Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for the AmaMagna. Let iconic capital cities—Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.
Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in four countries—the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for the AmaMagna. Let iconic capital cities—Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to 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 and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, Hungary, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
RIVERS:
Danube
Magna On The Danube (Christmas)
At A Glance
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will travel into the heart of the continent where
empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and world-famous music was composed and
performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Prague, Vienna and
Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the charming
Czech mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above to
iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her splendor.
| Day 1 | Vilshofen | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the AmaMagna in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)
| Day 2 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour with Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Hike to Paulinekloister Mariahilf |
|
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or, climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets |
|
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. Or take a full-day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive city’s Christmas Markets also beckon. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| | OR Melk to Marbach bike tour |
|
| Spitz | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
In the morning, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride to Marbach before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Dürnstein, where you’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Dürnstein Fortress, cycle to Emmersdorf or hike in the town to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna City tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Christmas Markets |
|
| | Evening Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market |
|
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the
Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to explore the beautifully decorated Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market visit |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike with Christmas Market |
|
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. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Slovakian Specialties” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the city’s distinctive Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Scenic Cruising | Danube Bend |
|
| Budapest | Budapest city tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Castle Hill hike with Christmas Markets |
|
This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Munich | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Munich and check-in to your hotel.
| | Bavarian Beer Hall and Pretzel Tasting |
|
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.” Following the walking tour, join us this afternoon as we visit one of the city’s many beer halls for a sampling of Bavarian beer, accompanied by a delicious German pretzel. Prost!
| Day 3 | Munich | Transfer to the ship |
|
Depart the hotel and head to Vilshofen. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside before arriving at your ship. Board the AmaMagna in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour with Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Hike to Paulinekloister Mariahilf |
|
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or, climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets |
|
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. Or take a full-day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive city’s Christmas Markets also beckon. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| | OR Melk to Marbach bike tour |
|
| Spitz | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
In the morning, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride to Marbach before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Dürnstein, where you’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Dürnstein Fortress, cycle to Emmersdorf or hike in the town to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna City tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Christmas Markets |
|
| | Evening Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market |
|
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the
Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to explore the beautifully decorated Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market visit |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike with Christmas Market |
|
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. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Slovakian Specialties” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the city’s distinctive Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Scenic Cruising | Danube Bend |
|
| Budapest | Budapest city tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Castle Hill hike with Christmas Markets |
|
This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 11 | Budapest | "Hidden Budapest" Tour |
|
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities – and many of its iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. During today’s tour, walk around the Parliament building where you'll see the Shoes on the Danube. Explore the Jewish Quarter, including the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. Afterwards, visit the Opera House, an architectural gem, and ascend Gellert Hill to reach the Citadel, offering magnificent views of the city. (B)
| Day 12 | Budapest | Return flight home |
|
Bid Farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour with time to visit the Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square 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. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
| Day 3 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
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 4 | Prague | Transfer to Regensburg |
|
| Regensburg | UNESCO city highlights tour |
|
Check out of your hotel and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour. After touring Regensburg, continue on to Vilshofen and board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna. In the evening, be treated to a festive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and sausages. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour with Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Hike to Paulinekloister Mariahilf |
|
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or, climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets |
|
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. Or take a full-day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive city’s Christmas Markets also beckon. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
| | OR Melk to Marbach bike tour |
|
| Spitz | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
In the morning, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride to Marbach before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Dürnstein, where you’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Dürnstein Fortress, cycle to Emmersdorf or hike in the town to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna City tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Christmas Markets |
|
| | Evening Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market |
|
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the
Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to explore the beautifully decorated Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market visit |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike with Christmas Market |
|
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. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Slovakian Specialties” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the city’s distinctive Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Scenic Cruising | Danube Bend |
|
| Budapest | Budapest city tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Castle Hill hike with Christmas Markets |
|
This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and check into your hotel. (B)