1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert

Gems of Southeast Europe (Taste of Christmas) Cruise Only Forward

From Giurgiu, Romania to Budapest, Hungary
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Sun, Nov 23, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 23, 2025
Arrival
Nov 30, 2025

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

To receive our best value and service, please call us or Click Here For a Free Quote

All the River Operators Offers & More:

CALL FOR BEST VALUE!
We have the best value and service on AmaWaterways River Cruises

Up to $2000 Off + Free Upgrade & $100 Credit

Mention Promo Code: PT3349
Promotion Image

Up to $2000 Off + Free Upgrade & $100 Credit

Up to $2000 Off + Free Upgrade & $100 Credit

Promotion Details
Enjoy up to $2000 off, plus a Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade and up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom on select river cruises. (Discount/offer varies by sailing and not all sailings apply, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, inclusive of port charges, based on double occupancy in Category E stateroom, and reflects $1,000 per person savings for 7-night cruises. Triple Savings offer is only valid on new FIT and Group reservations made between March 17 - June 30, 2025; applies to select Europe sailings. Tour Operators are eligible; additional restrictions apply. Complimentary upgrade is subject to availability; applies to one category upgrade, based on a like-for-like stateroom category; and excludes A+, AA+ and Suites. Onboard credit of $100 per per stateroom is in USD, based on double occupancy and can be applied towards all onboard purchases; Solo occupants receive half of the stated Onboard Credit. Offer is combinable with AirPlus Rates, Combination Cruise Savings, Loyalty Benefits and Future Cruise Benefit Program. Must request promo code TRIPLESAVINGS at time of booking. Offer is not applicable to travel advisors and does not apply to industry rates or other offers deemed by AmaWaterways. Stateroom upgrades, optional land packages, visas, airfares and gratuities are additional. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply.

Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Mention Promo Code: PT2711
Promotion Image

Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Save $250 per Active or Retired Military Member

Promotion Details
Save $250 per active or retired military member or veterans on any of our river cruises, excluding Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises or receive 2-For-1 cruise fares on select 2025 river cruises (ask your Travel Consultant for applicable dates.)
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

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.


River Cruise Itinerary

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

  1. Day 1
    Sun, Nov 23, 2025
    EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
  2. Day 2
    Mon, Nov 24, 2025
    ROUSSE, 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)
  3. Day 3
    Tue, Nov 25, 2025
    VIDIN, 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)
  4. Day 4
    Wed, Nov 26, 2025
    SCENIC 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)
  5. Day 5
    Thu, Nov 27, 2025
    BELGRADE, 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)
  6. Day 6
    Fri, Nov 28, 2025
    VUKOVAR, 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)
  7. Day 7
    Sat, Nov 29, 2025
    MOH''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)
  8. Day 8
    Sun, Nov 30, 2025
    BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Countries Visited

Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Romania

Rivers Visited

Danube

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

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.8
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
4.5

Ratings based off 4 reviews - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

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!!!

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.

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

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaBella
    Starts
    Giurgiu
    Ends
    Budapest
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,939
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaMagna
    Starts
    Giurgiu
    Ends
    Budapest
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,939

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for AmaWaterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Low Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got a great deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2024 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!