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Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas Markets)

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Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas Markets)

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
New Release River Cruise Festive Winter Christmas Markets Oktoberfest
River View
$4,913
Balcony
$6,545
Suite
$10,849
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Vilshofen
8 Day Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas Markets) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Vilshofen
8 Day Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas Markets) Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
160
Crew
51
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2021
Cruise Code
AML
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
160
Crew
51
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2021
Cruise Code
AML

Overview

Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, witnessing firsthand how this storied river inspired artists, poets, and musicians. Experience the unique seasonal celebrations ahead of the holiday crowds in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Keep your eye out for the many Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike; set out on breathtaking city tours free from the holiday crowds; and cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley, letting the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal...read more journey through time.
Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, witnessing firsthand how this storied river inspired artists, poets, and musicians. Experience the unique seasonal celebrations ahead of the holiday crowds in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Keep your eye out for the many Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike; set out on breathtaking city tours free from the holiday crowds; and cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley, letting the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal...read more journey through time.

Itinerary

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Buda city tour OR Castle Hill hike
  • Pest city tour

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. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Coronation City” walking tour OR Bratislava Castle hike OR Tastes of Slovakia

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems 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 Vienna's historic city center and then visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • City tour OR Vienna bike tour
  • Free time

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk or hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour OR Weissenkirchen walking tour and Melk Abbey OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricots tastings OR Dürnstein fortress hike
  • Strudengau Valley and UNESCO Wachau Valley
  • Exclusive castle visit with private reception

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes.

Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city's famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Salzburg excursion OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour

Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing—an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “City of Three Rivers” walking tour OR Passau bike tour OR Passau Castle hike
  • Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)

Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Buda city tour OR Castle Hill hike
  • Pest city tour

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. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “Coronation City” walking tour OR Bratislava Castle hike OR Tastes of Slovakia

The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems 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 Vienna's historic city center and then visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • City tour OR Vienna bike tour
  • Free time

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk or hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour OR Weissenkirchen walking tour and Melk Abbey OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricots tastings OR Dürnstein fortress hike
  • Strudengau Valley and UNESCO Wachau Valley
  • Exclusive castle visit with private reception

The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes.

Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city's famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day Salzburg excursion OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour

Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing—an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “City of Three Rivers” walking tour OR Passau bike tour OR Passau Castle hike
  • Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration

This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)

Life Onboard AmaBella

AmaBella
AmaBella

Onboard AmaBella you'll find a massage and hair salon, fitness room, specialty coffee station, gift shop, and a heated pool on the Sun Deck. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call. Read more

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Sophisticated, contemporary and elegantly appointed, your spacious stateroom serves as your personal oasis for rejuvenation. Read more

Award-Winning Dining
Award-Winning Dining

All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you'd like. Read more

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us. Read more

Active Ways To Discover
Active Ways To Discover

All of our guided hikes and bike tours are included in the cruise fare so you have more choices when it comes to how you prefer to explore. Read more

Brochure

Heart of the River

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2025)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart....more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savour and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 22 Dec 2025
Monday 29 Dec 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
Save $1,546
$4,892
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,567
$6,968
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,604
$10,680
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Wednesday 24 Dec 2025
Wednesday 31 Dec 2025
Ship AmaSonata
River View
Save $1,544
$4,744
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,565
$6,820
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,603
$10,531
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Saturday 27 Dec 2025
Saturday 03 Jan 2026
Ship AmaMora
River View
Save $1,544
$4,744
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,559
$6,227
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,603
$10,531
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Sunday 22 Nov 2026
Sunday 29 Nov 2026
Ship AmaSofia
River View
Save $1,546
$4,913
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,562
$6,545
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,606
$10,849
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 21 Dec 2026
Monday 28 Dec 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
Save $1,547
$5,062
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,570
$7,286
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,607
$10,998
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026
Wednesday 30 Dec 2026
Ship AmaSonata
River View
Save $1,547
$5,062
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,570
$7,286
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,607
$10,998
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Saturday 26 Dec 2026
Saturday 02 Jan 2027
Ship AmaLea
River View
Save $1,547
$5,062
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,564
$6,693
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,607
$10,998
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AmaWaterways. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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