Christmas Markets on the Danube

AmaWaterways

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Length
7 nights
Region
Danube
Countries
Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany

This sailing runs along the Danube from Budapest to Vilshofen through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Christmas market visits are offered in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Český Krumlov and Passau, with city tours, tastings and bike rides as other choices.

Budapest · Bratislava · Vienna · Weissenkirchen · Linz · Passau · Vilshofen

Highlights

  • Christmas markets at Schönbrunn and Rathaus Square in Vienna
  • Dürnstein and Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley
  • Full-day choice of Salzburg or Český Krumlov

Day by day

Shown from Budapest to Vilshofen. Direction and ports can vary by sailing.

  1. Day 1

    Budapest: boarding

    Budapest, Hungary

    Board the ship on the Danube in Budapest.

  2. Day 2

    Budapest: Buda and Pest

    Budapest, Hungary

    Start in Buda's Castle District with Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, then a Christmas market or a Castle Hill hike. The afternoon tour of Pest covers Parliament, Heroes' Square and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.

    Tours: Buda City Tour and Christmas Markets, Castle hike, Pest city tour

  3. Day 3

    Bratislava: Old Town and Christmas market

    Bratislava, Slovakia

    Choose a walking tour with the Christmas market, a local food tour, or a hike up to Bratislava Castle.

    Tours: Coronation City Walking Tour with Christmas Market Visit, Tastes of Slovakia, Bratislava Castle Hike

  4. Day 4

    Vienna: Christmas markets and Schönbrunn

    Vienna, Austria

    Tour the former Imperial Palace and the Opera House, ending in the city center, or take a guided bike ride. Christmas markets at Schönbrunn and Rathaus Square follow.

    Tours: “Imperial Vienna” Tour with Maria Theresa Platz Christmas Market, Vienna Bike Tour, Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, Rathaus Christmas Market by Night

  5. Day 5

    Weissenkirchen: Dürnstein and Melk

    Weissenkirchen, Austria

    Walking tour of Dürnstein with a wine tasting, or apricot tastings in the village. Later, bike to Melk or sail the Wachau Valley to visit the Benedictine Abbey.

    Tours: Dürnstein Walking Tour and Wine Tasting, Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets Tastings, Weissenkirchen to Melk Bike Tour, Benedictine Abbey Visit

  6. Day 6

    Linz: Salzburg, Český Krumlov or Old Town

    Linz, Austria

    Full-day trips go to the Christmas markets of Salzburg or Český Krumlov. In Linz, take an Old Town walk with the Mozart House and market, or a bike ride, with a distillery tour in the afternoon.

    Tours: Full Day Salzburg Excursion with Christmas Markets, Full Day Český Krumlov Excursion with Christmas Markets, “UNESCO City of Media Arts” Walking Tour and Christmas Market, “Cultural Mile” Bike Tour, Distillery Tour

  7. Day 7

    Passau and Vilshofen

    Passau, Germany

    Walking tour of Passau with the St. Stephen's Square Christmas market, or a fitness hike. The ship then sails to Vilshofen.

    Tours: “City of Three Rivers” Walking Tour and Christmas Markets, Passau Fitness Hike

  8. Day 8

    Vilshofen: disembark

    Vilshofen, Germany

    Leave the ship in Vilshofen.

Dates

Availability changes. Ask us to confirm.

2026

  • November 23Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaBella
  • November 29Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaSofia
  • November 30Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaBella
  • December 6Budapest to Vilshofen · AmaSofia
  • December 13Vilshofen to Budapest · AmaSofia

What's included

Stay

  • Choice of suites, staterooms and connecting rooms
  • Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
  • Bathrobe, slippers and bathroom amenities
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Onboard WiFi

Dining

  • All onboard meals
  • The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with meals
  • Specialty coffee and tea
  • Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour

Excursions

  • Up to six expert-led experiences each day
  • Gentle, regular and active options for most activities
  • Onshore experiences

Also included

  • Cruise Manager for the whole route
  • Regional music and performances
  • Experiences for solo travelers
  • Wellness Host and daily classes on most sailings
  • Port charges

Virtuoso benefits

Dedicated Onboard Host

A personal Virtuoso host sails with your group, present throughout the voyage to answer questions and ensure every detail runs exactly as planned.

Private Welcome Reception

An exclusive cocktail reception at the start of each sailing, arranged solely for Virtuoso Voyages guests with introductions facilitated by your host.

Shipboard Credit

$100 per stateroom on voyages under 14 nights; $200 per stateroom on voyages of 14 nights or more, to spend freely on dining, spa, or excursions.

Exclusive Shore Experience

A private shore excursion, VIP tour, or private car and driver whose itinerary is shaped entirely around your interests and pace — never a group schedule.

Specialty Dining

Complimentary reservations at specialty restaurants on select sailings, including chef's tastings and curated wine pairings on participating vessels.

Spa & Wellness Access

Select spa treatments, wellness credits, and onboard amenities included on participating voyages across our preferred cruise partners.

Ships

AmaBella

AmaBella

AmaSofia

AmaSofia

New for 2026: European rivers.

Get Started

Ask about this cruise

Tell us which Christmas Markets on the Danube sailing you have in mind. We'll check availability and add every benefit we can.

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