AMA Waterways: Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets
- Duration: 12 days
- Activity level: Easy
- Group size: Shared river ship
- Departs from: Bucharest, Romania
- Next departure: Dec 10, 2026
- From: $3,959 to $7,289
From $3,959 to $7,289 / person
EasyWalking tours ashore at an easy pace, with the ship as your hotel.Is this trip right for you? ›
This trip by season
We run this one in winter. Here is what that week is like.
Winter
December to February
Snow country
Snow on the peaks and the parks at their quietest. Winter trips run their own itineraries, planned around the season.
1 winter departure ›
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
Day 1
Arrive in Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Bucharest, Romania, and check into your hotel.
*Book arrival flights into Bucharest, Romania (OTP)*
A scheduled shuttle from the Bucharest Airport is available and can be booked with AMA Waterways
Standard Room Day 2
Bucharest
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights into shopping and dining opportunities. Later, explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market, where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy, such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted goods at the small wooden stalls.
MealsBreakfast
Day 3
Bucharest - Bran - Brasov
Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later, head to Braşov for a walking tour where the fairytale-like old town transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market, and then check into your hotel.
MealsBreakfast
River Boat Seating Day 4
Brasov - Sighisoara
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, the birthplace of Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers, and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today, it houses a kitschy restaurant called "Casa Dracula."
MealsBreakfast
River Boat Restaurant Day 5
Brasov - Embarkation - Giurgiu
Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'll visit Peleș Castle, which is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu, where you will embark on the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets cruise.
*For those who choose not to do the pre-cruise land package to Bucharest, book flights to arrive in Bucharest (OTP)*
A scheduled shuttle from the Bucharest Airport to the Riverboat is available and can be booked with AMA Waterways.
MealsBreakfast, Dinner
Day 6
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 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 afterward visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
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.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
River Boat Lounge Day 9
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 January 7 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, Šlivovitz, 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.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Vukovar, Croatia
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising. In the afternoon, explore Vukovar on a guided city tour, where you can 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 Croatian wine tasting and tour the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
River Boat Massage Room Day 11
Mohacs - Pecs, Hungary
Visit Pécs, 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 Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the city's symbols. You can also visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Or, for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 12
Budapest - Disembarkation
Bid Farewell to Budapest and prepare for your homeward flight.
*Book return flights from the Budapest Airport (BUD)*
MealsBreakfast
Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets 2026
Celebrate the holiday season as you journey from Bucharest to Budapest, discovering the festive charm of the Lower Danube. Experience the magic of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, where medieval towns and grand cities come alive with holiday cheer. Admire breathtaking winter landscapes, cruise through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, and indulge in centuries-old winemaking traditions. Savor seasonal sweets at Novi Sad’s Winterfest, Serbia’s first Christmas market, and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and warmth of the season on this unforgettable Danube adventure.
Spacious Staterooms
- 7 nights of 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 onshore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- 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 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs 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 Package
- 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
- Transfers from Bucharest to Brasov
- 2 nights hotel in Brașov at the Kronwell Brașov Hotel (or similar), including a city tour, Sighișoara excursion, and daily breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel in Brașov to Peleș Royal Castle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest - ship
Special Offer
$50 per person On Board Credit (OBC)
Onboard credit is in USD and can be applied toward all onboard purchases. Complimentary upgrades apply to one category upgrade based on availability; they are not applicable to Suites, AA+, or A+ categories. The offer varies for solo occupants; ask for details. Port charges, optional land packages, airfares, transfers, and gratuities are additional. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply.
Deposits & Cancellation Policies Deposit
AMA Waterways requires a $400 per person deposit upon booking
Full Payment
Full payment is due on 9/3/26
Cancellation Charges
Any time after the initial deposit, a $200 booking fee will be retained for cancellations.
120 – 90 days prior to departure: a full initial deposit of $400 will be retained.
89 – 60 days prior to departure: 35% of the total tour cost will be retained.
59 – 31 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost will be retained.
30 – 0 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost will be retained.
Airport Transfers
Bucharest Airport to Ship - $99
Budapest Ship to Airport - $30
Is this trip right for you?
EasyLevel 1 of 4
- Guided walks through old towns, markets and sites, on cobbles, steps and uneven paving. Usually one to three miles a day ashore, and any day can be spent on board instead.
- Nothing is at altitude, scrambled or exposed. Gangways and riverbanks can be steep or uneven depending on the water level, and weather follows the season, so bring layers.
- Talk to us first if you use a wheelchair or a walker — old-town streets are often cobbled, and access on board and at each dock is set by the cruise line. Fine with a walking stick.
- The cruise line may change a port, or the order of stops, for river levels or weather. What is offered ashore on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Ask about a date
From $3,959 to $7,289 per person, double occupancy, 2026
This trip can't be booked online yet. Tell us which departure you have in mind and someone from our office will get back to you to check it and take the booking. Nothing is charged here.
Prefer to talk? 800-970-5864
Departures
Tap a date to book it.
Winter: Crisp, clear days, with snow in the high country. Bring a warm coat.
Winter 2026–27
1 of 1 open
from $3,959
Dates without a price of their own are from $3,959. The rate for the date you choose is confirmed when you book.
Pricing
2026 sailing
| Cabin | Two sharing | Alone |
|---|---|---|
| Cat. D, Piano Deck | $3,959 | $5,939 |
| Cat. C, Violin & Cello Deck | $5,039 | $7,559 |
| Cat. BB, Cello Deck | $5,579 | $8,369 |
| Cat. BA, Violin Deck | $5,759 | $8,639 |
| Cat. AB, Cello Deck | $5,939 | $8,909 |
| Cat. AA, Violin Deck | $6,119 | $9,179 |
| Cat. SS, Violin Deck | $7,289 | $14,578 |
- Cabins run from $3,959 to $7,289 per person for two sharing.
- Port charges of $250 per person are added to every cabin.
- Book with SWAT and you get $250 off per person, plus $50 per person to spend on board.
- Optional pre-cruise stay, 2 nights in Bucharest and 2 in Brașov: $1,320 per person sharing, $1,920 alone.
Per person. Cabin rates are set by the cruise line and are confirmed when you book.
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