Cruise Advice
22-23 December
Setting sail from Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Our tip
Hungarian cuisine is vastly underrated; don’t visit Budapest without trying goulash, the paprika-infused national dish.
24-25 December
Slovakia: Bratislava
Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint little capital, straddles the Danube close to the border with Austria and Hungary. The compact old town is the best place to begin your exploration, before heading up to the hilltop castle for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside.
25-27 December
Arriving in Vienna
Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria's glorious imperial heyday. Architectural highlights include the Spanish Riding School, the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg, the sprawling former residence of the Habsburg royals. From mid-November the city's squares are transformed into magical Christmas markets, where fairy lights twinkle and the air is heady with aromas of sizzling sausage, gingerbread and Glühwein.
Don't miss
Schloss Schonbrunn, the Habsburgs' summer palace, with great gardens too. Just a few of the huge number of rooms are open – the Imperial Tour takes you into 26.
Your home from home
AmaMagna represents a bold new ship design for the Danube, the same length but twice the width of a standard river cruise vessel, with more space, larger staterooms and more dining options.
What we love
The extra space on board AmaMagna means large, luxurious, ocean-type staterooms averaging over 300 square feet, lots of dining options, and expansive spa and fitness areas. There will also be something totally new - a retractable watersports platform.
| Capacity | 196 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 70 European Staff |
| Style |
Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
See more of Austria
If you’ve got time, go to magical Salzburg too, you will love it.
