Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna at the most festive time of year. An apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences in which you will indulge, in addition to either a Christmas feast or a delicious New Year’s Eve gala dinner on board, depending on your departure. Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur with the magic of wintertime; while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west adorned with holiday splendor. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you'll be able enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullest—from the Al Fresco Restaurant to the enchanting decorations and seasonal traditions occurring inside the ship and out!
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for AmaMagna at the most festive time of year. Enjoy the winter splendor of Budapest with its ice-skating rink and hidden delights before embarking on your ship. An apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences in which you will indulge, in addition to either a Christmas feast or a delicious New Year’s Eve gala dinner on board, depending on your departure. Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur with the magic of wintertime; while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west adorned with holiday splendor. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you'll be able enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullest—from the Al Fresco Restaurant to the enchanting decorations and seasonal traditions occurring inside the ship and out! Conclude your unforgettable journey in spectacular Prague, sampling beer and perhaps the Czechs’ version of mulled wine, Svařák.
Magna On 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.
Board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna and settle into your stateroom. (D)
Day 2 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike |
|
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 3 | Bratislava | “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour |
|
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 to Bratislava’s gleaming castle. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens |
|
Vienna offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, Vienna’s historic city center, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Dürnstein | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | Exclusive Wine Experience |
|
Enjoy your morning in the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle through Dürnstein. During the afternoon, explore Spitz, where you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Linz | Full-day Salzburg excursion |
|
| | OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
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 Český 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 7 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Passau Castle Hill hike |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau's Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sail to the charming town of Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an AmaWaterways-exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Budapest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Budapest and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | 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. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. (B)
Check out of your hotel to board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna. (B,D)
Day 4 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle Hill hike |
|
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 | “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour |
|
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 to Bratislava’s gleaming castle. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens |
|
Vienna offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, Vienna’s historic city center, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Dürnstein | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | Exclusive Wine Experience |
|
Enjoy your morning in the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein. Stroll along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Dürnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fortress or cycle through Dürnstein. During the afternoon, explore Spitz, where you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you’ll enjoy some of the regions famous wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Linz | Full-day Salzburg excursion |
|
| | OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
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 Český 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 9 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Passau Castle Hill hike |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau's Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sail to the charming town of Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an AmaWaterways-exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and pretzels. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Regensburg | UNESCO city highlights tour |
|
Depart the ship 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 Prague. (B)
Day 11 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
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 | 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 13 | Prague | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)