Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed
12 Night Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise and Land Tour from Budapest
Ship: AmaViola
Cruise Line: AMA Waterways
Sailed: Thursday, Dec 12, 2024 from Budapest, Hungary
Ended: Tuesday, Dec 24, 2024
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Thursday, Dec 12, 2024
departure of the AmaViola. If AMA Waterways modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing
, the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Often described as the "Queen of the Danube", Budapest is well-known for Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Hill, and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many "hidden" treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
Day 3 - Saturday - Dec 14, 2024
Budapest, Hungary
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)
Budapest, Hungary
Board the ship in Budapest for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
Day 4 - Sunday - Dec 15, 2024
Budapest, Hungary
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Today, you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. On your tour, follow your guide through the city's Castle District, where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. You will also visit the city's famed Christmas markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Monday - Dec 16, 2024
Vienna, Austria
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Afterwards, you'll visit the Christmas markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schonbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. Or cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" at the beautifully decorated Town Hall (Rathaus), Vienna's largest Christmas market. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Tuesday - Dec 17, 2024
Melk, Austria
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe's most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Wednesday - Dec 18, 2024
Passau, Germany
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, and its Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Thursday - Dec 19, 2024
Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria's specialties-beer, sausage, and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you'll be treated to one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Friday - Dec 20, 2024
Nuremberg, Germany
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer), and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Saturday - Dec 21, 2024
Nuremberg, Germany
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Nuremberg, Germany
Cruise Ends
Bus Travel
Prague, Czech Republic
Disembark the ship and enjoy the wonder of Nuremberg's other Christmas markets before departing for Prague, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
Day 11 - Sunday - Dec 22, 2024
Prague, Czech Republic
Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the day, visit Prague's festive Christmas markets. (B)
Day 12 - Monday - Dec 23, 2024
Prague, Czech Republic
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country's national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
Day 13 - Tuesday - Dec 24, 2024
Prague, Czech Republic
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)
