We won’t be beaten on price...
Free Flights
Overseas Transfers
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
ABTA protected
Iconic Christmas Markets
- Smithsonian Journeys
Scroll to sail
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys
Seven nights from Nuremberg to Budapest through some of central Europe’s most celebrated Christmas market cities, and with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts on board for the entire journey. AmaWaterways’ Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys River Cruise sails the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary, weaving together festive markets, imperial palaces and medieval streets with exclusive access that isn’t available on any standard itinerary: a private visit to Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg, where the Nuremberg Trials were held; special access to Walhalla and Thurn & Taxis Castle in Regensburg; a guided tour of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum; and a private piano concert at the former home of Franz Liszt in Budapest.
4.88
from
134 reviews
-
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ships: AmaLea + 2 more -
Duration: 6 Nights
-
Departure: Nov - Dec
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys Prices
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys Gallery
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys Itinerary
Nuremberg to Budapest in seven nights, with two Smithsonian experts adding depth to every stop along the way.
Day 1
Nuremberg, Germany
You board in Nuremberg as the city’s Christmas festivities get underway around you.
Day 2
Nuremberg, Germany
A full day in Nuremberg with several great options. The Smithsonian exclusive WWII walking tour covers the city’s key historical landmarks and concludes with a visit to Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg Trials were held. The city tour takes in Nuremberg’s historic charm alongside the Christkindlesmarkt. A Tastes of Franconia tour covers Nuremberg sausages and beer at the City Brewery. Later, the ship begins its crossing of the Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal.
Day 3
Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg’s UNESCO old town is the backdrop, with a guided walking tour taking in the Old Town Hall and the ancient Porta Praetoria, alongside the Old Town Christmas Market. The Smithsonian exclusive option gives special access to Walhalla, the neoclassical temple above the Danube, and Thurn & Taxis Castle. A Tastes of Bavaria tour and the Thurn and Taxis Artisan Christmas Market, where local craftspeople bring traditional crafts to life, are also available, as is a bike tour to Walhalla.
Day 4
Passau, Germany
Two very different days are available here. Those taking the full-day Salzburg excursion travel through the Austrian Alps to the UNESCO-listed old town, grand cathedral and Christmas markets of Salzburg. Those staying closer to the ship can join a walking tour of Linz, covering its Gothic and Baroque architecture and St Stephen’s Church with a Christmas market visit, or take a River Inn bike tour.
Day 5
Melk, Austria
Melk Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the Danube, is the centrepiece of today: a Baroque monastery with a historic museum and library. A Danube bike tour is the active alternative. In the evening, the Rathaus Christmas Market by Night excursion is available for those who’d like to close the day with a festive atmosphere.
Day 6
Vienna, Austria
Vienna gets a full day, and the Smithsonian exclusive excursion is the one to prioritise: a tour of the city’s regal landmarks, including the Opera House and former Imperial Palace, with a guided tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum included. The Vienna city tour by bike is the active alternative, with a visit to the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market rounding off the day.
Day 7
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest brings the week to a close with a day exploring both sides of the city. On the Buda side, ascend Castle Hill for a guided stroll through the historic Castle District, including Dózsa György Square and Fisherman’s Bastion. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, enjoy a private piano concert at the former home of Franz Liszt. On the Pest side, admire the grand Parliament building and browse festive market squares filled with Hungarian crafts and seasonal treats. Alternatively, join a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive Jewish heritage tour to Europe’s largest synagogue and the Shoes on the Danube memorial. Conclude the week with a festive farewell dinner.
Day 8
Budapest, Hungary
Disembark in Budapest.
ICONIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS – SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS HIGHLIGHTS
Danube River Cruise Deals
Nuremberg to Budapest at Christmas, with two Smithsonian experts on board and exclusive access most passengers never get. Browse our latest AmaWaterways sailings and find the departure that works for you.
FROM
£
3,839 pp
FROM
£
3,483 pp
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys Review
Iconic Christmas Markets – Smithsonian Journeys FAQs
Who are the Smithsonian Journeys Experts on this itinerary, and how many sail with each departure?
Two Smithsonian Journeys Experts sail on every departure. The November 2026 sailing features Carol Reynolds, who designs fine arts curricula with fluency in German and Russian and extensive time living and teaching in Germany, alongside Christopher Brennan, who specialises in Central and Eastern European history with a particular focus on Austria-Hungary and the Habsburg dynasty. The December 2026 sailing features Karl Eikenberry, a former US Ambassador and retired US Army Lieutenant General, and Laurie Koloski, a recently retired history professor from William & Mary with degrees from Michigan, Yale and Stanford and special interests in historical interpretation and material culture.
What is Courtroom 600, and why is the Smithsonian exclusive visit significant?
Courtroom 600 is the original courtroom in Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg Trials were held between 1945 and 1946, in which senior Nazi officials were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The courtroom is still used today as an active court, which means public access is limited. The Smithsonian exclusive WWII walking tour on day two concludes with a visit to Courtroom 600 as part of the exclusive access arranged for guests on this itinerary.
What is the Liszt House in Budapest, and what does the private concert involve?
The Liszt House is the former home of the Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt, located in Budapest. The Smithsonian exclusive excursion on day seven includes a private piano concert at the house.
What is Thurn & Taxis Castle in Regensburg?
Thurn & Taxis Castle is a palace in Regensburg that has been the residence of the Thurn und Taxis family since the late 18th century. The family were historically the operators of the imperial postal service across the Holy Roman Empire. The Smithsonian exclusive excursion on day three includes special access to the castle alongside Walhalla, the neoclassical temple above the Danube.
What is the Jewish Heritage Tour in Budapest, and what does it cover?
The Smithsonian exclusive Jewish Heritage Tour on day seven visits Europe’s largest synagogue and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, which commemorates the Jews shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II.
Join the Crui.se Club
Points That Pay
Earn 25 points (£25) just for joining — and collect more on bookings, reviews, and referrals.
Exclusive Member Deals
Unlock off-market offers reserved only for Crui.se Club members.
Early Access Perks
Be the first to book with pre-launch notifications and special member-only booking windows.
Cruise With Confidence
Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.
Over 20 cruise brands to choose from
Low deposits from £500
All Inclusive cruises
Best deals & discounts
Community driven
Brand agnostic
We take care of everything
Custom built cruise holidays
