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Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

with AmaWaterways
Dec. 07, 2026 - Dec. 13, 2026
7 days7 ports

From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year along the lower Danube. Immerse yourself in the winter magic of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities await as they burst with traditional holiday cheer. You will relish the sight of beautiful landscapes, perhaps glistening with snow, and journey through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates. Wine and food lovers will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans and savor local seasonal sweets during Winterfest in Novi Sad, the first Christmas Market in Serbia.

Be treated to the diverse culture and holiday joy on this unforgettable journey down the Danube.

  • Asia
  • Barcelona
  • british isles
  • California
  • Cambodia
  • Chef
  • Cherry Blossoms
  • Cruise
  • Culinary
  • Danube
  • denmark
  • Dining
  • europe
  • family
  • France
  • French Riviera
  • Hawaii
  • iceland
  • ireland
  • Italian Riviera
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • LA
  • Los Angeles
  • Luxury Cruise
  • Monaco
  • Monte Carlo
  • scotland
  • Seabourn
  • Seabourn dining
  • Spring
  • Tennis
  • The Collection
  • The Mekong
  • USA
  • Vancouver
  • Venice
  • Vietnam
  • wine

Itinerary

Day 1: Budapest
Day 2: Mohács
Day 3: Vukovar
Day 4: Belgrade
Day 5: Iron Gates
Day 6: Vidin
Day 7: Ruse
Day 1: Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas cruise. (D)

Day 2: Mohács

Day programme:

MOHÁCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. In the afternoon, you can visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You will also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Alternatively, you can travel to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Vukovar

Day programme:

VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Explore this historic Croatian city of Vukovar on a city tour, where you may see sites such as the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For a more active excursion, enjoy a guided bike tour of Vukovar. In the afternoon, wine connoisseurs will want to sample Croatia’s famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines during a special tasting excursion. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Belgrade

Day programme:

BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can opt for more active excursions with either a hike to Belgrade Fortress or a guided bike tour through Belgrade. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, paired with delicious local delights, at the Quburich Distillery. Or discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a full-day walking tour to Dunavski Park, through Stari Grad, the Old Town center, and the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Iron Gates

Day programme:

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Vidin

Day programme:

VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, then explore Vidin on a guided walking tour, where you will also have the opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Market. For a taste of local cuisine, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting at a local boutique winery. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ruse

Day programme:

ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)

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Ship features

Suite

Suite

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom

CAT. AA Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom

CAT. AB Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom
CAT. BA Stateroom

CAT. BA Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom
CAT. BA Stateroom
CAT. BB Stateroom

CAT. BB Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom
CAT. BA Stateroom
CAT. BB Stateroom
CAT. C Stateroom

CAT. C Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom
CAT. BA Stateroom
CAT. BB Stateroom
CAT. C Stateroom
CAT. D Stateroom

CAT. D Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Suite
CAT. AA Stateroom
CAT. AB Stateroom
CAT. BA Stateroom
CAT. BB Stateroom
CAT. C Stateroom
CAT. D Stateroom
CAT. E Stateroom

CAT. E Stateroom

Stateroom Features

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Main Restaurant

Main Restaurant

AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional, Western offerings. At breakfast, sip sparkling wine as you partake fresh pastries, or opt for something made-to-order from the menu. Stop by the Main Lounge for a light lunch, or head to the restaurant for full menu service and high-quality regional wine or beer. Dinner is a delectable, multi-course affair with wine recommendations that accompany visually stunning, delicious dishes. Try local favourites — like goulash while cruising through Hungary, bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or Camembert cheese while on the Seine — or something more familiar, like a sandwich. No matter what your preference, your taste buds are sure to be impressed.

Main Restaurant
The Chef's Table

The Chef's Table

Join a few of your fellow travellers at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen — usually hidden — becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river.

Limited Edition Tours

Limited Edition Tours

Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

  • Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp
  • Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim
  • Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg
  • Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights
  • Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg

Limited Edition Tours
More Included Tours

More Included Tours

We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well-versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. We also offer different tour paces: Gentle, regular and active. The choice is yours.

Limited Edition Tours
More Included Tours
Extraordinary Experiences

Extraordinary Experiences

On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you don’t just pass through a destination — you experience it. Each one of our itineraries is crafted with a paramount goal in mind: connecting you to the essence of life in each place you visit. We always make it a point to place our guests in small groups. This helps facilitate access to sights and landmarks, a more intimate setting, and more encounters with the locals. It’s a great way to take your time as you explore, get to know your fellow travellers better and find opportunities for up-close experiences. Every tour is led by a local, English-speaking guide who is very knowledgeable in the culture and history of the place you are visiting.

Choose your pace: In many cases, you’ll have a choice of gentle, regular and active tour paces. There are even some options for late risers.

