CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF BUDAPEST AND VIENNA
AND
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN
PRAGUE
A DANUBE RIVER CRUISE OF FIVE COUNTRIES
ALSO
FEATURING SLOVAKIA AND GERMANY
CRUISE DATES DEC. 23-30, 2026
On AMA wATERWAYS-VOTED BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE
BY CRUISE
CRITIC
OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS
MARKETS IN BUDAPEST DEC. 21-23, 2026
OPTIONAL 3 NIGHT POST CRUISE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN
PRAGUE DECEMBER 30, 2026-JAN. 2, 2027
the stunningly beautiful hungarian parliament in
budapest, illuminated in the evening skies.
The FAMOUS Széchenyi HOT
SPRINGS IN BUDAPEST
THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS AT SCHONBRUN PALACE IN VIENNA
DAILY TRIP ITINERARY
OPTIONAL 2 NIGHT PRE CRUISE
TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BUDAPEST HUNGARY
Day 1 DEC. 20,2026 BUDAPEST ARRIVAL
ARRIVE IN
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY ON YOUR OWN FLIGHTS OR VIA THE FLIGHTS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE
CRUISE LINE AT DISCOUNTED RATES.
Day 2
DEC. 21, 2026 BUDAPEST
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and
storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights are just off the banks of the
Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known
for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament
building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and
offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks.
During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to
discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
THERE ARE
MANY CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BUDPEST THAT WILL MAKE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE TO
VISIT TODAY.
The Hungarian capital was voted the most
affordable Christmas Market destination in Europe!
You should visit at least the two
biggest Xmas fairs for their unique and charming atmosphere and quality,
handcrafted products.
Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square, Nov 15 – Dec 31, 2024
Date & Opening Hours
§ November 15 – December 31,
2024
§ Monday – Thursday: 11.00 –
21.00
§ Friday – Saturday: 11.00 –
22.00
§ Sunday: 11.00 – 21.00
This is the most popular holiday
fair in Budapest with a central location on a plaza in front of the Gerbeaud Coffee House.
Around 100 stalls are set up around the slender Christmas
tree that is decorated with different colors of ornaments each year.
Concerts, craft and play house, miniature railway, tasty local
food are the main highlights of this fair:
§ Stuffed cabbage,
§ Goulash,
§ Grilled meats and sausages,
§ Flat bread (lepény) baked
in clay oven,
§ Strudels,
§ Sekler cake, beigli, flódni
and other sweets,
§ Fragrant winter
beverages (mulled wine, krampampuli, grog, tea) are the best features
of this holiday bazaar.
A varied program, folk, jazz, world music, soul, blues, crossover concerts offer
entertainment on the centre stage between 17.00-20.00 on weekdays, and between 16.00 – 20.00
on weekends.
Location – Getting There:
- M1 underground
(yellow line), M1, M2, M3 metro lines: Deák tér station or tram 2
Széchenyi tér stop: a couple of minutes walk from both stops
Christmas Market In Fashion Street/Deák Ferenc Street, Nov 15 – Dec
31
Location:
§ Deák Ferenc utca/Fashion
Street (See On Map)
You can do two markets in one visit because Fashion Street (Deák
Ferenc utca) that cuts through Vörösmarty Square also hosts one: with a Christmas
tree installation
in front of the Hotel Kempinski Corvinus.
All sorts of
§ Food and drink offers,
§ Strudel,
§ Sekler
Cake (kürtöskalács)
and other pastries,
§ Oven-baked flat bread with
delicious toppings and of course
§ Pottery, ceramics,
§ Embroidered folk textiles
to tempt you to open your wallet.
And right
after a walk along Fashion Street you can head to the Basilica on St. Stephen
Square…
Traditional Christmas
Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica, Nov 15 ’24 – Jan 01
The holiday fair in St. Stephen Square was won first
place in
2024 on an online contest of Christmas Markets in Europe run by the European Destinations
travel portal. This alone makes it a must-see event among the many festive
markets in Budapest.
Date:
§ November 15 – January 1
Opening Hours:
§ Mon – Thurs: 11:00 – 21:00,
§ Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 23:00,
§ Sun: 11.00 -21.00
The spacious Szt. István Square in front of the
Basilica gives home to an Advent Festival and Christmas Market from 18.
