Grand Danube Cruise (Christmas Cruise) 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 15-day journey that takes you through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions, leisure time, and culinary experiences. From the ancient capitals of Bucharest and Veliko Tarnovo to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Iron Gates and the regal splendors of Vienna, every day brings a new adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or an outdoor enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
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 Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Ship
14 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
AmaVerde: Suite ,Stateroom
Knowledgeable guides
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
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
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
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special interest tours
Personal headset for easy exploration
Map
Attractions
Danube Park
Schönbrunn Palace Park
St Mark Orthodox Church
Nikola Tesla Museum
Ovcara Memorial Center
Ochsenkreuz
Baba Vida Fortress
Red Bull Hangar-7
Zoo Linz
Basilika St. Michael
Mirabell Palace
Zrínyi Castle
Veste Oberhaus
Stift Dürnstein
Kalemegdan
Melk Abbey
Gödöllő Palace
Golubac Fortress
Mosque of Malkoc Bey
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephan's Cathedral, PassauDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Giurgiu
- Giurgiu - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the charming city of Giurgiu, Romania. Board your cruise ship and settle into your comfortable accommodations. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Bucharest - Veliko Tarnovo - Rousse
- Bucharest
- More
- Parcul Alei
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Spend the day exploring the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Alternatively, you can choose to discover the architectural wonders of Rousse or visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vidin - Negovanovtsi
- Vidin
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- Baba Vida Fortress
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Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and its surrounding areas. Visit the Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, or participate in a traditional Bulgarian yogurt and pastry-making demonstration. Alternatively, you can choose to bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in Negovanovtsi. All meals are provided on board.
Day 4 – Day 4: Iron Gates - Golubac
Day 4: Iron Gates - Golubac
- Golubac Fortress
- More
Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that form a natural border between Serbia and Romania. After your scenic cruise, arrive at Golubac for a tour of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade - Novi Sad
- Belgrade
- More
- Danube Park
- St Mark Orthodox Church
- Nikola Tesla Museum
- Kalemegdan
- More
Discover Serbia's capital, Belgrade, with a city tour that includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, Kalemegdan Fortress, and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava. Alternatively, hike to Belgrade Fortress or explore Novi Sad, known as 'The Athens of Serbia'. In the afternoon, sample Serbian brandy and local appetizers. All meals are provided on board.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vukovar
- Grad Vukovar
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- Ilok Municipal Museum
- Ovcara Memorial Center
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Spend the afternoon in Vukovar, Croatia. Join a guided city tour and visit the historic Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, explore Vukovar on a bike tour or enjoy a Croatian wine tasting in the Old Cellars. All meals are provided on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: Pécs - Szekszárd
- Pécs
- Szekszárd
- More
- Sós-hegyi kilátó
- Zrínyi Castle
- Pécsváradi Vár
- Mosque of Malkoc Bey
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Visit Pécs, a city founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Explore the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. Alternatively, wine connoisseurs can visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of Hungary's oldest red-wine-growing areas. All meals are provided on board.
Day 8 – Day 8: Gödöllő
- Budapest
- Gödöllő
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- Gödöllő Palace
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Visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, a Baroque palace that has witnessed several periods of renovation and renaissance. Explore the Queen Elisabeth exhibition, the Baroque Theatre, and the stables, and take a stroll through the palace gardens. All meals are provided on board.
Day 9 – Day 9: Budapest
- Passau
- Budapest
- More
Explore both the Buda and Pest sides of the Danube River in Budapest. Visit the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, and the moving 'Shoes on the Danube Bank' memorial. All meals are provided on board.
Day 10 – Day 10: Bratislava
- Budapest
- Bratislava
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- Óvári Castle
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Discover Bratislava, the 'Coronation City of Kings', on a walking tour. Alternatively, join a 'Tastes of Slovakia' tour or hike to Bratislava's gleaming castle. All meals are provided on board.
Day 11 – Day 11: Vienna
- Vienna
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- Schönbrunn Palace Park
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Explore Vienna's regal splendors, including the historic city center and St. Stephen's Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. All meals are provided on board.
Day 12 – Day 12: Dürnstein - Melk
- Melk
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- Stift Dürnstein
- Melk Abbey
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Stroll along Dürnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche. For a more culinary-focused experience, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting. In the afternoon, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey or get active with a bike tour or a hiking adventure in Spitz. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting experience. All meals are provided on board.
Day 13 – Day 13: Salzburg - Český Krumlov - Linz
- Vienna
- Hallein
- Český Krumlov
- Linz
- More
- Ochsenkreuz
- Red Bull Hangar-7
- Zoo Linz
- Basilika St. Michael
- Mirabell Palace
- More
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg, famous for The Sound of Music, or the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov. Visit the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square, and the Old Market in Salzburg, or stroll through Český Krumlov's cobblestone streets and tour Krumlov Castle. Alternatively, take a brief walking tour in Linz. All meals are provided on board.
Day 14 – Day 14: Passau - Wernstein - Vilshofen
- Passau
- More
- Pullman City Western town
- Veste Oberhaus
- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
- More
Explore Passau, marveling at its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, take a guided hike to the Veste Oberhaus fortress or ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. Later, sail to Vilshofen and enjoy an exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration. All meals are provided on board.
Day 15 – Day 15: Vilshofen
Day 15: Vilshofen
Bid farewell to Vilshofen and prepare for your flight home. Breakfast is provided on board.
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