9-Night Trip on AmaBella

Best of the Danube (A Taste of Christmas Markets)

Cruise, Cruisetour, Small Ship/Yacht, River cruise

Budapest to Budapest Cruisetour

Slideshow offer placeholder
Hear the carolers sing and the bells toll as you cruise along the legendary Danube River. Begin your journey with our pre-cruise land package in Budapest, during which you will discover the city’s rich Jewish heritage. Capture the imperial history of Old-World Europe along the Danube River as it flourished beneath towering fortresses and inspired legendary composers such as Mozart and Strauss. Follow their famous melodies through the Danube Bend and the river's legendary capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, the "City of Waltzes," encountering fascinating architecture, captivating legends and the storied sites where great composers lived, worked and performed. Explore Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, where portions of <i>The Sound of Music</i> were filmed. Along your <i>Taste of Christmas Markets</i> cruise, deepen your passion for music while being treated to a variety of live performances and savor the region’s vibrant holiday spirit both on shore and on board.
Interests
  • Christmas Markets
  • Festivals and Events
9 Nights Starting At
December 20, 2025 through December 29, 2025
Book by:
December 16, 2025 7:00 PM
Cabin Cat: E
Inside Outside Balcony Suite
N/A $3,749.00
Cat: E
$416.56 per night
$5,148.00
Cat: C
$572.00 per night
$7,648.00
Cat: SUITE
$849.78 per night
More Pricing Information
Inside Outside
N/A $3,749.00
Cat: E
$416.56 per night
Balcony Suite
$5,148.00
Cat: C
$572.00 per night
$7,648.00
Cat: SUITE
$849.78 per night
More Pricing Information
Itinerary Map
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About AmaBella

Ship Overview
AmaBella
Isn’t she lovely? Newly reimagined in 2021, the graceful AmaBella is a stunning river ship, unique in her own right. The intimate lounge is an inviting place to grab a cocktail and the thoughtfully redesigned reception area, adorned with charming pieces of contemporary art, provides a warm welcome after a day exploring ashore. Most staterooms feature our signature twin balconies so you can enjoy the views however you wish, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand and marble bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Elegant suites feature added enhancements, including a large sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. You’ll also find a massage and hair salon on board, a fitness room, specialty coffee station and a gift shop. An expansive Sun Deck with a heated pool offers special moments of pure relaxation. Mealtimes are a feast for the senses in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table where you will witness our chefs in action through our glass-walled kitchen. Our new “Café Bistro” is the perfect al fresco setting to play cards, mingle or enjoy a light lunch. Throughout your journey on the Danube, you may catch sight of AmaVerde, AmaBella’s “secret lover.” The two ships cross paths as they sail opposite directions, catching brief moments together as they rendezvous in select ports along the Danube River.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
Switzerland
Year Built
2010
Ship Length
443 feet
Ship Beam
38 feet
Total Capacity
160
Crew Size
51
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Cabin Categories
SUITE Suite - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $7,648.00 USD
AA Category AA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $6,348.00 USD
AB Category AB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $6,148.00 USD
BA Category BA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $5,948.00 USD
BB Category BB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $5,748.00 USD
C Category C - French Balcony $5,148.00 USD
D Category D $4,048.00 USD
E Category E $3,749.00 USD
Deck plans are not yet available
Daily Options
AMAWaterways: Best of the Danube (A Taste of Christmas Markets)

Day 1
Budapest
Hotel check-in

Day 2
Budapest
“Hidden Budapest” tour

Day 3
Budapest
EMBARKATION

Day 4
Budapest
Scenic cruising

Bratislava
Bratislava walking tour
OR “Tastes of Slovakia”
OR Bratislava Castle hike
OR Bike tour

Day 5
Wachau Valley
Scenic Cruising

Melk
Melk Abbey tour

Day 6
Linz
Full-day Salzburg City tour with Mozart birth house and residence
OR Full-day Cesky Krumlov tour
OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour

Day 7
Wachau Valley
Scenic cruising

Vienna
"Imperial Vienna” carriage tour
OR Vienna by bike

Day 8
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
OR Vienna Woods hike
Free time

Day 9
Budapest
Buda city tour
OR Castle Hill hike
Pest city tour

Day 10
Budapest
DISEMBARKATION
Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways

Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways
THE HEART OF THE RIVER™

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

UNPACK ONCE: A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Step aboard and unpack once aboard one of our luxury ships that transport you from one destination to the next. With AmaWaterways, every day is a “see” day as we cruise through grand capitals and charming towns. Our ships dock near city centers, meaning you can step right off the ship and explore.

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED – CHOOSE FROM UP TO EIGHT EACH DAY
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. Our roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

AWARD-WINNING INCLUDED DINING EXPERIENCES
With membership in the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways takes pride in preparing exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE - FEWER GUESTS ON BOARD
Spacious and uncrowded, our award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. Our innovative AmaMagna offers enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

ENHANCE YOUR BEST SELF
Join our dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship. For a gentler approach to wellness, we invite you to take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.

UNPARALLELED PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our extraordinary Cruise Managers and crew continuously go above and beyond to enhance the onboard experience, surprising and delighting our guests with thoughtful details, getting to know you personally and anticipating your needs before you ever have to ask. Our people are the main reason more guests return to cruise with us than with any other river cruise line - a testament to their passion and unrivaled service.

