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Grand Danube Cruise (Taste of Christmas) Cruise Only Forward

From Vilshofen, Germany to Giurgiu, Romania
Length: 15 Days - Departs: Mon, Nov 16, 2026
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 16, 2026
Arrival
Nov 30, 2026

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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River Cruise Itinerary

3 nights in Prague, 14-night cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu, 2 nights in Brasov and 2 nights in Bucharest (or reverse)

  1. Day 1
    Mon, Nov 16, 2026
    EMBARKATION ''' VILSHOFEN, GERMANY. Board the ship in Vilshofen for your Grand Danube Christmas Markets Cruise. In the evening, be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration ''' an AmaWaterways exclusive. (D)
  2. Day 2
    Tue, Nov 17, 2026
    VILSHOFEN ''' PASSAU. During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will 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. Or join a guided hike up to the the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, which offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    Wed, Nov 18, 2026
    LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you'''ll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas cr''ches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you'''ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz'''s Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city'''s famed '''Cultural Mile''' and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming ''esk'' Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D). . *Not available with full-day excursion
  4. Day 4
    Thu, Nov 19, 2026
    WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA. Head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'''ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of D''rnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you'''ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner. (B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    Fri, Nov 20, 2026
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The '''City of Waltzes''' is a treasure trove, and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen'''s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Sat, Nov 21, 2026
    VIENNA. Explore Bratislava, host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, thus earning this city the title '''Coronation City of Kings,''' on your guided walking tour, which includes a visit to Bratislava'''s charming Christmas Market. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. You can also opt to visit the Sch''nbrunn Palace Christmas Market, with its giant Christmas tree and festive atmosphere.
  7. Day 7
    Sun, Nov 22, 2026
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the '''Queen of the Danube.''' Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. 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. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Mon, Nov 23, 2026
    BUDAPEST. Start by heading to the 18th century G''d''ll'' Palace. Explore its labyrinth of 31 colorful rooms lit by elaborate chandeliers as you learn the palace'''s history through striking art galleries and antiquities. After touring the royal residence and the Baroque theatre, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then head for Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain stretching across the East. Here you can find Hungarian cowboys still wearing traditional dress and practicing the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Next, we will tour a genuine Hungarian cs''rda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world-champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship before returning for the evening. (B,L,D)
  9. Day 9
    Tue, Nov 24, 2026
    MOH''CS, HUNGARY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Moh''cs. In the afternoon, you can take a guided tour to P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, where you will visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter'''s Basilica, the city'''s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Sz''chenyi Square, the heart of Old Town P''cs. You'''ll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful P''cs Christmas Market. Or choose a guided bike tour through Moh''cs. For wine connoisseurs, travel to to the Szeksz''rd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
  10. Day 10
    Wed, Nov 25, 2026
    VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'''ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ov''ara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. You can also choose to experience the city on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, travel to the Serbian city of Novi Sad for a full day tour that begins at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'''ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
  11. Day 11
    Thu, Nov 26, 2026
    BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or hike to the well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including ''livovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO'''s list of '''Intangible Cultural Heritage.''' Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall.(B,L,D)
  12. Day 12
    Fri, Nov 27, 2026
    GOLUBAC ''' SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress ''' one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe ''' before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe'''s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)
  13. Day 13
    Sat, Nov 28, 2026
    VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria'''s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
  14. Day 14
    Sun, Nov 29, 2026
    ROUSSE, BULGARIA ''' GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria'''s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the '''Little Paris of the East.''' Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You'''ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)
  15. Day 15
    Mon, Nov 30, 2026
    GIURGIU ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

  • SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
  • 14 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
  • AWARD-WINNING DINING
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
  • Immersive tours in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
  • Land Program
  • 3 nights hotel in Prague at the Old Town HiltonHotel Prague (or similar), including city tour,Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Prague to Regensburg with a highlights tour and thenon to the ship in Vilshofen
  • Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Brasov
  • 2 nights hotel in Bra''ov at the Kronwell Bra''ov Hotel(or similar), including city tour, Sighi''oara excursionand daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Brasov to Bucharest via Sinaia with Peles Castle tour
  • 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
  • Land Program
  • 3 nights hotel in Prague at the Old Town Hilton Hotel Prague (or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tasting and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from hotel in Prague to Regensburg with a highlights tour and thenon to the ship in Vilshofen
  • Transfer from ship in Giurgiu to Bucharest for a city tour and flight to Istanbul.
  • 3 Nights hotel in Istanbul, with city tours and daily breakfast.

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

AmaWaterways Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 302 reviews about AmaWaterways Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

This was our seventh river cruise with AmaWaterways, so we are definitely pleased with every aspect of the experience they provide.

The excursions and local guides were excellent and AMA staff was professional and accomodative. We were disappointed by the quality of the food based on our past pre-COVID experiences with AMA. Not sure we would book another trip on AMA.

Ama did an amazing job with the cruise. The ship crew and tour director were exceptional. It was the best value cruise we have taken. We were disappointed with two of the excursions. The Paris city tour, included in the extension, was two hours of walking around and looking at buildings with no real significance. It ended with a light show in a warehouse, which gave me vertigo and I lasted five minutes. People want to see the real sights. We would have rather spent two hours riding past historical structures. We signed up for the American invasion beaches tour. We only saw Omaha Beach, at high tide, and did not see Utah Beach. Instead we were taken to a little tourist village, in the British section.

This was our sixth trip with AmaWaterways and we've already booked our seventh, so they must be doing something right!

The Cruise was very enjoyable.The itinerary, service and the staff was excellent. I would take an Amawaterways cruise again.

Fantastic trip. AMA Waterways staff was excellent! I would highly recommend this trip and this company

Cruise manager very professional and responsible. Cruise team very accommodating. Cabin, while compact on a cruise ship, had all we needed.

This company's standards are great as well as their products. There were extra entertainment in 3 of the 7 nights and each one was different and a big hit. The captains dinner was quite delightful because we saw a fun side of our captain and truly understand his job.

We are returning passengers on AmaWaterways river cruises having just completed our 9th cruise. We have thoroughly enjoyed each cruise with AmaWaterways and we will certainly cruise with them again. They are wonderful hosts and their treatment of guests is excellent from ship Captain to cabin attendants. Their performance has always exceeded our expectations. Our last cruise was marred with unfortunate strikes in France but AmaWaterways and the Cruise Manager scrambled to provide a pleasant cruise experience. The mark of a true customer-oriented high quality organization is how they perform in adversity and AmaWaterways performed brilliantly to provide a very positive and enjoyable experience!

I totally enjoyed the experience with AMA Waterways. Everyone was courteous and took care of the passengers. Even laundry was not a rip-off, and the clothes came back quickly. The room was cleaned thoroughly every day, it was amazingly clean. Food was excellent as well - sometimes I felt the portion sizes were not sufficient, and the waitstaff accommodated my request for more food, i.e. give me another main course. A minor complaint is that the wines included with lunch/dinner were average to good.

We continue to be highly satisfied with both AmaWaterways and Affordable Tours.

Every single worker was friendly, kind and helpful on the AmaStella. Highly recommend this company.

As far as I'm concerned, AMA Waterways is a very customer friendly business to deal with. They treat their customers with the utmost respect and as family. They are the only River Cruise outfit that we would consider doing another river cruise with. We have already given them a $400 deposit against a future cruise.

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaVerde
    Starts
    Vilshofen
    Ends
    Giurgiu
    Days
    15
    From
    $6,999

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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