November till the beginning of the New Year
No other venue can be more fitting to a festive
Christmas fair than the St. Stephen’s Basilica in downtown Budapest.
The four and half week long event offers plenty of entertainment besides special
artisan gifts for your loved ones.
Many people especially love the outdoor ice
skating rink. Another plus is that you can rent skates.
§ Handmade chocolate bonbons,
§ Leather gloves,
§ Design jewelry,
§ Strawberry wine,
§ Pálinka – the local’s favorite
distilate
§ Csabai salami and
§ more to see, buy and taste
on the market.
The fair
will be bigger than previous years: Budapest’s
best street food vendors will offer delicacies in
Zrínyi utca from Sas utca to Széchenyi tér.
You can have:
§ Lángos – locals’ staple
snack – deep fried pastry with cheese and sour cream or other toppings
§ Gourmet burgers by Zing
Burger,
§ Kürtöskalács
(funnel/chimney cake)
§ BBQ
specialties
§ Fried cheese burgers by
Paneer,
§ Burgers, grilled sausages
by KIOSK (a popular downtown restaurant on Március 15. tér)
Advent Christmas Market at Buda Castle, Nov 29 – Dec 24
The plaza in front of Matthias Church in Buda Castle lends a picturesque
setting for this Christmas fair where find wonderful crafts from local
artisans,
delicious food, and warm drinks every day from November 29th to December 24th,
from 09.00 to 17.00.
Location:
§ Szentháromság tér/Holy
Trinity Square/Buda Castle (View on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:
§ till December 24 every day:
09.00 – 17.00
To help you plan your visit we recommend three Xmas fairs:
1. The Christmas
Market at Vörösmarty Square is a must (though it tends to be crowded especially in the
afternoons and evenings) – it’s easily accessible (the Deák tér metro hub is
close by, but the M1 Underground/yellow line has a stop at the
square) and is the official Xmas market of Budapest and everybody
raves about it.
2. The Advent Fair
at St. Stephen’s Basilica – The festive atmosphere is the best at this
event, due to the presence of the Basilica commanding the square.
3. Christmas Fair in Óbuda – you can kill two birds
with one stone: explore this slightly hidden neighborhood of Budapest and enjoy
great programs and food.
4. The Green Christmas Market in Klauzál Square – if you want to slow down
before the holidays and just have a good time while browsing among stalls of
handcrafted, one-of-a-kind designer products. It’s also an indoor event – in
the covered food market in Klauzál tér, District VII. – so you’ll be protected
against the whims the December weather.
Outdoor thermal baths
Budapest
is famous for its outdoor
spa parties (also known as sparties),
When
to go: Most baths operate year-round and are wonderful to visit in every
season, but soaking outdoors in winter and watching the steam rise into the air
is the most magical experience.
Inside the baths: In most
Budapest bathhouses, you'll find a series of indoor thermal pools ranging in
temperature from lukewarm to piping hot, as well as colder pools for swimming
laps. Other amenities include saunas, steam rooms, ice-cold plunge pools and
indulgent spa services such as massages.
Outdoor bathing: Except for
Veli Bej, all of the baths have an outdoor section with water fountains,
whirlpools and wave machines. Always specify which services you need when you
enter, as admission charges vary. Book ahead for additional spa treatments.
Fun extras: Fancy a beer
bath, private bathing, a spa-rty or a night-time soak? Some baths offer quirky
and fun experiences,
The most grand hot springs in
Budapest is the Széchenyi
Bathhouse. We took a group there before
on a Christmas Markets cruise and everyone loved this grand setting to soak in.
Upon
entering a bathhouse, you'll be given a watch-shaped electronic bracelet that
serves as a key to a szekrény (locker.)
Going to one
of the Budapest hot springs baths in the evening is another special and
exciting experience.
Széchenyi
Baths
Széchenyi is one of the
largest spa complexes in Europe, and probably Budapest’s most popular baths. It
is exactly as epic as it sounds. Picture sunflower-yellow walls in a wedding
cake-like building surrounding steaming outdoor pools, and the delightful sight
of old chaps playing chess in the water. Regulars are happy to take on new
challengers if you’re feeling brave.
Location:
City Park (Városliget).
The
vibe: Grand and lively.
Selling
points: Lovely outdoor pools and the beer bath section and open at night.
(Check exact opening hours the day before or day of planned visit.)
