Gems of Southeast Europe (Taste of Christmas) Cruise Land Reverse
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Please see below brochure cabin pricing
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- Cat. E
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$6449
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- Cat. D
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$6748
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- Cat. C
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$7948
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- Cat. BB
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$8548
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- Cat. BA
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$8748
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- Cat. AB
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$8948
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- Cat. AA
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$9148
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- Suite
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$10448
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Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member
Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member
Promotion Details
Military offers are only applicable to active or retired military or veterans with valid military ID or discharge certificate, and only applies to new FIT and Group reservations. Military $250 Discount is per eligible person, applicable to cruise only; and is combinable with other promotions and discounts available at the time of booking. Military 2-for-1 Cruise Savings is only valid on select sailings and based on double occupancy; and is not combinable with any other promotions. 2-for-1 Cruise Savings applies to the cruise fare only, excluding port charges. Military 10% Single Supplement is applicable to solo travelers in lieu of 2-for-1 Cruise Savings; and is not combinable with any other promotions. Offers are limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, airfares and gratuities are additional.
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
- Day 1Thu, Dec 24, 2026ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
- Day 2Fri, Dec 25, 2026BUCHAREST. 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. (B)
- Day 3Sat, Dec 26, 2026BUCHAREST ''' SINAIA ''' BRA''OV. En route to Brasov, stop in charming Sinaia to 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. Then continue to the lovely village of Bra''ov, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a tour that includes the impressive Gothic Black Church, the 19th-century Schei Gate and City Hall. (B)
- Day 4Sun, Dec 27, 2026BRA''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)
- Day 5Mon, Dec 28, 2026BRASOV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU. Depart your Brasov hotel and continue on to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. You'''ll visit Transylvania'''s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula, before boarding the ship in Giurgiu. (B,D)
- Day 6Tue, Dec 29, 2026GIURGIU ''' ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania'''s capital, known as the '''Little Paris of the East,''' with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria'''s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. 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)
- Day 7Wed, Dec 30, 2026VIDIN. 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. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria'''s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. 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 choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
- Day 8Thu, Dec 31, 2026SCENIC 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)
- Day 9Fri, Jan 01, 2027BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, ''livovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
- Day 10Sat, Jan 02, 2027VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Enjoy an afternoon in 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 want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
- Day 11Sun, Jan 03, 2027MOH''CS - P''CS, HUNGARY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Moh''cs. You'''ll then visit P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit 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. 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)
- Day 12Mon, Jan 04, 2027BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Bid farewell to your ship and take asighteeing tour of Budapest, the '''Queen of the Danube.''' Your city tour begins with visit to the vibrant GreatMarket Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takesyou to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includesviews from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fishermen'''s Bastion and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Laterin the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B)
- Day 13Tue, Jan 05, 2027VIENNA. Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city'''smost famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO-designated historice city center. See the regal ViennaState Opera house, towering St. Stpehen'''s Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patternedroof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna'''s famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments andparks. You'''ll also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B)
- Day 14Wed, Jan 06, 2027VIENNA. Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
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
- 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 Package
- 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 Package
- 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
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
Secrets of Egypt & the Nile Cruise provides an exceptional experience. Worth Every penny! Additionally Egypt is very SAFE with extra security measures provided. The Cruise Director provided good communication on the agenda for the day. The Egyptologist that is with the group at all times provided exceptional historic details adding much to the experience. I recommend this tour to those wishing to explore Egypt!
Gems of Southeast Europe from Giurgiu to Budapest, November, 2024. My booking included a pre cruise of 2 nights in Bucharest and 2 nights in Brasov. Dracula's castle was a highlight. The local guide explained how the legend followed Vlad's impailment of captives. The Ama Magna was magnificent. It was gorgeously decorated with Christmas ornaments. Many of the crew were warm and welcoming, especially the cruise director, Nemanja. A few were professional, but not like family, an Ama selling point. The on board entertainment was the best I have seen. Although the ship captain said that it didn't matter which side of the ship my cabin faced, this was inaccurate. During the high season that may be true, but not during the off season, as we never saw any other cruise ships. As I had previously researched Northbound, the starboard cabins were much better, as almost the entire cruise they faced the water, not the pier. Category AA cabins were poorly designed as there was almost no storage space for storing clothing and other small, miscellaneous items. They had a few small, open shelves. When I paid 490 Euros for 6 nights upgrade to category AS, I ended up on the port side. AMA's security policies are entirely too strict. No ebikes are allowed due to liability issues, despite signed waivers. Once I was locked out on my balcony as it has a feature not allowing outside opening, and no one warned me. One time my key card failed to open the cabin door. Same issue with a neighbor cabin. The Apple computer was nearly useless as Ama does not allow peripheral devices to be accessed on it. The smart TV provided nearly the same features.
Just about everything was great. Staff was exceeding going out of their way to please. Loved the blue night light in the bathroom. I don't have a broad taste pallet. Picked almost all of the Chefs recommendations. They were very good. Only minor issues. The duvet was too warm for us. They cordially removed and left sheet only. I don't like the oversized square pillows. They did not have any others. We extended our trip on our own to Luxembourg and Belgium. Embarking at Wasserbillig. We took the train to Luxembourg central station. All public transportation is free in the country of Luxembourg. Taxi would have been over $100. The staff was great about taking our suitcases for the short walk to the station. It's a short walk away. But, UPHILL.! We made the mistake of having the staff take our suitcases up the first steps. Then we found out we had to go to the other side. Taking our suitcases down the steps and fortunately up a ramp on the other side.
Our AMAWaterways cruise manager, was informative, extremely engaging, and very welcoming and helpful. The boat was beautiful and service was impeccable.
This was our seventh river cruise with AmaWaterways, so we are definitely pleased with every aspect of the experience they provide.
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.
Great service on AMA
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!
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Our Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise was fabulous with AMAWaterways. We did Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AMAWaterways in 2014 and loved it. So, we had to do the Danube. Both cruises will get you and your family in the mood for Christmas with beautiful sites, Christmas lights, and tremendous markets. If I could afford it, I would do both again!!!