Gems of Southeast Europe
7 Night Christmas Cruise Tour from Budapest, Hungary to Giurgiu, Romania with AmaWaterways
Forget the traditional winter holiday and discover a different side of the festive season.
Part of AmaWaterways’ special collection of Christmas sailings, this Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Cruise blends the magic of the holidays with the rich culture and history of Eastern Europe. Travelling along the Danube from Budapest to Giurgiu, this memorable journey showcases beautifully preserved cities, dramatic river landscapes and authentic seasonal traditions.
Experience Christmas with a local flavour as each destination reveals festive markets, regional customs and a warm holiday atmosphere. On board, enjoy elegant surroundings, seasonal touches and special celebrations including a festive Christmas Day dinner and moments designed to make the season feel truly memorable.
From the grandeur of Budapest and the vibrant energy of Belgrade to the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates and charming riverside towns along the way, this 7-night river cruise offers a unique and sophisticated way to celebrate Christmas.
Optional pre-cruise land packages may be available on selected departures.
Your Itinerary
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Step aboard your luxury vessel and begin your journey down the beautiful Danube.
Welcome to the heart of Europe! Step aboard your ship in Budapest and settle into your stateroom. Watch the city’s historic skyline sparkle with seasonal lights as the gentle flow of the Danube carries the promise of a festive and memorable journey ahead.
River Cruise Embarkation
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Immerse yourself in ancient Roman roots, UNESCO treasures, and the rich heritage of legendary vineyards.
Sail along the historic Danube River to Mohács, your gateway to exploring the cultural treasures of southern Hungary. From here, you can journey to Pécs to explore its fascinating Roman history, vibrant town squares, and iconic architecture like St. Peter’s Basilica and the historic Mosque of Pasha Qasim. Alternatively, stay active with a guided bicycle ride right along the riverside path, or opt to savor local traditions with a tasting excursion into the celebrated Szekszárd wine region.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Scenic Cruising
Pécs Excursion
Szekszárd Wine Tasting
Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube
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Explore prehistoric treasures, elegant manor houses, and charming riverside towns filled with holiday cheer.
Discover Vukovar’s festive charm with your choice of historical and cultural adventures. You can take a guided walking tour or a scenic bike ride through the riverside streets to explore the historic Eltz Manor and the city's key highlights. Alternatively, travel to the historic city of Osijek, immerse yourself in local ancient culture at the fascinating Vučedol Culture Museum, or toast to the season with a specialized Croatian wine tasting.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Highlights of Vukovar Tour
Osijek Excursion
Vukovar Bike Tour
Croatian Wine Tasting
Vucedol Museum
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Marvel at iconic historical landmarks, explore fortress grounds, and savor traditional brandy.
Explore Belgrade’s vibrant streets and rich heritage with a choice of excursions. Discover the city's key landmarks on a guided tour, visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, or explore the historic grounds of the majestic Kalemegdan Fortress on a scenic hike. You can also join a guided bike tour through the city or opt to sample local delicacies and traditional Serbian brandies. For a different perspective, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Novi Sad’s charming old town and Liberty Square to immerse yourself in the local holiday spirit.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
“the City by Two Rivers” Tour
Belgrade Fortress Hike
Belgrade Bike Tour
“brandies of Belgrade” Tasting
Novi Sad Tour
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Wander ancient cliffside strongholds where dramatic natural wonders and ancient legends collide.
Begin your day with a visit to the imposing, medieval Golubac Fortress, standing guard over the river's edge. Afterward, relax on deck for an awe-inspiring afternoon of scenic cruising through the Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge system where the Danube winds majestically between the towering Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Keep an eye on the rocky cliffs to marvel at the striking mountainside rock carving of the ancient Dacian King Decebalus, offering a perfect moment to reflect on the history and wonder of this remarkable river corridor.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Golubac Fortress Visit
Scenic Cruising the Iron Gates
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Step into ancient riverside history and experience timeless Bulgarian traditions like a local.
Wander through Vidin, where ancient cobblestone streets lead you to the remarkable Baba Vida Fortress, a striking medieval stronghold standing as a silent guardian of centuries past. You can dive into authentic local culinary traditions with a specialized Bulgarian Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or choose to explore the area on two wheels by pedaling along Vidin’s scenic lanes as the city's rich history unfolds around each bend.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour
Banitsa Pastry and Yogurt Tasting
Vidin Bike Tour
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Explore historic medieval strongholds, elegant Neo-Baroque architectural gems, and the vibrant 'Little Paris' charm of Bucharest.
Discover an incredible cross-section of regional history with a choice of full-day cultural immersions. You can journey inland to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's magnificent ancient capital, to tour its imposing medieval hilltop fortress and serene Orthodox temples. Alternatively, stay closer to the river to admire the striking 19th-century architecture of Rousse before heading into the mountainside to view the stunning 14th-century frescoes inside the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. You can also choose a full-day excursion across the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, nicknamed the "Little Paris of the East," to wander its elegant, light-filled grand avenues.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise
Full Day Veliko Tarnovo Excursion
Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and Rousse Highlights Tour
Full Day Bucharest Excursion
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Bid farewell to the historic Danube as your memorable river cruise comes to a close.
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before completing your disembarkation in Giurgiu. Gather your belongings and prepare for your onward journey or flight home, carrying wonderful memories of the hidden fortresses, rich traditions, and spectacular gorges explored along the Lower Danube.
River Cruise Disembarkation
Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.
From $9,859* per person twin share based on a Christmas Day Celebration departure date 21 December 2026 in a Category E Stateroom.
Waived single supplements for solo travellers on select 2026 Europe sailings are also available for this departure date and for other staterooms, including balcony staterooms. Offer ends 31 July 2026.
Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person, cruise-only, include port fees and gratuities, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.
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