Rudas
Baths
Rudas has been around
since the Turkish conquest of Hungary but the baths have been fully renovated
with a contemporary touch. The biggest attraction is a rooftop hot tub
providing a pretty view of the Pest skyline. This is the only bath that still
holds single-sex days in its Turkish bath section.
Location: Buda side, by the
foot of Elizabeth Bridge.
The vibe: Ottoman-era charm
with a contemporary touch.
The rooftop hot tub and the
Rudas baths are open at night.
Lukács
Baths
Lukács is the perfect
destination for an authentic and tranquil thermal bath experience, offering a
peaceful escape from the city’s more crowded tourist spots. The medicinal
properties of its waters are backed up by marble memorial plaques installed in
the adjacent park, giving thanks in various languages to the institution and
its medical staff for healing therapies.
Location:
Buda side, close to Margaret Island.
The
vibe: Local and tranquil.
A true haven of health.
Our
tip: Lukács also offers a beer bath and there's a drinking hall where you can
taste the healing water, sourced from a dedicated well.
Gellért
Baths
If you
want to see a real Art Nouveau masterpiece, Gellért is your go-to.
Colorful tiles and mosaics adorn the walls, the stained-glass windows and
marble columns are jaw-droppingly beautiful and bathing here feels like a royal
ritual.
Location:
Buda side, next to Gellért Hill
The
vibe: Elegant and historic.
Another
highlight of any visit to Budapest is the views of the city skyline at night.
The famous Chain Bridge, illuminated at night is a breathtakingly beautiful
sight.
The Hungarian Parliament Building in
Budapest is illuminated at night, offering a stunning view.
The gorgeous sight of the Hungarian parliament building
illuminated in the night sky. A walk
along the riverside promenade offers stunning views of it and of the
illuminated bridges that cross the river.
The beautiful Chain
Bridge in Budapest illuminated at night
Day 3 – DEC. 23, 2026 BUDAPEST –
EMBARKATION
(The symbols B,L,D at the
end of each day’s listing in the daily itinerary , refer to the meals included
on that day)
Check
out of our hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D)
AmaSonata
Our
award-winning AmaSonata sings her melodious tune down Europe’s
great rivers. Our beautiful AmaSonata holds 162 passengers. Most accommodations have twin balconies, so
you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish, along with amenities
like Entertainment-On-Demand, high-speed Internet access and English-language
TV stations. A soft color palette in each stateroom calms the mind for
relaxation, but when you’re ready to get active, head to the fitness center or
up to the Sun Deck to the heated pool.
Crisp
white tablecloths and napkins grace the tables in the subdued Main Dining Room,
while The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant highlights its 5-star multi-course
cuisine with gold-hued tones and a twinkling overhead centerpiece. With a
stunning Main Lounge, tranquil library, sun-deck walking track, massage and
hair salon, and gift shop, you’ll never find a dull moment—and will sing AmaSonata’s
praises while sailing on
Day 4 DEC.
24, 2026 BUDAPEST
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. 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.
THIS
EVENING, WE WILL ENJOY A CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION ON OUR RIVERBOAT (B,L,D)
Day 5
DEC. 25, 2025 – MERRY CHRISTMAS
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. Or join a special
“Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava
Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 DECEMBER 26, 2026 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems 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 Vienna’s
historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna
by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this
iconic city.
IF YOU
WISH, VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL CHRIASTMAS MARKETS IN THE OUTSIDE COUTYARD ON THE GRPOUNDS OF SHONBRUN PALACE
Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Each year, the forecourt of Schönbrunn Palace
turns into a Christmas market that extends through New Year. The palace and its
outbuildings form a lovely backdrop for this family-friendly event.
What’s
at the market?
Dozens of stalls fill
the giant courtyard, offering booth after booth of good quality arts and crafts
from the workshops, studios and manufactories of candle makers, glass blowers,
chocolatiers, wood carvers, metal workers, toymakers, needle workers, ceramicists
and other artists and artisans.
As a result, the market qualifies as a strong
source of Christmas gifts and decorations.
And not forgetting the food and drink for
consumption on-site, featuring the likes of waffles, crepes, sweet dumplings,
baked potatoes, hotdogs, fruit crumbles, pancakes, flammkuchen, raclette,
pretzels and other fare.
Rather appropriately, you could get Kaiserschmarren, too: a dish allegedly named after (and
enjoyed) by one of Schönbrunn palace’s former occupants: Emperor Franz Joseph.
