From the elegant boulevards of Bratislava to the bohemian bars of Budapest and the grand palaces of Vienna, follow the paths of kings and queens and revel in the lively festive atmosphere on this Christmas river cruise along the Danube.
This trip is ideal for anyone with a love of fine food and a passion for European history. You'll have the very special company of one of the UK's best-loved chefs, Matt Tebbutt, who'll join you on board one night to prepare an exceptional gala dinner. You'll also get the chance to ask him your questions during a special Q&A session.
This tour really gives you the chance to discover the magic of Christmas on the Danube's banks. You'll enjoy up to five included excursions each day, including guided hikes to hilltop castles and gleaming fortresses, bike tours to beautiful sites like Klosterneuburg Abbey, and tastings of local delicacies, like Austria's delicious sachertorte.
There's also the chance to discover the local nightlife in each capital, as their architectural wonders illuminate with festive lights after sunset.
Of course, a highlight will be visiting the cities' enchanting Christmas markets, where twinkling fairy lights adorn traditional wooden chalet huts selling unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts. Pick up a warming cup of glühwein and take your time soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Throughout the cruise you'll be sailing on award-winning AmaSonata, where all your meals will be included- with regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients - and a great programme of evening entertainment awaits, including live classical music. You also have the opportunity to experience The Chef's Table, a fine dining experience onboard.
Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine before working as a trainee for the fiery Marco Pierre White, then learning from a master of classic French food Bruce Poole at Chez Bruce. Matt has also written two cookbooks and presented Food Unwrapped, Family Food Fight, Save Money: Good Food and Market Kitchen.
Today you'll arrive in beautiful Vienna and board your luxurious river cruise ship, the award-winning AmaSonata, your home for the next five nights.
Take some time to settle into your stateroom and maybe take a wander through the ship, familiarising yourself with its fabulous facilities before dinner in the dining room.
The 'City of Waltzes' has so much to see and your city tour will showcase all of its regal splendours, from the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs to Schönbrunn Palace.
Choose to go on a bike tour through Vienna or visit a traditional café to experience a true Viennese specialty, the Sachertorte, and savour this treat with a piping hot Viennese Coffee.
Your tour ends in Vienna's historic city centre and with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, or the chance to discover more of Vienna by bike. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of the city's many Christmas Markets.
After dinner choose to relax or spend your evening at the 'Vienna by Night' Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna's largest Christmas Market.
Today you'll visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and explore its magnificent Christmas Market, with a giant Christmas tree surrounded by stalls selling a great variety of artisanal handicrafts. There's a wonderful festive atmosphere with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread filling the air.
Enjoy a scenic afternoon cruising through Vienna before sailing along the Danube to Bratislava.
Your day ends with an exclusive experience at the Primate's Palace, a striking neoclassical building in the heart of the old town.
Today you will explore Bratislava, this city played host to the crowning of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, certainly earning its title 'Coronation City of Kings.' You'll learn more about its royal history during your guided walking tour.
Afterwards, enjoy time at the local Christmas Market, where you can try Slovakian delicacies and shop for unique Christmas gifts. You might also choose to join a special 'Tastes of Slovakia' tour or, for a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, to take in magnificent views of the city.
This evening, you will be invited to a very special gala dinner, curated and prepared by celebrity chef Mat Tebbutt, with paired wines.
Today you'll explore the sights of Budapest, a wonderful city offering an unmatched combination of culture and tradition.
Your city tour will begin with a visit to the Great Market Hall before visiting both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river.
You'll see Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman's Bastion and Mattias Church. Or you might choose to visit Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter, where you'll visit The Great Synagogue, the Tree of Life Holocaust memorial, and the Shoes on the Danube, a poignant memorial to members of the Budapest Jewish community who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
Another option is a hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore the city before a visit to Vorosmarty Square, the oldest and most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest, where you can shop for one-of-kind handcrafted gifts.
Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home as your festive river cruise draws to an end.
AmaSonata is an award-winning ship that sails some of Europe's finest rivers.
Most staterooms have twin balconies, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery, along with amenities like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language TV stations.
Spend your time on board enjoying the top class facilities including a fitness center, a library, a massage and hair salon, and a Sun Deck with a heated pool.
Crisp white tablecloths and napkins grace the tables in the Main Dining Room, while The Chef's Table specialty restaurant serves regionally inspired and is adorned with gold-hued tones and a twinkling overhead centerpiece.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. *Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks will be served on the AmaSonata during meals, in addition to select spirits during daily Sip & Sail cocktails. Complimentary coffee and tea are available onboard at all times. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and AmaWaterways Limited (ATOL 11232).