River Cruise Itinerary

Enjoy 2 nights in Budapest or Vienna, followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Giurgiu, 2 nights in Brasov and 2 nights in Bucharest

1. Day 1
   Thu, Dec 11, 2025

   ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
2. Day 2
   Fri, Dec 12, 2025

   BUCHAREST. This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights for shopping and dining opportunities. Laer, explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted goods at the small wooden stalls. (B)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Dec 13, 2025

   BUCHAREST ''' BRAN - BRA''OV. Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'''ll visit Transylvania'''s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later, head to Bra''ov for a walking tour where the fairytale-like old town transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market then check into your hotel. (B)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Dec 14, 2025

   BRA''OV ''' SIGHI''OARA. Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighi''oara, birthplace to Transylvania'''s most notorious ruler, Vlad ''epe'', also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It'''s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad'''s place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called '''Casa Dracula.''' (B)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Dec 15, 2025

   BRASOV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'''ll visit Pele'' Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Dec 16, 2025

   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience more of Bucharest where 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. Or visit Bulgaria'''s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples, and make new holiday memories when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to explore 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)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Dec 17, 2025

   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, and then enjoy a walking tour of Vidin with a visit to the local Christmas Market. 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 option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. You may also opt for a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Dec 18, 2025

   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, 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress ''' one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe ''' for a tour. (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Fri, Dec 19, 2025

   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. 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 in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, ''livovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO'''s list of '''Intangible Cultural Heritage,''' paired with delicious local appetizers. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Sat, Dec 20, 2025

    VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising. In the afternoon, explore Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Sun, Dec 21, 2025

    MOH''CS - P''CS, HUNGARY. Visit P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter'''s Basilica, the city'''s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Sz''chenyi Square, the heart of Old Town P''cs. 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 P''cs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'''ll want to go to the Szeksz''rd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Mon, Dec 22, 2025

    BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Enjoy a city tour of the Hungarian capital. Visit the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman'''s Bastion, St. Stephen'''s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Transfer to Vienna and check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. (B)
13. Day 13
    Tue, Dec 23, 2025

    VIENNA. The '''City of Waltzes''' offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna'''s historic city center. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)
14. Day 14
    Wed, Dec 24, 2025

    VIENNA. Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
• Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• The Chef'''s Table specialty restaurant
• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• La Cha''ne des R''tisseurs exclusive dining experience
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Bike tours and hikes
• Special interest tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
• Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Bra''ov
• 2 nights hotel in Bra''ov at the Kronwell Bra''ovHotel (or similar), including city tour, Sighi''oaraexcursion and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Bra''ov to Pele'' RoyalCastle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest
• 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu(or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Land Program
• 2 nights hotel in Vienna at Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
• Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bucharest followed by flight to Istanbul
• 3 nights hotel in Istanbul including city tour and daily breakfast

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers