Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in four magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salzburg and the Austrian Lake District. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring architecture, timeless music, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary specifically designed for the AmaMagna. Apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz are only a few of the epicurean experiences you'll indulge in. Vienna, home to a treasure trove of Baroque splendors, including its grand Schönbrunn Palace, gives you a glimpse into bygone grandeur; while Budapest and Bratislava offer a vibrant mix of east and west. With plenty of daytime scenic sailing, you'll be able enjoy the extraordinary AmaMagna to its fullest—from al fresco dining to spinning with a view.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, Hungary, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic
RIVERS:
Danube
Magna On The Danube (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.
Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Danube Bend |
|
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 3 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market visit |
|
| | OR Bratislava hike with Christmas Market visit |
|
| Vienna | Rathaus Christmas Markets |
|
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 “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Tonight, explore Vienna’s splendid Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Christmas markets |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Christmas Markets |
|
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. Following your city tour, you’ll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Krems | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| Scenic Cruising | UNESCO Wachau Valley |
|
Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to 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 brandy liqueur tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fotress, or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, cruise through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley—one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced—to Spitz. Once in Spitz, 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- Ememersdorf -Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | Half-day Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion with Hellbrunn Palace 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 full-day visit to Salzburg where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. Alternatively, you can choose a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. Later in the day, visit the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf |
|
| | OR guided bike tour from Passau to Wernstein |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
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. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube to Wernstein or hike to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Inntstadt, a suburb that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vilshofen | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
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 | 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 most iconic sights can be seen right 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. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
Check out of your hotel to board your ship in Budapest. (B,D)
Day 4 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Danube Bend |
|
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 5 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour with Christmas Market visit |
|
| | OR Bratislava hike with Christmas Market visit |
|
| Vienna | Rathaus Christmas Markets |
|
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 “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Tonight, explore Vienna’s splendid Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Christmas markets |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
| | Schönbrunn Christmas Markets |
|
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. Following your city tour, you’ll visit the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Krems | Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Apricots and Sweets tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| Scenic Cruising | UNESCO Wachau Valley |
|
Krems, gateway to the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to 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 brandy liqueur tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Dürnstein Fotress, or cycle from Krems to Dürnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, cruise through the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley—one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, where some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced—to Spitz. Once in Spitz, 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- Ememersdorf -Spitz bike tour or hiking adventure. During 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 | Linz | “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | Half-day Český Krumlov excursion |
|
| | OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion with Hellbrunn Palace 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 full-day visit to Salzburg where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. Alternatively, you can choose a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. Later in the day, visit the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Markets |
|
| | OR Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf |
|
| | OR guided bike tour from Passau to Wernstein |
|
| Vilshofen | Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration |
|
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. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube to Wernstein or hike to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Inntstadt, a suburb that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (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 homeward flight. (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)