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, Dec 11, 2023

   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, Dec 12, 2023

   VILSHOFEN ''' PASSAU. Enjoy a free morning to walk around the quaint village of Vilshofen. Later, cruise to Passau, where you have the option of exploring it one of three ways. 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 choose between a guided bike tour along the Inn River or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. (B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   Wed, Dec 13, 2023

   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)
4. Day 4
   Thu, Dec 14, 2023

   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, Dec 15, 2023

   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. Perhaps sample Vienna's famous pastries or you may choose to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas Markets. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening on your own. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Sat, Dec 16, 2023

   BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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'''ll discover during your walking tour, including a visit to 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 views of the city. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Sun, Dec 17, 2023

   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, Dec 18, 2023

   BUDAPEST. Visit the 19th-century G''d''ll'' Palace with its royal stables and Baroque theater, followed by lunch at G''d''ll'' Restaurant. Afterwards, witness tradition on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian cs''rda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians''' warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Tue, Dec 19, 2023

   MOH''CS ''' P''CS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Moh''cs and then visit P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. 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 will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You'''ll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful P''cs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or choose a guided bike tour through Moh''cs. For wine connoisseurs, you'''ll want to go instead to the Szeksz''rd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Moh''cs. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Wed, Dec 20, 2023

    VUKOVAR, CROATIA ''' NOVI SAD, SERBIA. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'''ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ov''ara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'''ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the '''Serbian Athens.''' Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia'''s first and oldest Winter Market where you'''ll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Thu, Dec 21, 2023

    BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor'''s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You'''ll have time to explore Belgrade'''s Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas Market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. 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.''' For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Fri, Dec 22, 2023

    SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress ''' a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River ''' 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, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
13. Day 13
    Sat, Dec 23, 2023

    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, Dec 24, 2023

    ROUSSE ''' 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. You'''ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)
15. Day 15
    Mon, Dec 25, 2023

    GIURGIU ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

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 programs
• 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.

Health and Safety Protocols for AmaWaterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers