Janice Wagaman

Artful Travel

Iconic Christmas Market River Cruise

Nov 29, 2025 to Dec 6, 2025
Europe

Frohe Weihnachten!

 
Merry Christmas!  Celebrate the holidays with this once-in-a-lifetime trip aboard AmaWaterways' beautiful AmaMara ship!  Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses. 

What's included in this trip:

  • SPACIOUS STATEROOMS aboard the AmaMara
    7 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 (extra charges)
               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 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
    La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
    Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
    Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
    Sip & Sail Daily 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
 

 

What's not included:

  1. Airfare to Budapest/from Nuremburg
  2. Port Fees of $231 per person
  3. Gratuities
  4. Pre or Post land packages
 

 

Itinerary:

BUDAPEST TO NUREMBERG

DAY 1
Budapest    
EMBARKATION
Board the ship in Budapest for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
 
DAY 2
Budapest    
“Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B, L, D)
 
DAY 3
Vienna    
“Imperial Vienna” tour with Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Markets
OR Vienna City Tour by Bike
Schönbrunn and illuminated Christmas Markets
OR Evening Town Hall (Rathaus Markets) by Night
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 Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. Or cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Town Hall (Rathaus), Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
 
DAY 4
Melk    
Benedictine Abbey visit
OR Melk bike tour
Scenic Cruising    
Cruising the Strudengau
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque 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 around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley. (B,L,D)
 
DAY 5
Passau    
“City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Market
OR River Inn Bike Tour
OR Full-day Salzburg excursion and Christmas market
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. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. 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 its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. (B,L,D)
 
DAY 6
Regensburg    
UNESCO City tour and Christmas Market
OR Tastes of Bavaria
OR Walhalla bike tour
Thurn & Taxis Christmas Markets
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 the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical 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. (B,L,D)
 
DAY 7
Nuremberg    
Cruise Main-Danube Canal
Nuremberg city tour and Christmas Markets
OR Tastes of Franconia
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to 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. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
 
DAY 8
Nuremberg    
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
 

 

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation Charges: In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice must be made to AmaWaterways during standard business hours or via email to Res@amawaterways.com, which must include writing stating clearly and correctly each guest s name, ship name, start and end date of the cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not

sufficient. Cancellations received within 24 hours of vacation start date will be deemed as trip interruption, cannot be cancelled and are 100% non-refundable. The effective date of the cancellation is the date AmaWaterways receives cancellation notice . A change in sailing date, name changes, the substitution of a participant or a reduction in the number of guests in a stateroom are treated as a cancellation in that all applicable cancellation charges apply. A reduction in occupancy is subject to a single supplement charge . Cancellation charges for bookings within charter and part charter agreements are as per the charter contract. All other cancellation charges are per-person, based on the cancellation date, as seen in the chart below. You acknowledge that your cancellation will cause u and the Carrier difficulty in selling a replacement cruise or cruise & land reservation and thus the cancellation fees described below apply regardless of whether your cruise or cruise & land reservation is resold. You agree that any losses sustained by us and /or the Carrier in the event of cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify  and the cancellation fees are fair and reasonable as liquidated damages.

 

DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

CRUISE & LAND CANCELLATION CHARGE

AIRFARE CANCELLATION CHARGE (ECONOMY CONTRACT FARES)

AIRFARE CANCELLATION CHARGE (BUSINESS/FIRST CLASS CONTRACT FARES)

OTHER CHARGES (EXCEPT INSURANCE)

121 days or more prior to departure

$200 (Europe, Colombia & Asia)

$350 penalty*

$600 penalty*

-

120-90 days prior to departure

$400 (Europe, Colombia & Asia)

 

$350 penalty*

$600 penalty*

-

89-60 days prior to departure

35% of cruise and land price

$350 penalty*

$600 penalty*

35% of all charges

59-31 days prior to departure

50% of cruise and land price

$350 penalty*

$600 penalty*

50% of all charges

30 days to 25 hours prior to departure

100% of cruise and land price

$350 penalty*

$600 penalty*

100% of all charges

24 hours or less

100% of cruise and land price

100% penalty

100% penalty

100% of all charges

           

 

Additional cancellation penalties for special programs may be assessed in addition to the above; please see “Deposit and Final Payment” for more information. Cruise Protection Plan and Travel Waiver Plus premiums are non-refundable once purchased. Please note the above penalties are provided on a per person basis. *Airline cancellation charges imposed upon receipt of full payment of either airfare and/or river cruise relating to AmaWaterways air promotions , and if airline tickets have been issued. Certain international airline tickets, including published air tickets, may be 100%

non-refundable and details will be advised at the time of booking. All intra-Europe, intra-Colombia, intra-Asia, intra-Africa and intra-Egypt flights, as well as Amman-Cairo and Cairo-Tel Aviv flights are non-refundable at the time of purchase. Except as otherwise provided in your Passenger Ticket Contract , after travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of cruise, land packages or airfare.

Except as otherwise provided in your Passenger Ticket Contract , after travel begins, there is no refund for unused services, or unused portions of cruise, cruise/tour or airfare.


Available Packages

Category CA - French Balcony
Available until August 17, 2025

Starting At: $5,179.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

170 square feet
Violin & Cello decks
 
Stateroom Features:
  • In-room temperature control
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Desk and chair

Category BB - French & Outside Balcony
Available until August 17, 2025

Starting At: $5,779.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

Cello Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
 
Stateroom Features:
  • In-room temperature control
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Desk and chair
  • French Balcony
  • and Outside Balcony

Category AB - French & Outside Balcony
Available until August 17, 2025

Starting At: $6,179.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

Cello Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
 
Stateroom Features:
  • In-room temperature control
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Desk and chair
  • French Balcony
  • and Outside Balcony

Category AA - French & Outside Balcony
Available until August 17, 2025

Starting At: $6,379.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

Violin Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
 
Stateroom Features:
  • In-room temperature control
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Desk and chair
  • French Balcony
  • and Outside Balcony

Suite- French & Outside Balcony
Available until August 17, 2025

Starting At: $7,679.00
Deposit: $400.00 per person

Violin Deck
French Balcony & Outside Balcony Suite, 350 sq. ft.
 
 
Stateroom Features:
  • In-room temperature control
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Desk and chair
  • French Balcony
  • and Outside Balcony

Extra Options

2 Night Budapest Package (Pre-Cruise) Double Occupancy
Available until August 17, 2025

$610.00
Deposit: $100.00

DAY 1
Budapest    
Hotel check-in
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.
 
DAY 2
Budapest    
“Hidden Budapest” tour
Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
 
DAY 3
Budapest    
EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)

2 Night Budapest Package (Pre-Cruise) Single Occupancy
Available until August 17, 2025

$910.00
Deposit: $100.00

DAY 1
Budapest    
Hotel check-in
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.
 
DAY 2
Budapest    
“Hidden Budapest” tour
Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
 
DAY 3
Budapest    
EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)

3 Night Prague Package (Post Cruise) Single Occupancy
Available until August 17, 2025

$1,395.00
Deposit: $100.00

DAY 10
Nuremberg    
DISEMBARKATION
Pilzen    
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Prague    
Hotel check-in
Disembark the ship and enjoy the wonder of Nuremberg’s other Christmas Markets before departing for Prague, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
 
DAY 11
Prague    
“Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas Markets
OR Prague Castle hike
Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the day, visit Prague’s festive Christmas markets. (B)
 
DAY 12
Prague    
Czech Beer Tasting
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
 
DAY 13
Prague    
Return flight home
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)

3 Night Prague Package (Post Cruise) Double Occupancy
Available until August 17, 2025

$975.00
Deposit: $100.00

DAY 10
Nuremberg    
DISEMBARKATION
Pilzen    
Nuremberg Christmas Market
Prague    
Hotel check-in
Disembark the ship and enjoy the wonder of Nuremberg’s other Christmas Markets before departing for Prague, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
 
DAY 11
Prague    
“Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas Markets
OR Prague Castle hike
Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the day, visit Prague’s festive Christmas markets. (B)
 
DAY 12
Prague    
Czech Beer Tasting
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
 
DAY 13
Prague    
Return flight home
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Round Trip Air
Available until August 17, 2025

$0.00

I would like assistance arranging my airfare.