7 Night Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise from Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

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. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest, and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. 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)

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1563 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title "Coronation City of Kings", as you'll discover during your walking tour. You'll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava's charming Christmas market. Or join a special "Tastes of Slovakia" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (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, before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, you'll visit the beautifully decorated Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the market at Schonbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Later, explore Vienna's famous illuminated Christmas markets and enjoy the twinkling lights of the season. (B,L,D)

Krems, gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valley, is your starting point for a visit to the lovely Baroque village of Durnstein. Stroll along Durnstein's cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. For a more culinary-focused experience in Durnstein, enjoy an apricot liqueur and brandy tasting and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to historic Durnstein Fortress or cycle from Krems to Durnstein and back for lunch. During the afternoon, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube; or get active with either a bike tour from Krems to Spitz or a hiking adventure in Spitz. During the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine tasting experience where you'll enjoy some of the region's famous wines, including Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. (B,L,D)

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. Take a full-day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive city's Christmas markets also beckon. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. (B,L,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, join a guided bike ride along the picturesque River Inn. Later, sail to Vilshofen, where you'll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)