7 Night Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise from Vilshofen

Board the AmaMagna in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square-also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses, and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure during your time in Passau, enjoy a guided hike to Paulinerkloster Mariahilf. (B,L,D)

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or you could go on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

In the morning, sit back and relax as the captain navigates the ship along the Danube River through Austria's narrow yet scenic Strudengau and Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Durnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of local apricot treats. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley's finest wine. (B,L,D)

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. You will also have the chance to enjoy the festivities of the city's Christmas markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava's charming Christmas market, or an invigorating castle hike up to Bratislava castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate, and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, you may choose to hike through the city up to the castle, which offers magnificent views across the town of Bratislava, or you can visit the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas market and its festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)

Relax and enjoy the view during your scenic cruise into Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, this city offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fisherman's Bastion, and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)