2025 : Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) : 7-night Cruise : Vilshofen to Budapest : ms AmaSonata

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 Salzburg and the Czech Republic's charming mountain town, 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

  • 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 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 packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • 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 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

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : EMBARKATION - VILSHOFEN, GERMANY
    Embark your cruise in Vilshofen. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)

    Day 2 : 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; or go on a Danube bike tour. (B,L,D)

    Day 3 : LINZ, AUSTRIA
    The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. 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)

    Day 4 : 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 5 : 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 6 : 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 special 'Tastes of Slovakia'tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    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 8 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION
    Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

  • Call (800) 468-2359 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18956920

    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Offer
    Offer valid through 3/31/2025
    Duration
    8 Days
    Cruise Ship
    ms AmaSonata

    Click for more information on this ship.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Vilshofen  
    Day 2Passau  
    Day 3Linz  
    Day 4Weissenkirchen  
    Day 5Vienna  
    Day 6Bratislava  
    Day 7Budapest  
    Day 8Budapest  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call (800) 468-2359 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    11/19/2025$3,839.00* (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer

    NOTES:

    Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

    Port Charges (included in cruise price) $240 per person.

    Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

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

    Bedding Please 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).

    TERMS & CONDITIONS:

    All rates are per person for cruise only, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

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