Overview
CRUISE FROM : Nuremberg to Budapest
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas Markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg's festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany; Regensburg's Artisan Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas Markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade. Revel in a feast for the senses: sparkling lights; festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; and enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary
RIVERS: Danube
Iconic Christmas Markets
At A Glance
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.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stationsMini-fridge, desk and sitting areaBottled water replenished dailyAN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programsInternet and Wi-Fi accessSun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking trackFitness room, massage services and hair salonMain Lounge with panoramic views and barDaily entertainment including cultural performancesAWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venuesRegionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredientsThe Chef's Table specialty restaurantWelcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala DinnerLa Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experienceUnlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinnerUnlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfastSip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinksTapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main LoungeA WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Immersive tours in every destinationGentle, regular, active and late-riser tour optionsBike tours and hikesSpecial Interest ToursKnowledgeable guidesPersonal headset for easy explorationAirport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterwaysDetailed Itinerary
Day 1 : NUREMBERG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
Day 2 : NUREMBERG
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas Markets. You can also choose to spend the entire morning exploring this iconic Christmas Market. For those looking for a taste of Nuremberg, depart for Nuremberg Imperial Castle and visit City Brewery where you will delight your palate with savory Nuremberg sausage and beer. Then continue to Sebalder Kirche (church) where you will nibble on sweet and spicy lebkuchen, a baked treat similar to gingerbread. End the day crossing the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : REGENSBURG, GERMANY
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria's specialties'beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. For those in a festive mood, head to one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : PASSAU, GERMANY
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes 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. (B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other tours on this day.
Day 5 : MELK, AUSTRIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe's most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent and storied abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : VIENNA
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 along with an opportunity to visit the city's Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. In the afternoon, visit Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its spectacular festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest is one of Europe's most regal and storied cities'and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. This morning, venture to the foot of the city's Castle Hill for a walking tour of the 'Buda' side of the city, featuring Dozsa Gyorgy Square, the city's Castle District, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill along Fishermen's Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. In the afternoon, Explore the treasures of the 'Pest' side of Budapest, discovering its history and landmarks. Admire such sites as the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building and the 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' memorial, commemorating the lives of Jewish Hungarians who perished during World War II. (B, L, D)
Day 8 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home. (B)
