Gems of Southeast Europe - Taste of Christmas

The holidays reach the southeastern Danube in Bulgarian, Serbian and Romanian forms. This festive 7-night sailing pairs striking landscapes and Eastern European culture with the warmth of regional Christmas customs.

Duration7 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

Duration7 nights

RiversDanube

CountriesBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

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, 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

Preview your 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

AmaBella

Newly reimagined, AmaBella blends elegant design with the luxury of uncrowded spaces.

Staterooms: 80

Passengers: 160

AmaMagna

Experience the ease of a ship with space to truly relax. Dine with new friends at Al Fresco, settle into a suite with a full balcony, or watch the Danube drift by on the Sun Deck, crisp glass of Grüner Veltliner in hand

Staterooms: 98

Passengers: 196

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Gems of Southeast Europe

“I sailed [Gems of Southeast Europe]... and had the best experiences ever. The pre-river cruise land package in Romania is essential – you get to go to Transylvania! I also traveled during Easter, so we got to experience two Easters with different customs and experiences.”

Kathy D.

Gems of Southeast Europe

“Wow, the Gems cruise really is a gem. What an incredible experience. Some vacations are relaxing, others enlighten you, and after this I’m enlightened and truly a better citizen of the world.”

Kelly Crawford Keyes

Iconic Christmas Markets

“She said it was the best food she has ever had! She was so happy and insisted that we put down a deposit on a future cruise and we recently selected Rhine Castles Swiss and Alps for June 2026. In conclusion: AmaWaterways made our honeymoon so wonderful and we can’t wait to travel again with them!”

Michael S.

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Gems of Southeast Europe - Taste of Christmas

Highlights of your Taste of Christmas Experience

What's included with your cruise

Dates, Prices and Offers

Ships

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

Gems of Southeast Europe - Taste of Christmas

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

Why the Danube Gets Its Own Holiday

Dates, Prices and Offers

November 16, 2026Giurgiu to BudapestAmaBellaTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 16, 2026 AmaBellaDirectionGiurgiu to BudapestTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

November 22, 2026Giurgiu to BudapestAmaMagnaTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 22, 2026 AmaMagnaDirectionGiurgiu to BudapestTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

November 23, 2026Budapest to GiurgiuAmaVerdeTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 23, 2026 AmaVerdeDirectionBudapest to GiurgiuTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

November 30, 2026Giurgiu to BudapestAmaVerdeTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 30, 2026 AmaVerdeDirectionGiurgiu to BudapestTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

December 07, 2026Budapest to GiurgiuAmaBellaTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:December 07, 2026 AmaBellaDirectionBudapest to GiurgiuTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

December 14, 2026Giurgiu to BudapestAmaBellaTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:December 14, 2026 AmaBellaDirectionGiurgiu to BudapestTaste of ChristmasSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

December 21, 2026Budapest to GiurgiuAmaVerdeTaste of ChristmasChristmas Day CelebrationSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:December 21, 2026 AmaVerdeDirectionBudapest to GiurgiuTaste of ChristmasChristmas Day CelebrationSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: