As the winter approaches and we start making preparations for the most festive time of year, there's nothing that will get you in the Christmas spirit quicker than a trip to some of Europe's fairytale Christmas markets.
On this winter cruise you'll visit the best Christmas Markets along the Danube, explore some sleepy little riverside towns, warm yourself with a delicious glass of mulled wine on board and immerse yourself in the wonderful traditions of the Christmas period.
Your Christmas cruise begins in Vienna, where you'll discover the sights of the Austrian capital on an optional bus tour, before heading to the romantic Christmas market in front of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Optional excursions come at a supplement.
You'll board your elegant Amadeus ship in Vienna, where you can familiarise yourself with the top-class facilities and check in to your stateroom or suite.
You'll set sail along the Danube, with your first stop at the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau, known for its vineyards and fortresses nestled among rolling hills.
Your next Christmas market visit will be in pretty Passau, where you can enjoy the romantic old town before heading to the market and indulging in some gingerbread and other delicious treats as you browse the quaint market stalls.
To bring your cruise to a merry conclusion you'll visit two more markets in Regensburg, which has a different theme each year, and Nuremberg, where you can taste the world-famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread).
After seven unforgettable days immersed in all the magic of the Christmas season on the Danube you're sure to return home full of festive cheer.
Please call our reservations team to add return flights and transfers to this trip
Your wintery Advent cruise begins in Vienna, where, after embarking, you can explore your Amadeus ship and join the cruise director for a Welcome Cocktail in the Panorama Bar. This is followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Enjoy exploring wintery Vienna today. A morning city sightseeing tour, at an additional cost, in a comfortable bus takes you past the most beautiful sights of the Austrian capital. In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to view the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, as well as to visit the traditional, romantic Christmas market in front of the palace. Or, visit one of the most famous museums in the world, the Art History Museum in Vienna.
In the evening, music lovers can attend the atmospheric 'Sound of Vienna' concert, which will present a kaleidoscope of Viennese classical music.
In the morning you'll reach the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau, where the ship will dock in Melk and Emmersdorf. Here you can join an excursion to Melk Abbey or to Dürnstein (not included), a small town with colourful architecture. At the end of the excursion, warm up with a mug of glühwein on board.
The rest of the day is spent on board, where you will have a wonderful view of the passing winter landscapes as your cruise ship travels towards Passau.
As you eat your breakfast you'll arrive in Passau, also known as the 'City of Three Rivers', due to its location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. In the morning, enjoy the romantic old town with its historic buildings during the course of an optional guided walk.
The afternoon is a perfect time to visit the traditional Passau Christmas market. Early this evening your ship will depart this lovely city and head towards Regensburg.
Today you'll spend the full day in festively adorned, historic Regensburg. This magical destination where time seems to stand still, is best explored during a morning optional guided sightseeing walk.
After lunch, explore on your own or opt to join an excursion to the Christmas market in the royal Thurn and Taxis Castle. Revel in the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere - the air filled with the aroma of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and roasted almonds, and stalls filled with local handicrafts.
This evening you'll be invited to join the captain at an elegant Gala Dinner on board, while your ship continues its journey.
After lunch, you'll arrive in the Bavarian town of Roth, where the city tour of Nuremberg starts (not included). The tour will take you to the most significant monuments and sights in picturesque Nuremberg. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the romantic Christmas market and taste the world-famous Nuremberg lebkuchen before returning to your ship, which will be waiting for you in the Nuremberg harbour.
After a final breakfast on board before you'll disembark your ship and being your homeward journey as your Christmas cruise draws to an end.
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