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.
$3,9392-3 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.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
3 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
5 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
5 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
6 days ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
