Your Voyage at a Glance
Tap any day to see the full details, every port includes your choice of guided excursions, all included in your fare.
Embarkation, Nuremberg, Germany
I recommend flying in a day early. December weather can delay flights, and a pre-night in Nuremberg lets you start rested. Ask me about adding a pre-cruise hotel night!
Nuremberg, Germany
Three ways to experience Nuremberg
- Christkindlesmarkt at leisure, one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets, glowing in the Old Town square.
- City tour, WWII highlights plus the Imperial Castle, medieval ramparts, and the markets.
- Tastes of Franconia, Nuremberg's famous sausages, local beer, and lebkuchen (gingerbread) treats.
Try a mug of Feuerzangenbowle (flaming spiced punch) at the Christkindlesmarkt, and keep the souvenir mug! Each city's market has its own collectible design.
Regensburg, Germany
Four ways to experience Regensburg
- UNESCO walking tour of one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, with the Old Town Christmas Market.
- Bavarian specialties tasting, sample the flavors of the region.
- Walhalla bike tour, pedal along the Danube to the striking marble Walhalla memorial.
- Thurn and Taxis artisan market, a romantic, torch-lit Christmas market in a palace courtyard.
The Thurn and Taxis market is my personal favorite of the whole week, go at dusk when the torches are lit. Pure magic.
Passau, Germany (or full-day Salzburg)
Three ways to experience Day 4
- Passau walking tour, the "City of Three Rivers," with its baroque cathedral and Christmas market.
- Danube bike tour, a crisp winter ride along the riverbank.
- Full-day Salzburg excursion, Mozart's birthplace, the UNESCO Old Town, the cathedral, and Salzburg's famous Christmas markets.
Sound of Music fans: Salzburg is your day, no question. It's a longer coach ride, but Christmastime in Salzburg is once-in-a-lifetime.
Melk, Austria → Vienna by Night
Melk, gateway to the Wachau Valley
- Melk Abbey visit, the magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine abbey glowing with Baroque artistry high above the Danube.
- Danube bike tour, ride through the storybook Wachau wine valley.
Happy St. Nicholas Day! December 6 is when Austrian children find treats in their boots, watch for St. Nicholas strolling the markets tonight.
Vienna, Austria
Two ways to experience Vienna
- Imperial Vienna tour, the Opera House and Habsburg palace grandeur, woven together with the city's Christmas markets.
- Danube bike tour, see the city from two wheels.
Order a Sachertorte and a Wiener Melange at a proper Viennese coffee house, it's as essential to Vienna as the palaces.
Budapest, Hungary
Both sides of the "Queen of the Danube"
- Buda: Castle District tour with Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, and Christmas markets, or an invigorating Castle Hill hike.
- Pest: the Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, and the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
Pick up chimney cake (kürtőskalács) at the Vörösmarty Square market, warm, cinnamon-sugared, and best eaten immediately. ❤
Disembark Budapest, Welcome Home!
I'll check in when you're home to hear everything, and to get your name in early for next Christmas. These sailings sell out fast! ❤
Before You Sail
Tap packing items to check them off. Winter on the Danube runs roughly 25–40°F, dress in layers!
🎄 Included in Your Fare
- Your choice of guided excursions in every port, walking tours, tastings, bike tours, and hikes.
- All onboard dining, with unlimited wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
- Seven nights aboard the elegant AmaSonata with just ~160 guests.
- Port charges for your sailing.
- And me, your travel advocate before, during, and after the trip.
🧳 Winter Packing Checklist
- Passport (valid 6+ months past travel)
- Warm coat, hat, gloves & scarf
- Layers, sweaters & thermals
- Waterproof walking shoes (cobblestones!)
- European plug adapter (Type C/F)
- Euros & Hungarian forints (small bills for markets)
- Crossbody bag for market browsing
- Medications in carry-on
- Extra room in luggage for market treasures
📋 Know Before You Go
- Many market stalls are cash-only, small euro bills (and forints in Budapest) are your friend.
- The ship docks in or near town at most ports, you can stroll back for a warm-up anytime.
- River levels in winter occasionally adjust routing; AmaWaterways handles it seamlessly and I'll keep you posted.
- I'll confirm current EU entry requirements for you before travel, along with gratuity guidance and optional extras.
- Travel protection strongly recommended for December travel, I'll walk you through options.