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

  • 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 Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • La Chaine des Rotisseurs 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 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 BRASOV
  • 2 nights hotel in BRASOV at the Kronwell BRASOV Hotel (or similar), including city tour, SIGHISOARA excursion and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in BRASOV to Peles Royal Castle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest
  • 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast

    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.

    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Istanbul  
    Day 2Istanbul  
    Day 3Istanbul  
    Day 4Giurgiu  
    Day 5Rousse  
    Day 6Vidin  
    Day 7Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates  
    Day 8Belgrade  
    Day 9Vukovar  
    Day 10Pecs  
    Day 11Vienna  
    Day 12Vienna  
    Day 13Vienna  
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionQuote
    11/28/2025 Quote
    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.

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