Iconic Christmas Markets with AMA Waterways
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices:
- On request
DELUXE | CRUISE: Travel back through centuries as you walk through grand cities and historic towns. Enjoy pre and post nights' in Nuremberg and Budapest, then enjoy your Ama Waterways river cruise for a 7-day discovery of iconic cities in Hungary, Austria, and Germany as you explore some of Europe's most impressive Christmas markets.
This 10-day Europe vacation combines two Central Europe experiences everyone should try once in their lifetime – a cruise on the region’s beautiful rivers, and the irresistible charm of traditional Christmas markets.
Your journey begins in the classic Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Despite its turbulent 20th century past, Nuremberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, offering you a taste of Bavaria away from the heavy tourism of Munich. Spend a night in the city before you embark to explore Nuremberg’s incredible history and soak up its Bavarian vibe.
Step back in time in the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Regensburg. You can visit the Old Town Christmas Markets here and take a tour of the city’s architectural wonders, or indulge your inner foodie with some Bavarian specialties including top notch beer, sausage, and pretzels. Active Globetrotters can also bike to the base of Walhalla, visiting the romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis.
Sail on to 2,000 year old Passau and visit some traditional Bavarian Christmas markets in all their glory. If you’d prefer, take a full day excursion ‘high in the hills’ to Salzburg, home to Mozart and of course The Sound of Music. It too has one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in the region. You might even opt for a guided bike tour along the Danube. Then visit the Baroque Melk Abbey, exploring its museum and library before taking a guided bike ride around the town.
From here, it's on to Vienna. Home to the Habsburgs and the waltz, you’ll visit the Rathaus Christmas Market, where Viennese refinement is brought to the festive season. After a daytime sightseeing tour, see Vienna by night, basking the magic of this beautiful city in full holiday spirit. Then finish your cruise in its partner in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, Budapest.
Two full days here gives you the chance to see the astonishing Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, eye-catching Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, and St Stephen’s Basilica. The city’s boulevards and the beautiful Danube give it an almost Parisian sense of romance, yet Hungary is a country unlike any of its neighbours, thanks to its unique Magyar history.
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Nuremberg
Upon arrival in Nuremberg, you will be transfered to your hotel.
The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore this Bavarian city at your own pace.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Le Meridien Grand Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Le Meridien Grand Hotel
Located at the entrance to the historic Old Town and opposite the main station, Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg is within walking distance of Nuremberg's historic sights. With 192 guest rooms, including free entry into 'Neues Museum' as part of Le Meridien's Unlock Art program, …
Located at the entrance to the historic Old Town and opposite the main station, Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg is within walking distance of Nuremberg's historic sights. With 192 guest rooms, including free entry into 'Neues Museum' as part of Le Meridien's Unlock Art program, the hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the city.
Facilities
- Meeting Rooms
- Restaurant
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Embarkation
Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the pier to board your ship.
Tonight, gather on board your ship and meet your fellow passengers. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights |
| Accommodation |
AmaSonata |
-
AmaSonata
Introduced in 2014, the AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe's great rivers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations. A soft color palette in …
Introduced in 2014, the AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe's great rivers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations. A soft color palette in each stateroom calms the mind for relaxation, but when you're ready to get active, head to the fitness center or up to the Sun Deck to the heated pool. Crisp white tablecloths and napkins grace the tables in the subdued Main Dining Room, while The Chef's Table specialty restaurant highlights its 5-star multi-course cuisine with gold-hued tones and a twinkling overhead centerpiece. With a stunning Main Lounge, tranquil library, Sun Deck walking track, massage and hair salon, and gift shop, you'll never find a dull moment--and will sing AmaSonata's praises while sailing on board.
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
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. 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.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Regensburg
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.
Later in the day, you'll be treated to one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Passau
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.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Melk, Austria - Vienna
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.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Vienna
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 Schonbrunn 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.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
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, tradition and even a secret labyrinth of caves and caverns under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Budapest
This morning bid farewell to the ship and transfer to you hotel.
The balance of the day is at lesiure to explore the Hungarian capital at your own pace.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Radisson Blu Beke |
| Location | View map |
-
Radisson Blu Beke
With artist Jen Haranghy's frescoes and richly colourful stained-glass windows, the Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest welcomes guests to its downtown home. Built in 1913, the hotel features 247 superbly decorated rooms and suites, offering thoughtful amenities including Free high-speed, wireless Internet. Enjoy delicious fare …
With artist Jen Haranghy's frescoes and richly colourful stained-glass windows, the Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest welcomes guests to its downtown home. Built in 1913, the hotel features 247 superbly decorated rooms and suites, offering thoughtful amenities including Free high-speed, wireless Internet. Enjoy delicious fare at Olive's Restaurant and Zsolnay Cafe, both located on site. Flexible meeting facilities are also available. The hotel is superbly located in the heart of the city within easy reach of the business, cultural and shopping centres. The closest underground station is 'November Square' and the Nyugati pu(west) railway terminal is a five minute walk up the road. The building itself stands on one of Budapest's main shopping streets, which is also a busy thoroughfare. Rooms are large and a good standard. They are very comfortably furnished and pleasantly decorated with pale wood furniture, elegant pastel colours and large ceramic bathrooms.
Facilities
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Luggage Storage
- Meeting and Event Facilities
- Reception
- Room Service
- Swimming Pool
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Depart Budapest
You will be transfered to the Budapest airport in time for your onward flight.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: December 1, 8, 15, 22
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Arrival and departure transfers and between hotel and pier
- 1 night first class accommodation in Nuremberg
- 1 night first class accommodation in Budapest
- AmaWaterways Christmas Markets River cruise
- 7 nights onboard accommodation in select stateroom
- Personalized service from a Cruise Manager throughout sailing
- All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
- La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner
- Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Daily excursions may include personal headset for easy exploration
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Food and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities and items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
15 Dec 2023
