Magna on the Danube (Christmas)

Overview

Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the worlds greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Austrias Lake District and the Czech Republics charming mountain town, Cesk Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vilshofen

Board the AmaMagna in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)

Day 2 – Passau & Scenic Cruising

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephens Squarealso home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or, climb to the Mariahilf prigrimage church and monastery, enthroned high above Innstadt, a suburb of Passau that offers magnificent views across the old town and surrounding countryside. You may also choose to bike along the scenic Inn River from Passau to Wernstein and back. Later in the day, enjoy daytime scenic cruising around the Horseshoe Bend. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Linz

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linzs old city center and by the Mozart House, where the famous musician composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linzs Christmas Markets. For the more active explorers, try a guided bike tour around Linz. Or take a full-day trip to Salzburg, known as the setting of The Sound of Music, where the distinctive citys Christmas Markets also beckon. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, esky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Melk & Spitz

In the morning, you can visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike ride to Spitz before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and then take a guided excursion to Drnstein, where youll stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to Drnstein Fortress, cycle through Spitz or hike in the town. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where youll enjoy some of the regions famous wines. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Vienna

The City of Waltzes offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Viennas historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. Later in the day, enjoy the festivities of Viennas Christmas Markets, indulge in free time to explore Vienna on your own or cap the day off with Vienna by Night Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Schnbrunn Palace. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Bratislava

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title Coronation City of Kings, as youll discover during your walking tour. Youll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislavas charming Christmas Market. Or join a special Slovakian Specialties tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city, before discovering the citys distinctive Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Scenic Cruising & Budapest

This morning, sit back and watch the beautiful scenery of the Danube Bend go by before arriving in Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, youll visit Vrsmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermens Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Budapest

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)