Iconic Christmas Markets- December 11th - 18th, 2027
Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary along the Main and Upper Danube Rivers - Christmas Markets River Cruise with AmaWaterways
Iconic Christmas Markets
Experience the magic of the season as twinkling markets, storybook streets, and centuries-old traditions transform Europe’s heart into a glittering holiday wonderland onboard the AmaMora with AmaWaterways.
Picture this: You’ll wander through storybook market squares glowing with lights, evergreen garlands, and wooden chalets, starting with Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt. Along the Danube, historic cities like Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, and Budapest welcome you with mulled wine, gingerbread, hand-crafted ornaments, and centuries-old customs that make each stop feel intimate and authentic; never rushed, always magical.
Onboard, the experience is just as special. Your elegantly decorated ship becomes a warm, floating home filled with holiday music, seasonal menus, and cozy touches that reflect the spirit of Advent. With guided excursions included, enriching cultural moments, and the ease of unpacking just once, you can fully relax and savor the season—watching snow-dusted riverbanks glide by from your stateroom or the lounge. This itinerary isn’t just about visiting Christmas markets; it’s about slowing down, celebrating togetherness, and creating memories that feel timeless as Europe itself.
Countries Visited: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic (Land Program Only)
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Pre-Cruise Option: Prague, Czech Republic
Discover Prague’s timeless beauty
Arrive in enchanting Prague and check into your hotel. From its winding cobblestone streets to its iconic spires, the city invites you to soak in its rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless charm as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Explore one of Europe’s most captivating cities
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Prague, where Gothic towers, baroque domes, and medieval bridges tell centuries of stories. Choose between a guided city tour or a hike to the castle for sweeping views over this UNESCO World Heritage gem, known as one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.
Savor the world’s finest brews
Raise a glass to Czech craftsmanship on a beer-tasting experience celebrating one of the country’s proudest traditions. Sample world-renowned brews in the birthplace of Pilsner and discover how centuries of brewing artistry have shaped the culture and flavor of Prague.
$1080.00 per person for the Prague Pre-Cruise Land Program
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Post-Cruise Option: Budapest, Hungary
Begin your journey in historic Budapest
Step ashore in Budapest and check into your elegant hotel. Surrounded by the city’s architectural splendor and vibrant energy, enjoy a leisurely evening soaking in the beauty and rhythm of this captivating capital.
Explore the city beyond its iconic riverbanks
Discover Budapest’s rich heritage and cultural depth as your guide leads you through lesser-known corners of the city. From charming streets to hidden architectural gems, experience the elegant pulse of the “Queen of the Danube” in a way few travelers see.
Bid farewell to Budapest and begin your journey homeBid farewell to Budapest and begin your journey home.
$680.00 per person for the Budapest Post-Cruise Land Program
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Flights
AmaWaterways can assist with arranging flights for our group; we can customize flight options beginning February 2027 depending on. the pre- and post- cruise options guests choose to participate in. Pricing quoted does not include flights to and from Europe.
$999 roundtrip Economy Air Plus flights are available from east coast cities; $1229 roundtrip Economy Air Plus flights are available from west coast cities.
