ICONIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December 6 - 13, 2027 (with Optional Pre/Post Stay)
AmaWaterways EXCLUSIVE Christmas Markets Danube River Cruise for Sojourney Travel Friends and Family!
7-night Christmas Markets Cruise From: Nuremberg to Budapest
Journey through the centuries on cobblestone streets of grand cities and historic towns, each adorned with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with charming wooden huts brimming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets await, bringing festive delights in their most enchanting forms.
Discover the wonder of Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Germany’s largest and oldest market; wander through the romantic Christmas market at Regensburg’s Thurn and Taxis Castle in Bavaria; lose yourself in Vienna’s majestic displays that greet you at every turn; and explore Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where each item is a lovingly crafted, traditional masterpiece. Sparkling lights, angelic carolers, and the enticing aromas of hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, savory sausages, and sweet treats of every kind offer a feast for all the senses, bringing timeless holiday magic to life.
Join Sojourney Travel on this unforgettable journey and let’s make your European dream come alive!
COUNTRIES: Austria, Germany, HungaryRIVERS: Danube
AmaSonata - 7-night Cruise
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS● 7 nights 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 dailyAN ARRAY OF AMENITIES● Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes● Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages● Internet and Wi-Fi access● Sun-deck heated 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 performancesAWARD-WINNING DINING● All onboard gourmet 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 DinnerLa 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 LoungeA WORLD OF EXPLORATION● Immersive tours in every destination● Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options● Bike tours and hikes● Bikes and Helmet Use● Special interest tours● Knowledgeable guides● Personal headset for easy exploration● Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
What's Not Included
● Flights from the USA● Airport transfers ● Pre/Post Stay or land arrangements● All other beverages except of the ones mentioned previously● Use of the telephone in each cabin for ship to shore calls● Items purchased on land or in gift shop● Optional shore excursions that might be offered in addition to our daily included shore excursion program● Dining purchased off ship.
Experience the wonder of Christmas in Europe!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the holidays with this Sojourney Travel Chartered Christmas Market cruise. Picture a vessel elegantly gliding along Europe's grand rivers, each port stop aglow with festive charm. As you step ashore, vibrant market stalls beckon with twinkling lights, sharing the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafting through crisp winter air. Handcrafted treasures hang as delicate ornaments, while the cheerful melodies of carolers echo through historic alleyways, painting a scene as magical as a child’s storybook. This cruise not only celebrates timeless tradition but encapsulates it in a luxurious journey that promises warmth, wonder, and the kind of seasonal spirit that only a European Christmas can deliver. It’s a voyage filled with joy, perfect for those looking to make this year’s holiday unforgettable. At Sojourney Travel, this is more than a cruise—it's a heartfelt invitation to join in the wonder of the season. Suitcases and Sightseeing at Christmas...So, Journey With Us!
Nuremberg to Budapest
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.(B), (L), (D) indicates meals included on travel day. Tours that are included are subject to change. We have a few surprises in the works!
OPTIONAL PRE-STAY 1 - 3 Nights in Prague
See below for descriptions of each. NOT included in cruise fare. See pricing details for optional add-ons.
Land Package Includes● 1-, 2- or 3-nights at the hotel based on price noted- Marriott Prague (or similar)● All hotel taxes● City tour of Prague and Prague Christmas Markets or Prague Castle hike, Czech Beer Tasting (depending on length of stay)● Daily breakfast at the hotel● Convenient transfers and baggage handling service between your hotel and river cruise ship● Transfer from the hotel in Prague to the vessel in Nuremberg with Nuremberg Christmas Market visit (or reverse)● English-speaking AmaWaterways host or hostess at the hotel● Welcome Reception at the Hotel● Transfer to Nuremburg for Embarkation
Cruise Day 1: EMBARKATION NUREMBURG, GERMANY
Arrive in Prague and transfer to Nuremberg (if flying in day of) OR check out of your hotel in Prague and drive through the pastoral countryside to head to Nuremberg, where you will have some free time to enjoy the Christmas Markets. Afterwards, join your ship moored in Nuremberg. (B,D)
Cruise Day 2: NUREMBURG, GERMANY
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. You can also choose to spend the entire morning exploring this iconic Christmas Market. For those looking for a taste of Nuremberg, depart for Nuremberg Imperial Castle and visit City Brewery where you will delight your palate with savory Nuremberg sausage and beer. Then continue to Sebalder Kirche (church) where you will nibble on sweet and spicy lebkuchen, a baked treat similar to gingerbread. End the day crossing the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Cruise Day 3: REGENSBURG, GERMANY
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. For those in a festive mood, head to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
Cruise Day 4: PASSAU, GERMANY
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)
Cruise Day 5: MELK, AUSTRIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent and storied abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. (B,L,D)
Cruise Day 6: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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 along with an opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. In the afternoon, visit Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its spectacular festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Cruise Day 7: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. You will also visit the city’s famed Christmas Markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.
Cruise Day 8: BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home. (B)
OPTIONAL POST-STAY 1 - 2 Nights in Budapest
See below for descriptions of each. NOT included in cruise fare. See pricing details for optional add-ons.
Land Package Includes● 1- or 2-nights at the hotel based on price noted- Marriott Budapest (or similar)
● All hotel taxes
● Baggage handling at the hotel
● Daily breakfast at hotel
● Queen of the Danube Tour (2-night package only)
● Transfer between the hotel in Budapest and the vessel in Budapest (or reverse)
● English speaking AmaWaterways host or hostess at the hotel
Life on Board - AT A GLANCE
Photos are representation of ship.
