Call Us 800.528.9300
Grand Danube Christmas Markets (Giurgiu to Vilshofen)
Tour Description:
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered—Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From the imposing capitals of Budapest and Vienna to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Click for larger view.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
GIURGIU, BULGARIA – EMBARKATION. Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Grand Danube Christmas Markets Cruise.
Day 2
ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights. Later in the day, visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to 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.
Day 3
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. 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 choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle, or you can visit a local winery just outside of the city for a tasting of traditional Bulgarian wines.
Day 4
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. In the afternoon, visit Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
Day 5
BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.
Day 6
VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas Market. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. For those looking for a more active excursion, pedal through Vukovar on a guided bike tour.
Day 7
MOHÁCS, HUNGARY – PÉCS, HUNGARY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go instead to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.
Day 8
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Start by heading to the 18th century Gödöllő Palace. Explore its labyrinth of 31 colorful rooms lit by elaborate chandeliers as you learn the palace’s history through striking art galleries and antiquities. After touring the royal residence and the Baroque theatre, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then head for Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain stretching across the East. Here you can find Hungarian cowboys still wearing traditional dress and practicing the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Next, we will tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-driving world-champion brothers Lazar. Following the tour, witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship before returning for the evening.
Day 9
BUDAPEST. You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to the Bruda (hilly) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city.
Day 10
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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 you’ll discover during your walking tour, including a visit to Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.
Day 11
VIENNA, AUSTRIA. The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. Perhaps sample Vienna's famous pastries or you may choose to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas Markets. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening to visit the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Chirstkindlmarkt, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market, on your own.
Day 12
WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA - GREIN. Be treated to several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour through the medieval cobblestoned streets of Dürnstein, After free time in this charming city, you will experience a special wine tasting in the Wachau Valley. You can also choose visit a local Abbey where you will be greeted by your hosts from nearby Weiser’s Sweets Shop and treated to the region’s finest apricot products. In the afternoon, you can cycle through the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour to the picturesque village of Melk, or you can visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a Baroque monastery that now houses a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts, with free time in Melk after your tour.
Day 13
LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Or join a morning walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas markets. Or go on a bike tour of the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. Alternatively, visit charming Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day tour.
Day 14
PASSAU, GERMANY. Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. 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. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. Or choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration – an AmaWaterways exclusive.
Day 15
VILSHOFEN, GERMANY – DISEMBARKATION. This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen.
