Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas Markets)

Price is based on departure date 25th Nov 2024

Multiple departures available (best price guarantee)

Embarkation from Budapest

Itinerary highlights

Ship: AmaVerde

Cabin: Category C 

Sail Date: 25th Nov 2024

Duration: 07 Nights

Day 1, BUDAPEST. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas cruise. (D)

Day 2, BUDAPEST ­ MOHACS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO­designated 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 symbols of the city.You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red­wine­growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D)

Day 3, VUKOVAR ­ ILOK ­ NOVI SAD. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian  Christmas Market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia’s first and oldest Winter Market where you’ll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)

Day 4, BELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world­renowned 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. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas Market stalls, an ice­skating rink, 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, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 5, IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe­inspiring 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6, VIDIN. 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. 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 choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

Day 7, ROUSSE. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th­ and 20th­century Neo­Baroque and Neo­Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO­designated Rock­Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14thcentury paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8, GIURGIU. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

What's included?

Spacious Staterooms  

• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
• Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
• Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily

Amenities 

• Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
• 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
• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and 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 Daily 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

Your Ship: AmaVerde

One 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.

Enquire Now!

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.