7 Nights Iconic Christmas Markets: Nuremberg to Budapest and reverse

Type of Vessel

Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaSonata introduced in 2014, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 160-290 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the suites at 300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Nuremberg, Germany – Embarkation: Board your cruise in Nuremberg. Tonight, gather on board your ship and meet your fellow passengers.. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Day 2 | Nuremberg, Germany: Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market), one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Stroll along as the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread fill the air and browse through over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique treasures, toys and seasonal goodies. En route to Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the manmade marvel, the Main-Danube Canal.

Day 3 | Regensburg, Germany: Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria before visiting one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis Castle, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to Walhalla where you will see the neo- Classical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

Day 4 | Passau, Austria: Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and Christmas Market, which is a feast for the senses. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube.

Day 5 | Melk, Austria: Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride along the Danube and through the scenic the Wachau Valley.

Day 6 | Vienna, Austria: 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. Afterwards, you'll visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the Karlsplatz (Artisans) Christmas Market, a local favorite, and the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.

Day 7 | Budapest, Hungary: Savor the beauty of Buda and Pest on opposite sides of the Danube with a city tour that showcases many highlights, including Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. In the center of it all is the Christmas Market, where you can shop for traditional Hungarian wares and delightful holiday treats.

Day 8 | Budapest, Hungary – Disembarkation: Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your flight home.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized service from Cruise Manager during cruise and land programs and complimentary Wi Fi access.

Food and Dining

AmaWaterways was invited to be a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs – a prestigious international culinary society – and with good reason. The expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. This is the only river cruise line that has The Chef’s Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish dinner right in front of you. Each meal is specially paired with premium local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions, with new selections each night. There’s also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals.

Onboard Activities/Events

Soak up some rays or take a dip in the refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in the salon.
Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Shore Excursions

Every year, the staff seek out new opportunities for guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination.
The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breathtaking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations. Here are some examples of hiking opportunities.
This is the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers. Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise.

Staterooms or Cabins

Most of the staterooms on this fleet feature not just one, but two private balconies — a French balcony and a full outside balcony. Together, they provide a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights along the river and maximize the natural light coming in. With twin balconies, you can enjoy the river however you like.
All staterooms feature in-room temperature control, a deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, large wardrobe with a full-length mirror, hairdryer, safety deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV, On Demand system that provides complimentary TV as well as movies and music, mini fridge, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, and a desk and chair.
Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.