visit the Schönbrunn Christmas Markets.
In Esztergom, relax and enjoy the view during your scenic cruise into Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, this city offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. 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
The journey ends in Budapest, where you can choose between the "Queen of the Danube" tour or a Castle Hill hike. On the final day, you'll disembark in Budapest, having experienced an unforgettable holiday that was planned with great care and attention to detail.
More tours are available.
Pre-cruise, 3-Nights in Prague for $975 per person.
This packages includes your hotel stay, daily breakfast, the services of a fabulous AmaWaterways Tour Manager, and a choice of tours.
OPTIONAL LAND PACKAGE
November 28 - Prague
Arrive in Prague. Check into your hotel.
November 29 - Prague
“Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas markets
OR Prague Castle hike
November 30 - Prague
Czech Beer Tasting
December 1 - Depart Prague
Transfer to Vilshofen to board the AmaBella
Join Melissa in this AMAZING Voyage!