AmaVerde
OverviewOne of AmaWaterways’ remarkable twin-balcony river ships, the newly reimagined AmaVerde, is full of light, love and bold artwork showcasing vibrant, modern designs. The dashing ship is considered the captivating companion of the AmaBella as both ships were totally redesigned in 2021 and sail their imagined love story on the romantic Danube River.
Spacious, sophisticated staterooms set the mind at ease for a restful slumber, while warmth attracts visitors to the comfortable fireside library and AmaVerde’s massage and hair salon. The Main Restaurant is the perfect home to exquisite meals and local wine pairings worthy of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — the internationally renowned gastronomic society.
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, with its glass-enclosed kitchen and unique rolled lighting fixture, gives way to a vibrant multi-course parade of dishes with distinct regional flavors paired with hand selected wines. Enjoy a light lunch in our new “Café Bistro,” a perfect al fresco spot to play cards and mingle with your fellow guests.
Additional amenities on AmaVerde include unlimited high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations in the staterooms, a specialty coffee station, gift shop, sun-deck walking track, heated swimming pool, putting green, fitness room and fleet of bikes.
TWIN BALCONIESEnjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony.
AWARD-WINNING DININGSavor exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.
INVITING PUBLIC SPACESWith fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
SIGHTSEE BY BIKE
With a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, you have the opportunity to explore Europe on our guided bike tours, or go discover on your own.
SUN-DECK POOLSoak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
MASSAGE AND BEAUTY SALONAfter a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Fitness RoomAre you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
Enriching EntertainmentWhether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.
Suite
● Violin Deck - 350sq ft● French Balcony & Outside Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category AA
● Violin Deck - 235sq ft● French Balcony & Outside Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category AB
● Cello Deck - 235sq ft● French Balcony & Outside Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category BA
● Violin Deck - 210sq ft● French Balcony & Outside Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category BB
● Cello Deck - 210sq ft ● French Balcony & Outside Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category C
● Violin & Cello Deck - 170sq ft● French Balcony● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category D
● Piano Deck - 170sq ft● Fixed Windows● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Category E
● Piano Deck - 170sq ft● Fixed Windows● In-room temperature control● Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet● Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads● Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone● Flat-screen TV● Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library● Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi● Complimentary bottled water replenished daily● Desk and chair
Stateroom Pricing
Pricing includes taxes, port charges, and gratuities for the cruise. Excludes flights, insurance, transfers land options/stay, and land gratuities.
SUITE
$8,465 Per Person Double Occupancy$16,472 for Single Occupancy
Category AA
$7,373 Per Person Double Occupancy$14,286 for Single Occupancy
Category AB
$7,167 Per Person Double Occupancy$13,874 for Single Occupancy
Category BA
$6,961 Per Person Double Occupancy$13,462 for Single Occupancy
Category BB
$6,755 Per Person Double Occupancy$13,050 for Single Occupancy
Category C
$6,137 Per Person Double Occupancy$11,814 for Single Occupancy
Category D
$4,901 Per Person Double Occupancy$9,342 for Single Occupancy
Category E
$4,593 Per Person Double Occupancy$8,726 for Single Occupancy
Pre/Post Cruise Stay Pricing
Prague 1 to 3 Night Pre - Stay
Price: ● 1 Night $517 Per Person Double Occupancy or $653 for Single Occupancy● 2 Night $852 Per Person Double Occupancy or $1,103 for Single Occupancy● 3 Night $944 Per Person Double Occupancy or
$1,351 for Single Occupancy
More information on pre-stay forthcoming....
Prague Post-Stay
Price: ● 1 Night $368 Per Person Double Occupancy or $492 for Single Occupancy● 2 Night $591 Per Person Double Occupancy or $881 for Single Occupancy
AmaWaterways FAQ
Payment Terms
● Deposit of $600 per person for double occupancy and $1000 for single occupancy holds your spot on the cruise and is non-refundable. Deposit for land is $100 each pre/post stay, per person. We recommend the purchase of insurance within 13 days of deposit. Your travel advisor will provide you with a quote. ● 40% of your balance is due 195 days prior to departure● Final Payment is due 130 days prior to travel and is non-refundable● Cruise fare and all deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances, sickness, airline delays, etc.● In the unfortunate event a participant must cancel travel, notice to us must be via email, which must include a return receipt and read notation, or other writing stating clearly and correctly each passenger name, ship name, start and end date of cruise and a brief statement of the reason for cancellation. Other forms of notice are not sufficient. Cancellation date is the date we receive the written cancellation notice and unused tickets. A name change or substitution of participant is also treated as a cancellation in that all cancellation charges apply.
Terms & Conditions
● Due to medical safety guidelines, we are unable to accommodate passengers who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy by the time of the cruise.● All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult and must remain supervised at all times; their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4-10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with two adults only in circumstances where the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted on board; children 4-5 years old are not recommended on any program. On the Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities.● Smoking is only permitted on the ship’s Sun Deck in the designated smoking area.● All names should represent the full name as written on a legal proof of identification. The only legal proof of identification accepted is your passport or another government issued identity card.● Passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of return of your trip.● Copy of passport must be submitted to agency before final payment.● All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during, or after their river cruise. These requirements, as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions, may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program.● Please click HERE for all AmaWaterways Terms and Conditions for 2027. Please click HERE for all Sojourney Travel terms and conditions. Terms and conditions are subject to change.● Operator reserves the right to cancel cruise due to low occupancy of charter. In this instance, all deposits will be transferred to an alternate sailing at the prevailing rate, to be chosen by guest, deposit will increase to whatever the prevailing deposit is for AmaWaterways.