2026 : Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise With 2 Nights Munich Pre-Cruise : Munich to Budapest : ms AmaLea

Overview
CRUISE FROM : Vilshofen to Budapest
Those longing for the romance and festivity of Old-World Europe will travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned, and some of the world's greatest music was composed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. The timeless Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe's grandest cities continue to inspire wonder around the world, but these are only a taste of the incredible sites you will visit along the Danube. Admire the beauty of the Czech Republic, from Prague, the 'City of a Hundred Spires,' to the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrate the holidays ahead of the crowds aboard some of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers.
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS: Danube
Romantic 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
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Land Package
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY
Arrive in Munich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 : MUNICH
This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the 'Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.' Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and visit a brewery for some of Germany's famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, 'Gemutlichkeit' and hospitality. (B)
Day 3 : MUNICH - EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN
Check out of your hotel and transfer to Vilshofen where you will board your luxury ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)
Day 4 : VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
Explore Vilshofen's beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers.' Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the 'Veste Oberhaus,' Passau's Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
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 6 : WEISSENKIRCHEN
Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Durnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Durnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you'll enjoy the region's finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Gruner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : VIENNA
The 'City of Waltzes' offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : VIENNA
While the shop docks in Vienna, venture to Bratislava for your excursions. 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. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Alternatively, if the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Markets are open during your departure, you may wander the stalls and enjoy seasonal delights. (B,L,D)
**When open; check tourist office for more information.
Day 9 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. Follow 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Call 614-898-9505 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18730112
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaLea
Click for more information on this ship.
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
Day 1 | Munich | ||
Day 2 | Munich | ||
Day 3 | Vilshofen | ||
Day 4 | Passau | ||
Day 5 | Linz | ||
Day 6 | Weissenkirchen | ||
Day 7 | Vienna | ||
Day 8 | Vienna | ||
Day 9 | Budapest | ||
Day 10 | Budapest |
- Dates/Pricing
- 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).