Discover the Magic of Europe with AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has recently expanded its presence in Australia, offering a wider range of river cruises than ever before. This opens up a world of unique itineraries and ships to Australian travellers, with AmaWaterways showcasing the best of Europe’s waterways, in style and comfort.
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a river cruise with AmaWaterways. The cruise was the Romantic Danube: A Taste of the Christmas Markets, sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest. This eight-day journey took us from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the beautiful AmaLea, giving us a glimpse into the festive spirit of Europe’s renowned Christmas Markets. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the charm of the season, with fairy lights and decorations throughout the ship setting a cosy holiday atmosphere.
Day 1: Embarkation at Vilshofen
Our cruise began with a seamless transfer from Munich Airport to Vilshofen, where the AmaLea was moored, elegantly adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. From the moment we stepped onboard, we were greeted with warm smiles, a glass of bubbles, and the best surprise of all—our rooms were ready earlier than expected! I stayed in a spacious Category BB twin balcony room on Deck 2, offering both a French and outside balcony—perfect for watching the stunning river landscapes drift by.
Vilshofen, a small Bavarian town, is famous for its centuries-old architecture and local traditions. Our first taste of river cruise life began in Vilshofen, with a lively local Oktoberfest celebration. The festive Bavarian atmosphere was infectious—traditional music, Bavarian treats, and cheerful camaraderie brought us together as we began to make friends over pretzels and beer.
Day 2: Exploring Passau
We departed Vilshofen in the morning and sailed towards Passau, a picturesque city where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau’s old town is a blend of medieval and baroque architecture, with winding streets and the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world’s largest church organ. AmaWaterways offered a variety of excursions, from a gentle-paced walking tour through the historic streets, or for more active guests, a hike up to Mariahilf Monastery for stunning views over the Danube.
Day 3: Linz – Choices Galore
Arriving in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, we were met with a blend of modern innovation and historic charm. Known for its artistic history and as the birthplace of composer Anton Bruckner, Linz is also famous for its contemporary culture, including the Ars Electronica Center, which explores the intersection of art, technology, and society. The choices for excursions were many with some guests venturing to Salzburg—a city forever linked to Mozart and The Sound of Music—while others explored the medieval charm of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For those not wanting to be out for a whole day, a morning city walking tour or a bike tour around Linz were also on offer.
Day 4: Scenic Wachau Valley
We spent the morning cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley, one of the most picturesque stretches of the Danube, known for its terraced vineyards, quaint villages, and dramatic castles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its wines, especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. AmaWaterways offered excursions for all interests: a bike tour through the valley, a hike to the ruins of Durnstein Castle—where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned—or a visit to the historic Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. For a truly unique experience, we had the chance to meet local farmers at a family-run apricot farm, learning about the cultivation of this sweet fruit that is central to the region’s economy. After dinner, a short walk from the ship took us through the village of Weissenkirchen to a local winery, where we sampled the region’s famous wines while learning about the area's winemaking history.
Day 5: Vienna – Christmas Magic
Vienna was a true highlight of the cruise, with its elegant architecture and festive atmosphere. Known as the city of imperial palaces and grand operas, Vienna offers an unforgettable experience. In the morning, guests could join a walking tour of the city, exploring its grand boulevards and stopping at the Christmas market at Maria Theresien-Platz. In the afternoon, an excursion was available to Schönbrunn Palace and its festive Christmas market. The palace, adorned with sparkling lights and offering traditional holiday crafts, is a must-see for history lovers and those seeking the ultimate Christmas experience.
As evening approached, guests faced a classic dilemma: a choice between attending the opera, featuring works by Mozart and Strauss, or visiting the charming Rathaus Christkindlmarkt, one of Vienna’s most famous Christmas markets. The day perfectly embodied the theme of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Our Cruise Director, Camille, encouraged guests to embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), reminding everyone that sometimes the best moments come from enjoying the present and savouring the experience right in front of them.
Day 6: Bratislava – A Hidden Gem
Bratislava stole my heart. This capital of Slovakia, perched on the banks of the Danube, offers a rich blend of medieval, baroque, and modern architecture. A poignant moment was sailing past Hrad Devin, a fortress that once marked the edge of the Iron Curtain—a stark reminder of the not-so-distant past. The city’s old town is full of charm, with narrow alleys and quaint squares lined with cafés and shops. Exploring the cobblestone streets, we discovered intimate Christmas markets that felt more authentic and welcoming than the larger city counterparts.
Day 7: A Snowy Budapest
Overnight, we were surprised by the season’s first snow, creating a winter wonderland as we arrived in Budapest, Hungary’s stunning capital. The city is split by the Danube River into two parts: Buda, with its historic Castle Hill and thermal baths, and Pest, known for its vibrant nightlife and grand boulevards. The morning was spent on a tour of Buda, including a visit to Castle Hill and the impressive Matthias Church, where we warmed up with a delicious hazelnut hot chocolate and a cinnamon chimney cake. In the afternoon, we explored Pest, visiting the Hungarian Parliament, the poignant Shoes Memorial (a reminder of the city’s wartime history), and St. Stephen's Basilica. Despite the chilly weather, Budapest's festive lights and decorations made the city feel warm and welcoming.
Day 8: Disembarkation – A Bittersweet Farewell
Our journey ended in Budapest, and it was hard to say goodbye to the AmaLea, which had truly become our home for the week. The crew’s warmth, enthusiasm, and impeccable service made every moment special, and I left with memories that will last a lifetime.
Excursions to Suit Every Traveller
A standout feature of AmaWaterways is the variety of excursions on offer. In Linz, choices ranged from a day trip to Salzburg, an excursion to Cesky Krumlov, or an active bike tour around the city. In Vienna, making the difficult decision between going to the Christmas Markets or the Opera. Even on the walking tours, there was the option to choose between a regular-paced tour or a gentler pace. One thing that stood out was our Cruise Director Camille’s advice—don’t let FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) rule your holiday! She encouraged us to embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), a refreshing reminder to take time to relax, enjoy the ship, or explore at our own pace. It was your holiday, your way.
A Year-Round Destination: Winter Adds a Special Charm
River cruising is not just for summer—there’s a unique beauty to the European winter. The cold weather made the cosy interior spaces of the AmaLea feel even more inviting, and the festive decorations in each town added to the sense of anticipation and joy. While temperatures were low, hovering near freezing on some days, it only enhanced the atmosphere—Christmas in Europe just wouldn’t be the same without the crisp air, steaming mugs of glühwein, and the twinkle of holiday lights.
For Australian travellers, the expanded portfolio of AmaWaterways cruises offers a range of choices year-round. From wine-themed sailings to festive holiday cruises, there’s something to suit every traveller’s interests. My time on the AmaLea highlighted the best of river cruising: a comfortable and friendly onboard experience, an impressive array of excursions, and an opportunity to see Europe’s iconic cities from a unique perspective.
If you're thinking of your next adventure, a river cruise with AmaWaterways might be just the perfect way to explore Europe—whether you're bundled up for a winter market or sipping a glass of wine under the summer sun. Whatever the season, the experience promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Travel experienced and written by Louise Carroll, Senior Travel Advisor, National Travel