Grand Danube Christmas Markets

ROUSSE, BULGARIA. 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, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, right in front of the Palace of the Parliament. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

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. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. In the afternoon, continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations and enjoy a Vidin Walking Tour or participate in a Vidin Wine Tasting. (B,L,D)

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. The Iron Gates are some 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. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. (B,L,D)

BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas Market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

NOVI SAD, SERBIA – ILOK, CROATIA. Novi Sad is sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center, or taste Serbian specialties. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia’s first and oldest Winter Market where you’ll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike to Petrovaradin Fortress. Later in the day, visit Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)

PÉCS – MOHÁCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, thecity’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. Youwill also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or choose a guided bike tour through Mohács. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go instead to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. This morning head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain where you will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a tradition that goes back to the hordes of Magyar tribes conquering Hungary in the 9th century. Be amazed by the nomad-cavalry fight show, the archery on horse, four-in-hand driving, the virtuosities of herds-men and so many other wonderful riding performances. Experience warm hospitality and enjoy a traditional lunch served with Goulash before returning to your ship docked in Budapest. Cap the day off with a stunning illumination cruise and marvel at the sight of the Hungarian Parliament Building glowing against the night sky. (B,L,D)

BUDAPEST. You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the 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. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 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, including a visit to 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)

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. Perhaps sample Vienna’s famous pastries or you may choose to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas Markets. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening on your own. (B,L,D)

WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA – GREIN. Be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or hike the trail up to the ruins of Durnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, and where you’ll find spectacular views of the valley, river and village below. You can also choose to cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to Melk. For a more culinary-focused experience, sample wine and special apricot treats from a local boutique. Later in the day, head up to the Sun Deck for panoramic views as you unwind with a scenic cruise through the Strudengau and UNESCO-designated Wachau valleys. In the evening, head ashore in Grein for an exclusive castle visit complete with wine. (B,L,D)

LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

PASSAU, GERMANY. Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. 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 choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

VILSHOFEN, GERMANY – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)