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Iconic Christmas Markets (Smithsonian Journeys)

Iconic Christmas Markets (Smithsonian Journeys)

About This Cruise

Embark on our Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise: A River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Savor the timeless holiday traditions of Central Europe as you cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary, discovering delightful Christmas markets in world-class cities like Vienna and Budapest as well in charming towns and palaces from Regensburg to Salzburg. Sip glühwein and nibble lebkuchen amid festive stalls in the historic cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg, and experience Salzburg’s palaces transformed into a winter wonderland. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Liszt House in Budapest, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

AmaMora

Departure Date

12 December 2026

Cruise Line

AmaWaterways

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Germany

Nuremberg

NUREMBERG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION. Arrive in the walled city of Nuremberg, the capital of the German Renaissance, and settle into your stateroom aboard the ship. (Meals: D)

Germany

Nuremberg

NUREMBERG. Venture into Nuremberg’s main square, where the city’s spectacular Christkindelsmarkt has been held nearly every year since the 16th century. Immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of Germany’s largest Christmas market, browsing stalls where merchants sell all manner of holiday treats and crafts. Or tour the castle and then head to a local brewery for a tasting of Franconian specialties, including wheat beer and bratwurst. Continue to Sebalder Kirche to nibble on sweet and spicy lebkuchen, a form of gingerbread. Alternatively, visit sites associated with World War II including Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg trials took place. Set sail late in the day, crossing the European Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal, a waterway established by Emperor Charlemagne to create a passage from the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)

Germany

Regensburg

REGENSBURG, GERMANY. Discover the delights of Regensburg, which was spared damage during World War II and is now a World Heritage site. Once the capital of Bavaria, the city dates back to the Celts and was an outpost of the Roman Empire. On a guided walk, see architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, a gate in the original Roman city wall. Then enjoy free time to browse the enchanting Christmas market, perhaps sipping one of the region’s signature varieties of glühwein, or hot, spiced wine, or watch craftspeople at work at the Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace. Alternatively, set off on a Bavarian tasting tour or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, and continue to the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple. (Meals: B,L,D)

Germany

Passau

PASSAU, GERMANY. Arrive in the medieval trade center of Passau, scenically situated at the confluence of three rivers. On a walking tour of the Old Town, admire baroque and Gothic architecture and seek out Bavarian crafts at its Christmas market. Or choose a full-day excursion to the World Heritage site of Salzburg. Take a walk along the cobbled lanes of its fairy-tale Old Town, and visit the Christmas market on the grounds of Mirabell Palace, and visit the home where Mozart was born. (Meals: B,L,D)

Austria

Melk

MELK, AUSTRIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Begin the day with a visit to Melk Abbey, a gem of baroque architecture perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Visit its recently renovated museum and its renowned library, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. If you prefer a more active pursuit, join a guided bike tour of Melk and its environs. Enjoy lunch and lovely views on board as the ship winds its way through the Wachau Valley, a World Heritage site known for its vineyards and charming riverside villages. Arrive in the elegant capital of Vienna and venture into the historic center for an evening at the city’s famous Rathaus Christmas market. (Meals: B,L,D)

Austria

Vienna

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Austria

Vienna

VIENNA. Spend the morning exploring the imperial landmarks of the “city of waltzes.” See the majestic Opera House, beautifully reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II, and Hofburg Palace, the home of generations of Habsburg monarchs—including the famous Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi. Then follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, home to a world-class fine art collection housed within an opulent neoclassical building. You’ll have an opportunity to stop at the city’s smaller Christmas markets just outside the museum. Alternatively, choose to take a guided bike ride along the Danube. In the afternoon, tour Schönbrunn Palace, transformed into a winter wonderland with a festive holiday market set against the backdrop of its resplendent façade. (Meals: B,L,D)

Hungary

Budapest

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. The Danube flows through the center of Budapest, its banks dotted with the iconic monuments of the once-separate cities of Buda and Pest. Ascend Castle Hill by vehicle or on foot for a walking tour of the leafy Buda side of the city, strolling through Dózsa György Square to Fisherman’s Bastion. Attend a private concert at the former home of composer Franz Liszt. During an afternoon tour of Pest, view the magnificent Parliament building and discover city squares brimming with festive market stalls where merchants sell Hungarian handicrafts and holiday treats such as strudel and grog. Or join a Jewish heritage walking tour visiting the largest synagogue in Europe, then see the evocative Shoes on the Danube memorial. Celebrate your holiday voyage at a farewell dinner this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)

Hungary

Budapest

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before your return flight home. (Meals: B)

Overview

Embark on our Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise: A River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Savor the timeless holiday traditions of Central Europe as you cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary, discovering delightful Christmas markets in world-class cities like Vienna and Budapest as well in charming towns and palaces from Regensburg to Salzburg. Sip glühwein and nibble lebkuchen amid festive stalls in the historic cities of Nuremberg and Regensburg, and experience Salzburg’s palaces transformed into a winter wonderland. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Liszt House in Budapest, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region

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Suite

Suite

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Suite
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

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Balcony

Category AA

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category AA
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category AB

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category AB
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

View More Images
Balcony

Category BA

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category BA
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category BB

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category BB
  • French Balcony & Outside Balcony

Balcony

Category CA

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Cello Deck
  • Category CA
  • French Balcony

Balcony

Category CB

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Balconies and Panoramic Views

Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Violin Deck
  • Category CB
  • French Balcony

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Outside

Category D

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category D
  • Fixed Windows

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Outside

Category E

Spacious Staterooms and Suites

Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.

Comfort and Understated Luxury

Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

  • Piano Deck
  • Category E
  • Fixed Windows

classic

Journeys Restaurant

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Regional Flavors and Fresh Ingredients

Taste the essence of every destination through cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and using regional traditions, bringing the authentic flavors of your travel destination directly to your table.

Perfectly Paired Wines and Beverages

Pair dishes with regional wines, beers, or handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully chosen by our sommeliers to complement each dish and enhance your dining experience throughout the journey.

chef

The Chef’s Table

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings. Watch as our chefs prepare each course before your eyes, pairing exquisite flavors with impeccable service.

Bar, Lounge, Musicians

Main Lounge & Bar

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

Local Entertainment, Musicians

Onboard Entertainment

Onboard Performances and Musical Evenings

Throughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into a stage for local ensembles, jazz duos, and classical quartets

Select sailings have Music Hosts, conductors and musicians who guide you through historical context, lead onboard performances, and deepen your connection with the region’s musical heritage.

Live Regional Performances On Ship

Even on non-themed sailings, enjoy musical offerings like local performances, curated playlists, and connections to the musical stories of the rivers you traverse.

Gym

Fitness Room

Stay energized with fitness classes, a session in the gym, or an afternoon pickleball game on board, or seek an active hike or bike ride on shore.

Pool, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Sun Deck Pool

Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, the Sun Deck, or simply watching the river drift by.

Salon, Spa

Massage Services

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and serenity.

Salon

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.

Exercise Class

Fitness Classes

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded by fresh air and flowing scenery.