Iconic Christmas Markets
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.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, Austria and Hungary, calling at Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest and Budapest.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea and 4 sister ships.
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.
- 22 Nov 2028 – 29 Nov 2028
from $6,263 pp twin share * - 25 Nov 2028 – 02 Dec 2028
from $6,263 pp twin share * - 27 Nov 2028 – 04 Dec 2028
from $6,551 pp twin share * - 29 Nov 2028 – 06 Dec 2028
from $8,852 pp twin share * - 02 Dec 2028 – 09 Dec 2028
from $6,551 pp twin share * - 04 Dec 2028 – 11 Dec 2028
from $8,708 pp twin share * - 06 Dec 2028 – 13 Dec 2028
from $6,407 pp twin share * - 09 Dec 2028 – 16 Dec 2028
from $6,407 pp twin share * - 11 Dec 2028 – 18 Dec 2028
from $6,119 pp twin share * - 13 Dec 2028 – 20 Dec 2028
from $6,119 pp twin share * - 16 Dec 2028 – 23 Dec 2028
from $6,263 pp twin share * - 18 Dec 2028 – 25 Dec 2028
from $5,975 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Nuremberg and embark on your ship, marking the start of your immersive journey through Germany’s cozy Christmas festivities.
Day 2 – Nuremberg
NUREMBERG. Explore Nuremberg’s WWII highlights before wandering the cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit the famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest Christmas Markets, or spend the morning fully immersed in its festive atmosphere. Food lovers can sample Nuremberg sausages and beer at the City Brewery and sweet lebkuchen at Sebalder Kirche before crossing the Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal.
Day 3 – Regensburg
REGENSBURG, GERMANY. Discover Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, on a guided walking tour of its architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria. Visit the Old Town Christmas Market, sample Bavarian specialties, or bike to the neoclassical Walhalla temple. At Thurn and Taxis Christmas Markets, watch local artisans at work.
Day 4 – Passau
PASSAU, GERMANY. Explore Linz on a walking tour of its 2,000-year-old streets, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a visit to the festive Christmas Market. For more adventure, bike along the Danube, or take a full-day voyage through the Austrian Alps to Salzburg and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, grand cathedral, and holiday markets.
Day 5 – Melk
MELK, AUSTRIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Perched on a rocky outcrop, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s most celebrated Baroque monasteries. Explore its historic museum and renowned library, or opt for a guided bike ride around the charming town of Melk.
Day 6 – Vienna
VIENNA. Discover the magic of Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” on a tour of its regal landmarks, which includes the Opera House and former Imperial Palace. Visit the city’s iconic and festive Christmas Markets. Adventurous passengers can enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube, followed by a visit to Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market.
Day 7 – Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest, starting in the Castle District to admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and panoramic city views. Visit the festive Christmas Markets or hike up Castle Hill for a more active experience. In the afternoon, discover Pest’s highlights, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
Day 8 – Budapest
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Begin your journey home
Highlights
- Included Nuremberg City Tour and Christmas Markets experience
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways ships AmaReina and AmaLea
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.
This river cruise journeys through Germany, Austria and Hungary, calling at Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest and Budapest.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea and 4 sister ships.
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.
Inclusions
- Nuremberg Christmas Markets.
- Nuremberg City Tour & Christmas Markets.
- Tastes of Franconia.
- Scenic Cruising the Main Danube Canal.
- UNESCO City Walking Tour.
- Tastes of Bavaria.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaReina, AmaLea and 4 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 22 Nov 2028 and 25 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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