Embark on a 13-day cruise with stays in Budapest and Prague aboard the MS Amaverde. Step into a winter wonderland as you stroll along cobblestone streets through majestic cities and charming historic towns, aglow with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures. Experience the festive spirit at Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Germany’s largest and oldest Christmas Market; Regensburg’s Artisan Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, one of Bavaria’s most enchanting; Vienna’s dazzling markets that grace nearly every corner; and Budapest’s vibrant markets, where traditional handmade crafts take center stage. Delight your senses with sparkling lights, the joyful sounds of carolers, and the irresistible aromas of hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, savory sausages, and sweet seasonal treats.
Highlights
Explore Nuremberg’s Christmas glow with markets, history and festive treats
Visit Vienna’s festive Town Hall filled with lights and holiday cheer
Walk Passau’s historic old town and shop at its charming Christmas Market
Bike through Melk’s serene paths while admiring the Strudengau Valley
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Upon your exciting arrival in Budapest, seamlessly transfer to your hotel to begin your adventure.
Day 2: Budapest
1 Breakfast
Often referred to as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is famous for landmarks like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this expansive city is rich in history and culture and boasts many hidden treasures just beyond its riverbanks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to uncover fascinating sites that are lesser-known to the average traveler.
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. Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. On your tour, follow your guide through the city’s Castle District, where you can 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. You can also visit the city’s famed Christmas Markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill.
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, visit the Christmas Markets where you can purchase delightful delicacies and hand-made gifts. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. In the afternoon, visit Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its spectacular festive atmosphere. Cap the day off at the beautifully decorated Town Hall (Rathaus), Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent and storied abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley.
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. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. 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 its Christmas Markets.
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 the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. For those in a more festive mood, spend the afternoon at Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. 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. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets.
Day 10: Nuremberg | Disembark | Prague
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and enjoy the wonder of Nuremberg’s other Christmas Markets before departing for Prague, where you can check into your hotel.
Day 11: Prague
1 Breakfast
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. Later in the day, visit Prague’s festive Christmas markets.
Day 12: Prague
1 Breakfast
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world.
Day 13: Depart Prague
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,724
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Category E
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category D
Piano Deck, fixed window. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony. Private facilities, 170 sq ft
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
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Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 210 sq ft
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 235 sq ft
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony. Private facilities, 350 sq ft
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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