Best of the Danube - Taste of Christmas

Cruising during November and December, this 7-night itinerary from Budapest captures the Danube dressed for the holidays. Enjoy the evening glow of Budapest and Vienna, decked out in holiday decor. Venture to Český Krumlov, where the impressive castle complex takes on a quieter tenor. Take a seat on the Sun Deck with a warm beverage and enjoy the shifting landscapes of Austria's Wachau Valley.

Duration7 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesAustria, Slovakia, Hungary

Duration7 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesAustria, Slovakia, Hungary

Highlights of your Taste of Christmas Experience

Holiday magic, wherever you sail

Each Taste of Christmas sailing is built around how that region celebrates, from the food on the table to the lights on the water.

Regional holiday menus

Your Executive Chef builds the menu around the season and the region, so what's on your plate matches where you are.

On-shore evenings that sparkle

Evening port stays are built into these sailings so you see each town after dark, when squares are lit and the season is at its best.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailings

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $250 per person in 2026. $280 per person in 2027. $290 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaVerde

Providing Life aboard AmaVerde mirrors the spirit of the Danube, blending refined spaces, regionally-inspired meals, and moments of quiet connection into a journey that feels personal at every turnthe ultimate in custom-designed luxury, this 161-passenger vessel offers twin balcony staterooms, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and much more.

Staterooms: 80

Passengers: 160

AmaVerde

Staterooms: 80

Passengers: 160

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Best of the Danube

“Our horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center brought all the feel of pomp & circumstance to life. As you are on the ride you can imagine the royalty that was in Vienna throughout the centuries. A must do excursion! Thank you Ama Waterways for this truly unforgettable experience!”

Michele Clifford

Best of the Danube

“We adored...the exclusive Oktoberfest in Vilshofen where we got to know fellow guests.”

Maureen G.

Best of the Danube

“The “Tastes of Slovakia” tour gave us a chance to sample some delicious local beer and cheese pairings at a pub. Toasting to our friendship and connecting with the locals was a real highlight for us.”

Meghan F.