Click the picture for a tour of the AmaMagna
Join your hosts Mike & Jane Berger to cruise aboard the beautiful AmaMagna to visit the fascinating Christmas markets along the historic Danube River
December 3 - 10, 2023
Magna on the Danube Christmas
Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will travel into the heart of the continent where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned, and world-famous music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austria’s Lake District and the charming Czech mountain town, Ceský Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her splendor.
Our Itinerary
December 3, 2023: Vilshofen (Embark)
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.
December 4: Passau
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.
December 5: Linz (Salzburg)
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a morning 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. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. Or 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.
December 6: Melk
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 to Marbach before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Dürnstein, 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 Dürnstein 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.
December 7: Vienna
Join a tour showcasing Vienna's 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 Schönbrunn Christmas Markets, then, cap the day off with an evening visit to the Vienna Rathaus Christmas Market.
December 8: Bratislava
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.
December 9: Budapest
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 Vörösmarty 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 Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration.
December 10: Budapest (Disembark)
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home.