Iconic Christmas Markets: River Cruise Itinerary
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Nuremberg welcomes you with one-of-a-kind holiday charm
Nuremberg, Germany
Board your ship and begin your trip down the Danube
Arrive in Nuremberg and embark on your ship, marking the start of your immersive journey through Germany’s cozy Christmas festivities. Roam Nuremberg’s cobbled streets, savor festive flavors, and soak in the magic of its storied Christmas markets
Explore Nuremberg’s WWII highlights before wandering the cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit the famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest Christmas Markets, or spend the morning fully immersed in its festive atmosphere. Food lovers can sample Nuremberg sausages and beer at the City Brewery and sweet lebkuchen at Sebalder Kirche before crossing the Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise such as:
Nuremberg Christmas Market Visit •City Tour and Christmas Markets •Tastes of Franconia
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Regensburg enchants with medieval streets and iconic Christmas markets
Regensburg, Germany
Stroll Regensburg’s medieval streets, savor Bavarian flavors, and bask in the glow of its enchanting Christmas markets
Discover Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, on a guided walking tour of its architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria. Visit the Old Town Christmas Market, sample Bavarian specialties, or bike to the neoclassical Walhalla temple. At Thurn and Taxis Christmas Markets, watch local artisans at work.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
UNESCO City Tour and Christmas Market• Tastes of Bavaria• Walhalla Bike Tour• Thurn and Taxis Christmas Markets
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Vienna and Salzburg glow with their historic heritage and holiday charm
Passau, Germany
Roam Passau’s historic streets and savor the magic of Salzburg
Explore Linz on a walking tour of its 2,000-year-old streets, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a visit to the festive Christmas Market. For more adventure, bike along the Danube, or take a full-day voyage through the Austrian Alps to Salzburg and explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town, grand cathedral, and holiday markets.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Full Day Salzburg Excursion with Christmas Markets •“city of Three Rivers” Walking Tour and Christmas Market •River Inn Bike Tour
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Melk Abbey glows with history and Baroque artistry
Melk, Austria
Marvel at Melk Abbey’s soaring Baroque splendor and wander its storied halls
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Melk Abbey is one of Europe’s most celebrated Baroque monasteries. Explore its historic museum and renowned library, or opt for a guided bike ride around the charming town of Melk.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Melk Abbey Visit•Danube Bike Tour•Rathaus Christmas Market by Night
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From Opera House grandeur to Schönbrunn’s holiday magic
Vienna, Austria
Explore Vienna’s imperial splendors and festive markets, where music, history, and holiday magic intertwine
Discover the magic of Vienna, the “City of Waltzes,” on a tour of its regal landmarks, which includes the Opera House and former Imperial Palace. Visit the city’s iconic and festive Christmas Markets. Adventurous passengers can enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube, followed by a visit to Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
“imperial Vienna” Tour with Christmas Markets •Vienna City Tour by Bike •Schðnbrunn Christmas Markets
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Budapest blends fairytale architecture with festive cheerBudapest, Hungary
Enjoy the best of Budapest, from Castle Hill’s fairytale turrets to the glittering Christmas markets along the Danube
Explore both the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest, starting in the Castle District to admire Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and panoramic city views. Visit the festive Christmas Markets or hike up Castle Hill for a more active experience. In the afternoon, discover Pest’s highlights, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the poignant “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Buda City Tour and Christmas Markets •Castle hike •Pest city tour
AmaMora, sister to AmaLea and AmaKristina, sails Europe’s rivers with twin-balcony suites, regionally inspired cuisine, and inviting spaces that make every day feel both relaxed and memorable.
French Balcony Stateroom
Prices begin at $12,156.00 per cabin for two travelers in a category CA stateroom on deck 3, inclusive of group pricing discounts.
French & Outside Balcony Stateroom
Prices begin at $13,357.00 per cabin for two travelers in a category BB stateroom on deck 2, inclusive of group pricing discounts.
Suite
Prices begin at $16,957.00 per cabin for two travelers in a category SS stateroom on deck 3, inclusive of group pricing discounts.
What’s Included with AmaWaterways
At AmaWaterways, we craft immersive river journeys aboard our spacious, custom-designed ships. With heartfelt service and regionally inspired cuisine, we guide our guests through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, always with warmth, flexibility, and a spirit of authentic discovery. Every AmaWaterways journey is shaped by the values we’ve carried from the very beginning. Inspired by our founders and guided by what matters most to our guests, these five pillars reflect the care, curiosity and connection that define our river cruises.
All AmaWaterways river cruises include breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day onboard the ship, a complimentary cocktail hour each night, complimentary WiFi, complimentary wellness activities, and complimentary excursions and excursion transportation.
Click here to review a first-timer’s guide to sailing with AmaWaterways
Prepare for your cruise with AmaWaterways and Frequently Asked Questions
Dining
Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.
Click here to explore more about the dining options onboard AmaWaterways river cruise ships.
Activities
From guided city strolls and wine tastings to invigorating hikes and bike rides, AmaWaterways’ on-shore experiences invite you to discover each destination through culture, connection, and a sense of wonder.
Click here to explore more about the activities and excursions available with AmaWaterways.
Wellness
There’s a variety of ways to relax and recharge on every AmaWaterways vessel. From ships equipped with fitness centers and pickleball courts to luxurious spa and salon treatments, wellness is focused on the whole you.