Market opening times are:
·
10am to 9pm
·
Closes at 4pm on
December 24th
·
10am to 7pm from
December 25th onwards
It’s really quite hard to beat the atmosphere at
the Schönbrunn Christmas market. No
street markings or garish signs spoil the historical vista. Instead, lights
beckon to weary travellers as the entire front of the
palace glows gently in
the twilight just behind a large (and particularly lovely) Christmas tree.
Vienna
Christkindlmarkt
When Vienna's many shopping streets and Christmas
markets are illuminated in the run-up to Christmas, one place shines
particularly beautifully: the Vienna Christkindlmarkt is considered one of the
most beautiful and largest Christmas markets in Europe. Every year, countless
guests from home and abroad visit and marvel at the traditional Christmas
market on Vienna's Rathausplatz.
Christmas in the Park
The town hall park
surrounding the Christmas market also immerses young and old in the Christmas
spirit with its famous heart tree, a small but fine selection of restaurants,
and other atmospheric attractions.
O Christmas tree
The Christmas tree at
the Vienna Christkindlmarkt forms the heart of this traditional Christmas
market. Since 1959, each year a different Austrian municipality has donated one
of its stately conifers, grown in the beautiful landscapes.
In 2024, Lower Austria
provided a tree for the seventh time. The approximately 30-meter-tall,
approximately 80-year-old spruce came from the market town of Rastenfeld in the
Waldviertel region. The tree was erected on October 29th in the town hall
square and was decorated with 2,000 LED lights and, for the first time,
approximately 1,000 Christmas baubles.
A symbol of life and love
What would the Vienna
Christmas market be without its famous heart tree? Whether as a photo
opportunity or a meeting place for lovers, the maple-leaved plane tree,
decorated with around 200 illuminated hearts, is a fixture in the Christmas
festivities in Rathauspark.
Hearts are a symbol of
love, which is especially popular at Christmas. Many a visitor would surely
have loved to take one of these hearts home with them from the Christmas
market. Now you can fulfill this wish at the Heart Stand under the Heart Tree.
Falling in love at the Christmas market? Oh yes,
it's possible. The enchantingly arranged park surrounding the Vienna Christmas
market, aglow with colorful lights, touches the heart. And the attractions
embedded within it provide the perfect backdrop. For example, the legendary
heart tree, which is spectacularly illuminated every hour after dusk. And if
you're not there with your loved one, you might be struck by Cupid's arrow—or
at least fall in love with the Vienna Christmas market.
After all,
Christmas is the festival of love.
Whether you stroll
across the Rathausplatz and sample the wide range of delicacies and buy
Christmas presents, take a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoy the
wonderful sea of lights.
See the Christmas world from above
The Vienna Christmas
market also boasts an attraction that offers stunning views of the town hall,
the park, and the Christmas market. The romantically illuminated nostalgic
Ferris wheel is an unforgettable experience for all ages. Even Emperor Franz
Joseph and Empress Sisi have been seen watching.
A walk through the park from nativity scene to nativity scene
Christmas nativity
scenes have existed for over 1,500 years, and the construction of nativity
scenes has a long tradition in Austria itself – reason enough for them to have
a permanent place at the Vienna Christmas market. Various, painstakingly
handcrafted, detailed nativity scenes are lovingly embedded in the Rathauspark
and invite you to explore. All of the nativity scenes on display are made by
the Vienna Nativity Scene Association, which has created up to seventy nativity
scenes annually since 2001.
Christmas melodies
From the roof of the
large nativity scene, Christmas sounds can be heard from tower brass ensembles
from Vienna and the Austrian federal states.
December 26th
is usually the last day of this famed Christmas Market, so there should be a
special sense of celebration in the air and around this market today. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Dec.
27, 2026 WEISSENKIRCHEN
– GREIN
After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll be treated to several
choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the
UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a
walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner
and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more
active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once
held or join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the
Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the
more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Dec.
28,2026 LINZ,
AUSTRIA
The
ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. For those
who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg
and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old
Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech
mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone
streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style
buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes.
Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief
walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city
center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed
“Cultural Mile” and the Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Dec.
29, 2026 PASSAU,
GERMANY – VILSHOFEN
Discover the city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a
walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St.
Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternately, choose between a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus
fortress or a guided bike tour along the River Inn. Later, cruise to Vilshofen,
where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration-an AmaWaterways
exclusive. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Dec.
30, 2026 VILSHOFEN
– DISEMBARKATION – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
As our cruise ends today, our optional 3 night Post cruise New
Year’s Eve Celebration in Prague begins today.
Depart the ship and drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best
preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour.
After touring Regensburg, continue on to Prague, where we will check into our
hotel for our three night post cruise program sponsored by AMA Waterways. (B)
Day 11 December
31st, 2026 ENJOY NYE in PRAGUE (B)
This morning we will experience the wonders of Prague and its
historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on our
city tour or, if you prefer, AMA offers a guided hike to the grand castle.
Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the
romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the
capital’s famous Astronomical Clock.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax or enjoy the last of the
Christmas markets
The main Christmas markets in Prague, located in Old Town
Square and Wenceslas Square, generally end on January 6th.
The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 29th
November 2025 to 6th January 2026, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas
Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The main Christmas markets are held at
the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square
(Václavské náměstí), next to each other, in the centre of Prague
Opening hours are 10:00-22:00. Entry is free.
Christmas markets
(Vánoční trhy) are a key ingredient of the festive magic in Czechia, and
the Prague markets are the most impressive in the country. They light up the
city, bringing locals and visitors together in a true 'winter wonderland'
setting.
The beautiful Christmas markets scene in the Old
Town of Prague
All manner of hearty Czech cuisine and local
drinks are available to sample, much of the food prepared and cooked in front
of you.
The food on offer includes: large hams roasted on spits (šunka);
terribly unhealthy but wonderfully tasty barbecued sausages (klobása);
flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš); chips (hranolky);
smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem); sweet dumplings
(sladké knedlíky); pancakes and crępes (palačinky); local cheeses; and
roasted chestnuts.
For drinks, you can sample famous Czech beers like Pilsner
Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen (brewed in Prague).
There is also cider
and even a Champagne and sparkling wine stall.
Alternatively, opt for a hot drink: mulled
wine (svařák or svařené víno); hot mead or honey wine (medovina); hot
apple (jablíčko); punch (punč); hot chocolate (horká čokoláda); or grog - hot water, rum, lemon
and sugar.
Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much nicer with a cup of mulled
wine or a cold beer in hand
and get ready to ring in
the New Year with tonight’s grand
Prague is one of the best cities to ring in the
New Year, offering a magical blend of history, celebration, and stunning
scenery.
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People
travel from around the world to celebrate New Year's Eve in Prague. Over
100,000 visitors are expected. A vibrant party
atmosphere permeates the city: in the streets and squares, on the river, and
in the restaurants, bars and clubs. |
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Enjoy
a Medieval dinner
Welcome the new year
in an underground tavern after enjoying a medieval dinner and themed show. Watch jugglers, swordsmen, and belly
dancers showcase their talents while soft medieval music is played in the
background.
For the best views of the
fireworks, head for somewhere overlooking the Vltava
River or go to a main square: Old
Town Square or Wenceslas
Square.
The restaurants, bars, clubs and river
cruises time their entertainment programs to allow guests who wish to
watch the fireworks to do so;
|
GUIDE TO
WATCHING THE FIREWORKS BY THE RIVER:
Charles
Bridge is usually the focal point for the fireworks by the
river. With a backdrop of the Old
Town on one side of the river, and Prague
Castle and the Lesser
Town on the other, revelers can admire the beauty of
fireworks and water as they welcome in the New Year. The fireworks you see by the river are
set off from elevated areas just outside the center, close to Prague
Castle. If you stand on or near Charles Bridge, you should enjoy a
good view. |
|
|
Where
to watch fireworks by the river: |
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Celebrate in the Heart of Prague: Old Town Square Magic
The Old Town Square and
Wenceslas Square are at the heart of the celebrations. The Old Town Square is
particularly magical, with its Christmas markets still in full swing and a
slightly more family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to soak up the
festive spirit, enjoy live music, and mingle with the crowd. Be sure to explore
the market stalls for handmade souvenirs and delicious holiday treats. You
might also visit these during the day
River Dinner Cruises on the Vltava: A Unique New Year’s Eve
Experience
For a unique way to celebrate, book a New
Year’s Eve river cruise on the Vltava. These cruises often include a welcome
drink, dinner, and entertainment, making them a relaxing yet festive option. At
midnight, the boat stops to give guests a front-row seat to the fireworks over
Prague’s historic landmarks. While pricier than other options, a cruise offers
the advantage of staying warm and cozy while experiencing the festivities
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
OVER PRAGUE
AND THE VLAtava river
another photo of nye fireworks in prague
And, for anyone
looking for a unique way to celebrate tonight, Prague's
Botanical garden's illuminated glass creations, will turn into a
light-and-music spectacle at night.
