2025 : Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas) : 7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Istanbul Pre-Cruise And 2 Nights Vienna Post-Cruise : Istanbul to Vienna : ms AmaVerde

Overview
Cruise From: Giurgiu to Budapest
From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year along the lower Danube. Immerse yourself in the winter magic of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities await as they burst with traditional holiday cheer. You will relish the sight of beautiful landscapes, perhaps glistening with snow, and journey through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates. Wine and food lovers will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, and savor local seasonal sweets during Winterfest in Novi Sad, the first Christmas Market in Serbia. Be treated to the diverse culture and holiday joy on this unforgettable journey down the Danube.
COUNTRIES: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
RIVERS: Danube
Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Included Features
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Land Program
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL
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 Iznik 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 3 : ISTANBUL
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 4 : ISTANBUL - GIURGIU - EMBARKATION
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets cruise.
Day 5 : ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Experience more of Bucharest where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. Or visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples, and make new holiday memories when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. 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 6 : 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, and then enjoy a walking tour of Vidin with a visit to the local Christmas Market. 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 option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. You may also opt for a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : 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)
Day 8 : 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. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Slivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO's list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage,' paired with delicious local appetizers. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 9 : VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising. In the afternoon, explore 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 enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : MOHACS - PECS, HUNGARY
Visit Pecs, 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 Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You will also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pecs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : BUDAPEST - DISEMBARKATION - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Disembark the ship and enjoy a city tour of Budapest where you will see the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Transfer to Vienna and check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. (B)
Day 12 : VIENNA
The 'City of Waltzes' offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)
Day 13 : VIENNA
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Call 1 (609) 345-2129 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18956836
- Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Cruise Ship
- ms AmaVerde
Click for more information on this ship.
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
Day 1 | Istanbul | ||
Day 2 | Istanbul | ||
Day 3 | Istanbul | ||
Day 4 | Giurgiu | ||
Day 5 | Rousse | ||
Day 6 | Vidin | ||
Day 7 | Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates | ||
Day 8 | Belgrade | ||
Day 9 | Vukovar | ||
Day 10 | Pecs | ||
Day 11 | Vienna | ||
Day 12 | Vienna | ||
Day 13 | Vienna |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
NOTES:
Important Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Port Charges (included in cruise price) $231 per person.
Single Supplement for Cruise 50% of twin price; AA+ and Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Cruise (AmaMagna) Category E and D 25% of twin price; Category AB, AA, SB and SA 50% of twin price; Category Grand Suite and Owners Suite 100% of twin price.
Single Supplement for Land A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.
Visa A Turkish Tourist Visa is required for entry into Istanbul, Turkey. All guests traveling to Turkey must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their departure date.
Bedding Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The Options are: Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
All rates are per person for cruise only, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.