Gems of Southeast Europe (Taste of Christmas) Cruise Land Forward
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Please see below brochure cabin pricing
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- Cat. E
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$6099
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- Cat. D
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$6898
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- Cat. AB
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$8498
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- Cat. AA
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$8698
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- Cat. SB
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$9098
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- Cat. SA
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$9698
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- Cat. GS
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$13098
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- Cat. OS
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$16098
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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 Bucharest, 2 nights in Brasov, followed by a 7-night cruise from Giurgiu to Budapest, and 2 nights in Vienna or Budapest
- Day 1Wed, Nov 19, 2025ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
- Day 2Thu, Nov 20, 2025ISTANBUL. Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans''' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women'''s quarters) and the Imperial Treasury'''s vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker'''s Diamond. (B)
- Day 3Fri, Nov 21, 2025ISTANBUL. Depart your hotel for an enriching guided walking tour, during which you will explore the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church before becoming a mosque and finally a museum. A beautiful example of Old-World architecture, this museum showcases lovely Christian murals and Islamic symbols throughout. After the Hagia Sophia, visit Istanbul'''s similarly beautiful Blue Mosque, named for the Blue ''znik tiles that cover its interior. For those who are interested, be guided to the lively Grand Bazaar and venture through the market before returning to your hotel. (B)
- Day 4Sat, Nov 22, 2025BRA''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 5Sun, Nov 23, 2025BRASOV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'''ll 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. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B,D)
- Day 6Mon, Nov 24, 2025ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience more of Bucharest or 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 7Tue, Nov 25, 2025VIDIN, BULGARIA. 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, or 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 option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
- Day 8Wed, Nov 26, 2025SCENIC 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 9Thu, Nov 27, 2025BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor'''s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including ''livovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO'''s list of '''Intangible Cultural Heritage.''' Or journey to nearby Novi Sad, often called the '''Athens of Serbia,''' where you will stroll through Stari Grad, Liberty Square, and the Petrovaradin Fortress. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through Belgrade. (B,L,D)
- Day 10Fri, Nov 28, 2025VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Welcome to historic Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'''ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ov''ara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'''ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines; or opt for a guided bike tour through Vukovar. (B,L,D)
- Day 11Sat, Nov 29, 2025MOH''CS - P''CS, HUNGARY. Visit P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and 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 12Sun, Nov 30, 2025BUDAPEST ''' 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 13Mon, Dec 01, 2025VIENNA. 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 14Tue, Dec 02, 2025VIENNA. 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 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, 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 Program
- 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Athenee Palace Hilton (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel in Bucharest to Bra''ov via Sinaia with Pele'' Castle tour
- 1 night hotel in Bra''ov at the Kronwell Bra''ov Hotel (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
- Transfer from Bra''ov to the Bran Castle and to the ship in Giurgiu
- Transfer from the ship in Budapest to Vienna with Budapest city tour
- 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including daily breakfast
- Land Program
- 3 nights hotel in Istanbul, including city tour and daily breakfast
- Flight from Istanbul to Bucharest, with a motorcoach to the ship in Giurgiu
- 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including 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?
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.
Great service on AMA
This was my 3rd AMA trip and the AMA Magda was fantastic, land hotels especially in Vienna were all great. I want to travel that vessel agIn
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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!!!