Day 12 HAPPY
JAN. 1ST, 2027 in PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic
with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was
created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into
being in the city of Budweiser.
Beer is a core part of
the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest
consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries
with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range
of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes
the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
Tonight enjoy another Fireworks show at 6pm. - It's launched
from Letna Park (Prague 7) due to its high
elevation, allowing for views from the river and Old Town.
Day 13 JANUARY
2, 2027 DEPART
PRAGUE
Bid
farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Pricing for this trip
Optional 2 night Pre cruise
– Dec. 21-23, 2026 - Christmas Markets in Budapest:
$610 per
person based on 2 people per room or $910 in single occupancy.
No deposit is required for the Pre cruise
land program. Just indicate at the time
of booking that you wish to add the 2 night pre cruise program and whether you
wish single or double occupancy
HOLIDAY Cruise Dec.
23-30,2025
ALL
CRUISE PRICES INCLUDE ALL SHORE EXCURSIONS, ALL MEALS, BEER, WINE AND SOFT
DRINKS WITH LUNCH AND DINNER, FRESH JUICES AND SPARKLING WINE/MIMOSAS WITH
BREAKFAST
AND
HAPPY HOUR SIP AND SAIL
COCKTAIL PARTY EACH EVENING ONE HOUR BEFORE DINNER WITH FREE COCKTAILS, BEER
AND WINE.
BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2025:
Category E on
Piano deck with two windows:
Cabins are
160 sq. ft.
EARLY BOOKING SALE: ONLY $2999 per person based on 2
people per cabin
SINGLE
OCCUPANCY: $5249
The plush
accommodations in Category E and D on our AMA Waterways ship
CAT. D: Category E on Piano deck with two windows:
Cabins are
160 sq. ft.
BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2025 $3298
SINGLE
OCCUPANCY: $5698
Cat C with a
French balcony on Cello and Violin decks
Cabins are
170 sq. feet
BOOK BY JUNE 30, 2025: $4498 per person based on 2 people
per cabin
SINGLE
OCCUPANCY: $8497
The plush
accommodations with a scenic French Balcony in Category C cabins
All cabins
can be configured with either 2 beds or one upon your request.
ALL CATEGORIES ALSO
RECEIVE $100 PER CABIN SHIPBOARD CREDIT
All
categories also have a tax of $250 per person.
A cruise
deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of booking. This is 50%
refundable until August 5th and non-refundable thereafter.
BALANCE PAYMENTS:
FOR ANYONE TRAVELING WITH YOUR OWN
FRIEND AS YOUR ROOMMATE OR TRAVELING IN SINGLE OCCUPANCY, THE BALANCE WILL BE
DUE SEPT. 10TH.
FOR ANYONE WHO REQUESTS THAT WE
ASSIGN THEM A ROOMMATE, YOUR BALANCE WILL BE DUE JUNE 23rd, 2026.
OPTIONAL AIR PROMO: $999
PER PERSON ROUND TRIP IN COACH CLASS FROM MOST MAJOR US CITIES OR $4299 PER
PERSON ROUND TRIP IN BUSINESS CLASS (ALL
AIR BOOKINGS MUST BE ADDED WITHIN 45 DAYS OF MAKING YOUR CRUISE BOOKING.
A Non-refundable Air deposit is
required at the time of adding the air promo: $350 per person for coach; $600
per person for business class. This locks in the air rate of $999 per person
round trip for coach class or $4299 round trip business class.
Flight
schedules will be provided by the cruise line between 60-30 days prior to
travel.
Optional 3 night Post Cruise New Year’s in Prague Celebration:
$975 per
person based on 2 people per room or $1395 in single occupancy.
No deposit is required for the Pre cruise
land program. Just indicate at the time
of booking that you wish to add the 2 night pre cruise program and whether you
wish single or double occupancy