Limited Edition Tours
More Included Tours
Extraordinary Experiences
Guided Bike Tours

Guided Bike Tours

With AmaWaterways, you have the option of exploring Europe’s amazing sights like the locals do. We were the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centres. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

  • Bike along the beautiful Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s Wachau Valley
  • Tour Cologne’s Old Town and Cathedral along the Rhine River
  • See the medieval city of Rouen in France’s historic Normandy region, near the Seine River
  • Take in wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau
  • Go on a guided bike ride in Vienna, where you’ll visit Klosterneuberg Abbey and enjoy cake and coffee

Limited Edition Tours
More Included Tours
Extraordinary Experiences
Guided Bike Tours
Guided Hiking Tours

Guided Hiking Tours

The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breath taking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations.

  • Trek up to the Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany for incredible views over Old Passau
  • Make your way up to Dürnstein Fortress, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
  • Hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Necker River
  • Journey from the ship to the Old Town in Strasbourg, France

Main Lounge & Bar

Main Lounge & Bar

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

Main Lounge & Bar
Entertainment

Entertainment

Part of the draw of traveling to new destinations is immersing yourself in authentic local culture. We are happy to bring evening entertainment on board that includes musicians, folkloric dancers and storytellers who live and work in the cities we sail to and are happy to share their cultural traditions and talents with you. Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites played by our resident musician, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Fitness Room

Fitness Room

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Fitness Room
Massage Services

Massage Services

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness Room
Massage Services
Beauty & Hair Salon

Beauty & Hair Salon

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in our salon.

Fitness Room
Massage Services
Beauty & Hair Salon
Sun Deck Pool

Sun Deck Pool

Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breath taking scenery.

Age Restrictions

Age Restrictions

All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). In the case where a triple or quad occupancy stateroom is not available or not selected, children under the age of 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with two adults only in circumstances where the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for minors if left unsupervised. There is a minimum age limit of 4 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.

On our Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements

Dietary Requirements

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements
Dress Code

Dress Code

Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommended and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Medical Facilities

Medical Facilities

There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Medical Facilities
Internet

Internet

High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Entertainment-On-Demand.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Medical Facilities
Internet
Sustainability

Sustainability

Environmentally-Friendly Ship Design

Our river cruise fleet has been thoughtfully designed with eco-friendly elements. These include energy-saving LED lights, special insulated windows that reduce energy needs for heating and cooling, power locks to plug into a port’s power supply instead of running generators, solar heating systems, water treatment plants that provide microfiltration and recycling of all water used on board. AmaMagna also has an innovative 10-engine configuration designed to reduce fuel consumption and solar panels have been installed on all stateroom balconies. In addition, the Zambezi Queen uses a water jet propulsion system that protects the Chobe riverbed, water-saving taps and showers, biodegradable detergents and soaps, and a five-stage water purification plant.

A Greener Onboard Experience

To reduce overall plastic consumption, we use paper straws (upon request), refillable glass water bottles in all staterooms, and hand out recyclable tetra-pak water containers for excursions across the fleet (where available). We have lessened unnecessary food waste from large-scale buffets by serving a la carte lunches on board our European fleet. For our personal audio devices used on excursions, we are proud to partner with Quietvox, which utilizes biodegradable rice paper bags and rechargeable batteries. In addition, our luggage tags and handy travel wallets are both made from recycled plastic bottle material and are now delivered to guest staterooms on board our ships in Europe, reducing our carbon footprint. The usage of our innovative myAmaCruise app and electronic travel documents has also significantly reduced paper consumption both pre-cruise and on board.

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

  • Lower Sun Deck
  • Navigation Bridge
  • Bicycles
  • Heated Pool
  • Sun Deck
  • Walking Track
  • Putting Green
  • Wheelhouse
Sun Deck
Violin Deck

Violin Deck

  • Observation Lounge
  • Bow Seating Area
  • Main Lounge
  • Gift Shop
  • Reception
  • Fitness Room
  • Massage & Hair Salon
  • The Chef’s Table
  • Elevator
  • Suites
  • CAT. AA French & Outside Balcony Staterooms
  • CAT. BA French & Outside Balcony Staterooms
  • CAT. C French Balcony Staterooms
Sun Deck
Violin Deck
Cello Deck

Cello Deck

  • Main Restaurant
  • Elevator
  • CAT. AB French & Outside Balcony Staterooms
  • CAT. BB French & Outside Balcony Staterooms
  • CAT. C French Balcony Staterooms
Sun Deck
Violin Deck
Cello Deck
Piano Deck

Piano Deck

  • CAT. D Fixed Window Staterooms
  • CAT. E Fixed Window Staterooms
  • Crew Cabins


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AMAWaterways

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. As recipient of Cruise Critic's coveted "Best River Cruise Line" award, AmaWaterways offers you exciting journeys that are unrivaled on the rivers. Each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.
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