Embark on an 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amabella. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of holiday traditions across four countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—on a magical journey through the heart of Europe. Explore the enchanting capitals of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, each adorned in festive splendor with glittering Christmas trees, bells ringing from cathedral towers, and angelic carolers filling the streets. Stroll through Europe’s most beloved Christmas Markets, including those in Regensburg and Salzburg, where you can shop for handcrafted treasures, sip warm mulled wine, and savor the aroma of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Revel in the beauty and wonder of the season as you sail the scenic Danube, celebrating in grand European style.
Highlights
Explore Budapest's Castle District, admiring sweeping views and history
Discover Bratislava’s Old Town, steeped in rich history and charm
Visit Melk’s impressive Benedictine Abbey, a Baroque architectural masterpiece
Stroll through Budapest’s festive Christmas Markets, discovering handmade gifts
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.
Today, explore both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Begin in Buda with a guided tour through the Castle District, where you can admire the storybook-like turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, enjoy sweeping views of the city, and visit the iconic Matthias Church with its vibrant mosaic roof and distinctive tower. You can also have time to wander through Budapest's famous Christmas Markets. For a more active option, you can hike up to Castle Hill. In the afternoon, cross to Pest to discover landmarks like the grand Hungarian Parliament Building and Heroes Square.
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 discover during your walking tour. You can 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 city views. Enjoy a free evening to explore Vienna on your own.
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems 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, join a guided bike ride through Vienna. Cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at this magnificent city's beautifully decorated Christmas Markets.
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and taste some of the village’s distinctive wines. Or visit a local boutique to taste Durnstein’s special apricot treats, such as jams and chocolates. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk. Once in Melk, visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey.
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is 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, and a visit to 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 River. Or go on a full-day visit to Salzburg. You can enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, and its breathtaking Christmas Markets. Alternatively, on a full-day excursion, you can visit the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border.
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you can 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, hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf or join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later, sail for Vilshofen, where you be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
Day 8: Vilshofen | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Vilshofen as you 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.
$3,9232-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
1 week ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
1 week ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
1 week ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
1 week ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
