Blue Danube Discovery (Taste of Christmas)

7 Nights • AmaWaterways

From £4,888pp | Departs from Budapest

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Blue Danube Discovery (Taste of Christmas)

Offer Highlights

  • AmaWaterways
  • Budapest
  • Included
  • River Cruise
  • AmaBella
  • luxury
  • Christmas, Festive
  • Europe, Western Europe, Danube
  • Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
  • 8 days / 7 nights

Discover a wealth of history, cultural treasures, and seasonal festivities ahead of the holiday crowds as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube. From the world-renowned Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities, to the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, your journey along the Danube will bring you to the brightest holiday gems along the Danube. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich Sacher-Torte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley winemaking region and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide.

Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.

Vienna

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Dürnstein and Melk

Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot.

Melk is an Austrian town situated on the River Danube. Located west of Vienna, the town is mostly famous for its 11th Century Melk Abbey, a magnificent monastery built high above the town. Melk Abbey is the largest example of Baroque architecture in the Wachau Valley, with the valley itself awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2000. Its steep terraced vineyards mean vinters cultivate with traditional manual practices and the springtime sees this unique landscape covered in apricot tree blossoms. Strolling around the streets of Melk Old Town, visitors will find the Town Hall Square, the Main Square, the old Post Office, now a local museum, Old Abbey Tavern, and Kremser Strasse. River cruises, self-guided walking tours and cycle tours are also extremely popular around Melk, as the Wachau Valley offers unique landscape to be explored and enjoyed. Art festivals and Baroque music is celebrated each year with the Melk Baroque Days, an international festival.

Passau

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

Regensburg

Regensburg is a medieval city of Bavaria in southeast Germany. It is situated on the northern point of the Danube River at its confluence with the Regen and Naab rivers. The city is famous for its iconic 12th Century stone bridge and sixteen arches, crossing the Danube into Old Town and is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. Regensburg is also noted for its 13th Century Regensburg Cathedral and Gothic twin spires that feature prominently on the city’s skyline. Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, the city is home to many preserved sites. Visit the the 2nd Century Porta Praetoria which served as the north gate to a Roman camp and St Peter’s Cathedral, with its French Gothic architecture. Also the 18th Century Thurn and Taxis Palace and the Old Town Hall, which is now home to the Imperial Diet Museum, are also worth a visit. Regensburg benefits from lots of parks and gardens for visitors to relax in, as well as walks and cycle paths along the banks of the rivers.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

AmaBella

AmaBella

AmaBella was newly re-imagined in 2021, blending elegant design with a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. Some staterooms feature a rare combination of two balconies — a step-out balcony where you can sit outside and a French balcony, a floor-to-ceiling glass door that slides open to let in fresh air and views. Guests can choose from three dining venues, including the Main Restaurant, The Chef’s Table, and the casual Café Bistro, each with its own style. A heated Sun Deck pool, cozy lounges, a fitness room, and a massage and hair salon round out the ship’s amenities, while itineraries along the Rhine and Danube connect you with some of Europe’s most iconic scenery.

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

Unique Features

Exquisite Dining On Board

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.

Suite
Suite
Suite

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

350 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Vanity Area Shower Bath Toiletries Provided +9 more
Category AA
Category AA
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

235 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Vanity Area Shower Bath Toiletries Provided +9 more
Category AB
Category AB
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

235 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Butler Service TV +5 more
Category BA
Category BA
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Shower Toiletries Provided Butler Service TV +5 more
Category BB
Category BB
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided TV Free Wi-Fi Safe +3 more
Category C
Category C
Balcony

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

170 sq ft Max 2 guests
Lounge Area Double or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided TV Free Wi-Fi +4 more
Category D
Category D
Inside

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

170 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided TV Free Wi-Fi Safe +3 more
Category E
Category E
Outside

Spacious Staterooms and SuitesUnwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces...

170 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV Safe +3 more

AmaBella has three dining options on board. The Main Restaurant is the ship’s fine dining option, while The Chef’s Table is ideal for intimate multi-course tastings, and the casual Café Bistro is a relaxed spot for light lunches, cards, or mingling with fellow guests. Each venue is designed to feel welcoming, with menus that reflect the regions you’re sailing through. Dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free are happily accommodated.

Journeys Restaurant
Journeys Restaurant
Complimentary

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local...

The Chef's Table
The Chef's Table
Complimentary

Enjoy an intimate, multi-course dinner where culinary artistry shines at The Chef’s Table, available on select sailings....

Get a glimpse of what awaits you aboard your AmaWaterways cruise ship, where every moment on board is designed to make your journey feel effortless and memorable.

The Lark Lounge & Bar
The Lark Lounge & Bar
Bar Lounge

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with yo...

Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment
Lounge

Onboard Performances and Musical EveningsThroughout many voyages, the ship’s lounge transforms into...

Reception
Reception
Reception

The Reception can be found on the Violin Deck.

AmaBella has a fitness room, massage services, as well as a walking track on the Sun Deck. Guests also enjoy a heated pool with a swim-up bar, making it easy to balance active time with relaxation.

Fitness Room
Fitness Room
Gym Wellness

Stay energized with fitness classes, a session in the gym, or an afternoon pickleball game on board,...

Fitness Classes
Fitness Classes
Wellness

Start the day with intention through gentle stretching, yoga, or quiet moments on deck, surrounded...

Massage Services
Massage Services
Spa Wellness

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of...

Beauty & Hair Salon
Beauty & Hair Salon
Salon

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can...

Sun Deck Pool
Sun Deck Pool
Pool Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, t...

Sun Deck
Sun Deck

  • Wheelhouse
  • Sun Deck & The Deck Club
  • Pool

Violin Deck
Violin Deck

  • The Chef's Table
  • Massage & Hair Salon
  • Fitness Centre
  • Elevator
  • Reception
  • Boutique
  • The Lark Lounge & Bar
  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category BA
  • Category C

Cello Deck
Cello Deck
  • Journeys Restaurant 
  • Category AB
  • Category BB
  • Category C
  • Elevator

Piano Deck
Piano Deck

  • Category D
  • Category E

Choose your cabin

AmaBella Budapest → Nuremberg 22 Nov 2027 – 29 Nov 2027 Available
From £4,888 pp
Flights included. Prices include flights and transfers — everything's covered, so you can book online.
Balcony

French or outside balcony with river views

5 options

from £4,888 pp
Suite

Spacious suite with premium extras

1 option

from £6,888 pp
Date Ship Window Balcony Suite
20 Nov 2027 AmaMora £3,620 £5,274 £6,812 View
22 Nov 2027 AmaBella £4,888 £6,888 Viewing
15 Nov 2028 AmaSonata £3,093 £4,278 £6,204 View
18 Nov 2028 AmaMora £3,093 £3,981 £6,204 View
20 Nov 2028 AmaBella £3,093 £4,278 £6,204 View
From £4,888 per person

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