2026 : Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise With 2-Nights Budapest Pre-Cruise, 3 Nights Prague Post-Cruise : Budapest to Prague : ms AmaLea

Overview

CRUISE FROM : Budapest to Vilshofen

Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, witnessing firsthand how this storied river inspired artists, poets, and musicians. Experience the unique seasonal celebrations ahead of the holiday crowds in four magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague. Keep your eye out for the Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike; set out on breathtaking city tours free from the holiday crowds; and cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley, letting the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time. Plus, spend some time getting acquainted with wonderous Prague and magnificent Budapest during your extended stays in these storied European capitals.

COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

RIVERS: Danube

Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas)

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 stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily

    AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances

    AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

    A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

    Land Package

  • 2 nights hotel in Budapest at the Marriott (or similar), including tour and daily breakfast; and transfer to ship
  • Transfer from the ship in Vilshofen to Regensburg with city tour and then on to Prague
  • 3 nights hotel in Prague at the InterContinental (or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.

    Day 2 : BUDAPEST
    Once the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire (along with Vienna), 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. Today's tour takes you to another side of Budapest to the Jewish Quarter, where there are some real treasures. The Great Synagogue, the largest Synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, located in Dohany Street represents the beating heart of this quarter. Other prominent attractions include the Holocaust Memorial, a weeping willow tree with the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust inscribed on each leaf; and the Shoes on the Danube, a memorial to the Budapest Jews who were shot by Arrow Cross militiamen between 1944 and 1945. (B)

    Day 3 : BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
    Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise around Budapest's famed Parliament building as at night, the city virtually glitters as these landmarks are awash in lights. (B,D)

    Day 4 : BUDAPEST
    Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square and the moving 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' memorial. (B,L,D)

    Day 5 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
    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. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
    The 'City of Waltzes' offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna's historic city center and then visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : WEISSENKIRCHEN - MELK
    After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Durnstein and sample local wines, such as the apricot wine for which this town is renowned. For a more culinary-focused experience, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats such as chocolates and jams from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk where you will meet the ship. Later in the day, visit Melk Abbey. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, the Benedictine abbey houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts as well as frescoes painted by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 : LINZ
    The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city's famed 'Cultural Mile' and the Danube. (B,L,D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

    Day 9 : PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
    Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing-an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

    Day 10 : VILSHOFEN - DISEMBARKATION - REGENSBURG - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
    Depart the ship and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, which you'll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, continue your journey on to Prague. (B)

    Day 11 : PRAGUE
    Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

    Day 12 : PRAGUE
    Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)

    Day 13 : DEPART PRAGUE
    Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

  • Call 614-898-9505 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18729371

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Duration
    13 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaLea

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Budapest  
    Day 2Budapest  
    Day 3Budapest  
    Day 4Budapest  
    Day 5Bratislava  
    Day 6Vienna  
    Day 7Melk  
    Day 8Linz  
    Day 9Passau  
    Day 10Prague  
    Day 11Prague  
    Day 12Prague  
    Day 13Prague  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    12/24/2026$5,834.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    Notes:

    ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges (included in cruise price)$250 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

    Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

    BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

      
    Online Agency Travel Websites