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Magna on the Danube
- Christmas Cruise
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Magna on the Danube – Christmas Cruise
The Danube at Christmas is already a compelling proposition, and sailing it with AmaWaterways adds something extra. Enjoy seven nights between Budapest and Vilshofen as you sail through four countries and discover Budapest’s Great Market Hall, Vienna’s imperial palaces, the Wachau Valley’s Baroque Dürnstein, and other unforgettable locations. Book the Magna on the Danube – Christmas Markets River Cruise and embark on a Christmas fairytale of your very own.
4.85
from
178 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ships: AmaMagna & AmaRudi -
Duration: 6 Nights
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Departure: Nov - Dec
Magna on the Danube – Christmas Cruise Prices
Magna on the Danube – Christmas Cruise Gallery
Magna on the Danube – Christmas Cruise Itinerary
A journey from Budapest to Vilshofen, heading west along the Danube through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.
Day 1
Budapest, Hungary
You board in Budapest and settle in for the week, with a Welcome Dinner this evening to meet your fellow travellers as the city’s lights shimmer along both banks.
Day 2
Budapest, Hungary
A full day in Budapest, with a guided city tour of Buda and Pest taking in the Great Market Hall and Christmas markets, or a Castle Hill hike along Fishermen’s Bastion for a more active morning. The afternoon brings a scenic cruise along the Danube Bend, where the river turns dramatically through Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre.
Day 3
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava earned the title of Coronation City of Kings from the 11 Hungarian coronations held here between 1536 and 1830. A walking tour of the old town includes a visit to the Christmas market, a Tastes of Slovakia tour offers local delicacies, and a hike up to Bratislava Castle with Christmas market time is the active option.
Day 4
Vienna, Austria
Vienna gets a full day and deserves it. The Imperial Vienna tour covers the Opera House and former Imperial Palace, finishing in the historic centre. Visit the Christmas market at Maria Theresaplatz or enjoy a Vienna city tour by bike as the active alternative. The afternoon brings a visit to the Schonbrunn Christmas market, and the day closes with the Rathaus Christmas Markets by Night, where the city’s illuminated markets come into their own after dark.
Day 5
Dürnstein, Austria
The Wachau Valley is the backdrop for today. In Dürnstein, options include a walking tour, an apricot and sweets tasting, a bike tour, or a hike up to Dürnstein Fortress. The afternoon moves to Melk, where the 900-year-old Abbey perched on granite cliffs is the main excursion, with a Spitz bike ride and a Spitz hike also available. The evening brings an exclusive wine tasting featuring the region’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Day 6
Linz, Austria
Two very different full-day options await you. Those heading to Salzburg spend the day in the UNESCO-listed old town, with its cathedral and Christmas markets set beneath Alpine peaks. Those choosing Cesky Krumlov explore its cobblestone streets, Baroque buildings and Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. After returning, take a walking tour of Linz’s old city and Mozart House, or join the Cultural Mile bike tour along the Danube.
Day 7
Passau, Germany
A day in Passau, the City of Three Rivers, with a walking tour and Christmas market visit, a castle hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf, a River Inn bike tour, or an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
Day 8
Vilshofen, Germany
Disembark in Vilshofen.
Day 1
Vilshofen, Germany
You begin your cruise in Vilshofen, where locals greet you with an Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy Bavarian beer, warm pretzels, and live music as you settle into an unforgettable Christmas on the Danube.
Day 2
Passau, Germany
A day in Passau, the City of Three Rivers, with a walking tour and Christmas market visit, a castle hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf, a River Inn bike tour, or an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.
Day 3
Linz, Austria
Two very different full-day options await you. Those heading to Salzburg spend the day in the UNESCO-listed old town, with its cathedral and Christmas markets set beneath Alpine peaks. Those choosing Cesky Krumlov explore its cobblestone streets, Baroque buildings and Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. After returning, take a walking tour of Linz’s old city and Mozart House, or join the Cultural Mile bike tour along the Danube.
Day 4
Dürnstein, Austria
The Wachau Valley is the backdrop for today. In Dürnstein, options include a walking tour, an apricot and sweets tasting, a bike tour, or a hike up to Dürnstein Fortress. The afternoon moves to Melk, where the 900-year-old Abbey perched on granite cliffs is the main excursion, with a Spitz bike ride and a Spitz hike also available. The evening brings an exclusive wine tasting featuring the region’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Day 5
Vienna, Austria
Vienna gets a full day and deserves it. The Imperial Vienna tour covers the Opera House and former Imperial Palace, finishing in the historic centre. Visit the Christmas market at Maria Theresaplatz or enjoy a Vienna city tour by bike as the active alternative. The afternoon brings a visit to the Schonbrunn Christmas market, and the day closes with the Rathaus Christmas Markets by Night, where the city’s illuminated markets come into their own after dark.
Day 6
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava earned the title of Coronation City of Kings from the 11 Hungarian coronations held here between 1536 and 1830. A walking tour of the old town includes a visit to the Christmas market, a Tastes of Slovakia tour offers local delicacies, and a hike up to Bratislava Castle with Christmas market time is the active option.
Day 7
Budapest, Hungary
A full day in Budapest, with a guided city tour of Buda and Pest taking in the Great Market Hall and Christmas markets, or a Castle Hill hike along Fishermen’s Bastion for a more active morning. The afternoon brings a scenic cruise along the Danube Bend, where the river turns dramatically through Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre.
Day 8
Budapest, Hungary
Disembark in Budapest.
MAGNA ON THE DANUBE – CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS
Danube River Cruise Deals
Budapest to Vilshofen on the Danube at Christmas, with four countries and a world of adventure waiting for you. Browse our latest AmaWaterways sailings and find the departure that works for you.
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£
3,501 pp
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2,686 pp
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£
3,775 pp
Magna on the Danube – Christmas Cruise Review
Magna on the Danube – Christmas FAQs
What makes the AmaMagna different from a standard AmaWaterways river cruise ship?
The AmaMagna is wider than the standard European river cruise ship, carrying 196 passengers with 98 staterooms including full balcony suites.
What is the Danube Bend, and when does the ship sail through it?
The Danube Bend is a dramatic curve in the Danube River in northern Hungary where the river turns sharply southward through hills, passing Hungary’s oldest settlements including Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre.
What is Cesky Krumlov, and do I need a Czech visa to visit it?
Cesky Krumlov is a town in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, known for its well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture and Krumlov Castle. The Czech Republic is a Schengen Area member, so UK citizens do not need a visa; the same ETIAS registration that covers the other countries on this itinerary covers the Czech Republic too.
Are there active excursion options available throughout the cruise?
Yes, AmaWaterways offers a choice of excursions each day, with active options available at most ports. These include guided hikes, bike tours, and walking tours. Guests can choose the excursions that best match their interests and fitness level.
What can I expect to be included in the cruise fare?
A 7-night cruise aboard AmaMagna and AmaRudi, all onboard meals, a choice of complimentary shore excursions in every port, onboard entertainment, ship-wide high-speed Wi-Fi, and more are included in the price of this cruise, allowing for maximum comfort and peace of mind as you sail with AmaWaterways.
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