EXTRAORDINARY CRUISE MANAGERS
AmaWaterways’ extraordinary Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing exceptional levels of personalized service. Warm-hearted, genuine and knowledgeable, they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.

LEADERS IN INNOVATION
Continuously innovating the river cruise experience, we were the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary bikes, a full-sized pickleball court, and a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef's Table. As industry leaders, we work to minimize our impact on the world’s rivers, reducing single-use plastics across our fleet and installing solar panels on AmaMagna.

STAY CONNECTED
Stay in touch with our high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, available on board throughout our fleet. In addition, our easy-to-use myAmaCruise app allows you view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.

Ship Overview
Ship Overview
AmaBella
Isn’t she lovely? Newly reimagined in 2021, the graceful AmaBella is a stunning river ship, unique in her own right. The intimate lounge is an inviting place to grab a cocktail and the thoughtfully redesigned reception area, adorned with charming pieces of contemporary art, provides a warm welcome after a day exploring ashore. Most staterooms feature our signature twin balconies so you can enjoy the views however you wish, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand and marble bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads. Elegant suites feature added enhancements, including a large sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. You’ll also find a massage and hair salon on board, a fitness room, specialty coffee station and a gift shop. An expansive Sun Deck with a heated pool offers special moments of pure relaxation. Mealtimes are a feast for the senses in the Main Restaurant and at The Chef’s Table where you will witness our chefs in action through our glass-walled kitchen. Our new “Café Bistro” is the perfect al fresco setting to play cards, mingle or enjoy a light lunch. Throughout your journey on the Danube, you may catch sight of AmaVerde, AmaBella’s “secret lover.” The two ships cross paths as they sail opposite directions, catching brief moments together as they rendezvous in select ports along the Danube River.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
Switzerland
Year Built
2010
Ship Length
443 feet
Ship Beam
38 feet
Total Capacity
160
Crew Size
51
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Cabin Categories
SUITE Suite - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $7,648.00 USD
AA Category AA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $6,348.00 USD
AB Category AB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $6,148.00 USD
BA Category BA - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $5,948.00 USD
BB Category BB - French Balcony & Outside Balcony $5,748.00 USD
C Category C - French Balcony $5,148.00 USD
D Category D $4,048.00 USD
E Category E $3,749.00 USD
Deck plans are not yet available
AMAWaterways: Best of the Danube (A Taste of Christmas Markets)

Day 1
Budapest
Hotel check-in

Day 2
Budapest
“Hidden Budapest” tour

Day 3
Budapest
EMBARKATION

Day 4
Budapest
Scenic cruising

Bratislava
Bratislava walking tour
OR “Tastes of Slovakia”
OR Bratislava Castle hike
OR Bike tour

Day 5
Wachau Valley
Scenic Cruising

Melk
Melk Abbey tour

Day 6
Linz
Full-day Salzburg City tour with Mozart birth house and residence
OR Full-day Cesky Krumlov tour
OR “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour

Day 7
Wachau Valley
Scenic cruising

Vienna
"Imperial Vienna” carriage tour
OR Vienna by bike

Day 8
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
OR Vienna Woods hike
Free time

Day 9
Budapest
Buda city tour
OR Castle Hill hike
Pest city tour

Day 10
Budapest
DISEMBARKATION

Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways
THE HEART OF THE RIVER™

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

UNPACK ONCE: A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Step aboard and unpack once aboard one of our luxury ships that transport you from one destination to the next. With AmaWaterways, every day is a “see” day as we cruise through grand capitals and charming towns. Our ships dock near city centers, meaning you can step right off the ship and explore.

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED – CHOOSE FROM UP TO EIGHT EACH DAY
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. Our roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

AWARD-WINNING INCLUDED DINING EXPERIENCES
With membership in the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways takes pride in preparing exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE - FEWER GUESTS ON BOARD
Spacious and uncrowded, our award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. Our innovative AmaMagna offers enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

ENHANCE YOUR BEST SELF
Join our dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship. For a gentler approach to wellness, we invite you to take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.

UNPARALLELED PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our extraordinary Cruise Managers and crew continuously go above and beyond to enhance the onboard experience, surprising and delighting our guests with thoughtful details, getting to know you personally and anticipating your needs before you ever have to ask. Our people are the main reason more guests return to cruise with us than with any other river cruise line - a testament to their passion and unrivaled service.

EXTRAORDINARY CRUISE MANAGERS
AmaWaterways’ extraordinary Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing exceptional levels of personalized service. Warm-hearted, genuine and knowledgeable, they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.

LEADERS IN INNOVATION
Continuously innovating the river cruise experience, we were the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary bikes, a full-sized pickleball court, and a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef's Table. As industry leaders, we work to minimize our impact on the world’s rivers, reducing single-use plastics across our fleet and installing solar panels on AmaMagna.

STAY CONNECTED
Stay in touch with our high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, available on board throughout our fleet. In addition, our easy-to-use myAmaCruise app allows you view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.

About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways logo

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable?ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.

Read More

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable?ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.