1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert
Hero Image

Melodies of the Danube (Taste of Christmas) Cruise Only

From Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Mon, Dec 22, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 22, 2025
Arrival
Dec 29, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

To receive our best value and service, please call us or Click Here For a Free Quote

Special Offers

CALL FOR BEST VALUE!
We have the best value and service on AmaWaterways River Cruises

River Cruise Itinerary

2 nights Budapest, 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen and 3 nights in Prague

  1. Day 1
    Mon, Dec 22, 2025
    EMBARKATION ''' BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)
  2. Day 2
    Tue, Dec 23, 2025
    BUDAPEST. Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city'''s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman'''s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest'''s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes''' Square and the moving '''Shoes on the Danube Bank''' memorial. (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    Wed, Dec 24, 2025
    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. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    Thu, Dec 25, 2025
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The '''City of Waltzes''' offers a wealth of gems 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 Vienna'''s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen'''s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    Fri, Dec 26, 2025
    WEISSENKIRCHEN ''' GREIN. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'''ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of D''rnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in D''rnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk or hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau Valley to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. (B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    Sat, Dec 27, 2025
    LINZ. The ship arrives in Linz where you'''ll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of ''esk'' Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city'''s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe'''s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city'''s famed '''Cultural Mile''' and the Danube. (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    Sun, Dec 28, 2025
    PASSAU, GERMANY ''' VILSHOFEN. Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen'''s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing'''an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    Mon, Dec 29, 2025
    VILSHOFEN ''' DISEMBARKATION. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)

Countries Visited

Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Rivers Visited

Danube

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

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
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • 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 Daily 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 Budapest at the Marriott (or similar), including tour and daily breakfast; and transfer to ship
  • Transfer from the ship in Vilshofen to Regensburgwith city tour and then on to Prague
  • 3 nights hotel in Prague at the InterContinental(or similar), including city tour, Czech beer tastingand daily breakfast

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

AmaWaterways Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 301 reviews about AmaWaterways Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

The excursions and local guides were excellent and AMA staff was professional and accomodative. We were disappointed by the quality of the food based on our past pre-COVID experiences with AMA. Not sure we would book another trip on AMA.

Ama did an amazing job with the cruise. The ship crew and tour director were exceptional. It was the best value cruise we have taken. We were disappointed with two of the excursions. The Paris city tour, included in the extension, was two hours of walking around and looking at buildings with no real significance. It ended with a light show in a warehouse, which gave me vertigo and I lasted five minutes. People want to see the real sights. We would have rather spent two hours riding past historical structures. We signed up for the American invasion beaches tour. We only saw Omaha Beach, at high tide, and did not see Utah Beach. Instead we were taken to a little tourist village, in the British section.

This was our sixth trip with AmaWaterways and we've already booked our seventh, so they must be doing something right!

The Cruise was very enjoyable.The itinerary, service and the staff was excellent. I would take an Amawaterways cruise again.

Fantastic trip. AMA Waterways staff was excellent! I would highly recommend this trip and this company

Cruise manager very professional and responsible. Cruise team very accommodating. Cabin, while compact on a cruise ship, had all we needed.

This company's standards are great as well as their products. There were extra entertainment in 3 of the 7 nights and each one was different and a big hit. The captains dinner was quite delightful because we saw a fun side of our captain and truly understand his job.

We are returning passengers on AmaWaterways river cruises having just completed our 9th cruise. We have thoroughly enjoyed each cruise with AmaWaterways and we will certainly cruise with them again. They are wonderful hosts and their treatment of guests is excellent from ship Captain to cabin attendants. Their performance has always exceeded our expectations. Our last cruise was marred with unfortunate strikes in France but AmaWaterways and the Cruise Manager scrambled to provide a pleasant cruise experience. The mark of a true customer-oriented high quality organization is how they perform in adversity and AmaWaterways performed brilliantly to provide a very positive and enjoyable experience!

I totally enjoyed the experience with AMA Waterways. Everyone was courteous and took care of the passengers. Even laundry was not a rip-off, and the clothes came back quickly. The room was cleaned thoroughly every day, it was amazingly clean. Food was excellent as well - sometimes I felt the portion sizes were not sufficient, and the waitstaff accommodated my request for more food, i.e. give me another main course. A minor complaint is that the wines included with lunch/dinner were average to good.

We continue to be highly satisfied with both AmaWaterways and Affordable Tours.

Every single worker was friendly, kind and helpful on the AmaStella. Highly recommend this company.

As far as I'm concerned, AMA Waterways is a very customer friendly business to deal with. They treat their customers with the utmost respect and as family. They are the only River Cruise outfit that we would consider doing another river cruise with. We have already given them a $400 deposit against a future cruise.

The staff was wonderful, always courteous and helpful. Loved all of the different foods served on board. The Chef's Table was a wonderful way of tasting new foods! The sites we saw were unbelievable! So much to learn and experience. I was a bit surprised with our cabin, I was expecting an outdoor balcony, we had a full length window instead. In the end it really did not matter, we were still able to see all of the beautiful views from our cabin and the sun deck.

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Avalon Waterways
    Ship
    Passion
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Nuremberg
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,149
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Avalon Waterways
    Ship
    Passion
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Prague
    Days
    10
    From
    $3,778
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Vilhjalm
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Passau
    Days
    8
    From
    $2,999
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Uniworld
    Ship
    SS Maria Theresa
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Passau
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,329

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!