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. Or, climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back. (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)

In the morning, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride through Melk before returning to the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Durnstein, where you'll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Durnstein Fortress, cycle to Emmersdorf, or hike in the town to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you'll enjoy some of the region's famous wines. (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. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, you'll have a chance to explore the beautifully decorated Schonbrunn Christmas market, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the illuminated Vienna Christmas markets. (B,L,D)

Host to the crowning ceremonies of many Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 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 "Slovakian Specialties" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the city's distinctive Christmas market. (B,L,D)

This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. 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 one of the city's festive Christmas markets. 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 as you prepare for your flight home. (B)