Dreamtime Travel
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12-Night Trip on AmaVerde

Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

Cruise, Small Ship/Yacht, Cruisetour, River cruise

Vienna to Istanbul Cruisetour

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From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year along the lower Danube. Immerse yourself in the winter magic of Austria, Turkey, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities await as they burst with traditional holiday cheer. You will relish the sight of beautiful landscapes, perhaps glistening with snow, and journey through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates. Wine and food lovers will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, and savor local seasonal sweets during Winterfest in Novi Sad, the first Christmas Market in Serbia. Be treated to the diverse culture and holiday joy on this unforgettable journey down the Danube.
Interests
  • Christmas Markets
  • Festivals and Events
12 Nights Starting At
November 22, 2025 through December 04, 2025
Book by:
November 18, 2025 7:00 PM
Itinerary Map
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About AmaVerde

Ship Overview
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.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
Switzerland
Year Built
2011
Ship Length
443 ft
Ship Beam
38 ft
Total Capacity
160
Crew Size
51
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Deck plans are not yet available
Daily Options
AMAWaterways: Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

Day 1
Vienna
Hotel check-in

Day 2
Vienna
Imperial Vienna tour and Christmas Markets

Day 3
Budapest
Transfer to Budapest
Embarkation
EMBARKATION

Day 4
Mohacs
Pécs excursion with Christmas Markets
OR Szekszárd wine tasting
OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube

Day 5
Vukovar
Vukovar City Tour
OR Osijek tour
OR Vukovar bike tour
Croatian wine tasting
OR Vucedol Museum

Day 6
Belgrade
“The City by Two Rivers” tour and Winter Market
OR Belgrade Fortress hike
OR Belgrade bike tour
“Brandies of Belgrade” tasting
OR “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour

Day 7
Iron Gates
Golubac Fortress visit
Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates

Day 8
Vidin
Baba Vida Fortress, Vidin Walking Tour, and Christmas Markets
OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting
OR Vidin bike tour

Day 9
Rousse
Veliko Tarnovo excursion with Christmas Market
OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour
OR Bucharest excursion with Christmas Market

Day 10
Giurgiu
DISEMBARKATION

Bucharest
Flight to Istanbul

Istanbul
Hotel check-in

Day 11
Istanbul
Istanbul Walking Tour

Day 12
Istanbul
Topkapi Palace & Harem

Day 13
Istanbul
Return flight home
Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways

Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways
THE HEART OF THE RIVER™

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

UNPACK ONCE: A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Step aboard and unpack once aboard one of our luxury ships that transport you from one destination to the next. With AmaWaterways, every day is a “see” day as we cruise through grand capitals and charming towns. Our ships dock near city centers, meaning you can step right off the ship and explore.

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED – CHOOSE FROM UP TO EIGHT EACH DAY
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. Our roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

AWARD-WINNING INCLUDED DINING EXPERIENCES
With membership in the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways takes pride in preparing exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE - FEWER GUESTS ON BOARD
Spacious and uncrowded, our award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. Our innovative AmaMagna offers enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

ENHANCE YOUR BEST SELF
Join our dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship. For a gentler approach to wellness, we invite you to take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.

UNPARALLELED PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our extraordinary Cruise Managers and crew continuously go above and beyond to enhance the onboard experience, surprising and delighting our guests with thoughtful details, getting to know you personally and anticipating your needs before you ever have to ask. Our people are the main reason more guests return to cruise with us than with any other river cruise line - a testament to their passion and unrivaled service.

EXTRAORDINARY CRUISE MANAGERS
AmaWaterways’ extraordinary Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing exceptional levels of personalized service. Warm-hearted, genuine and knowledgeable, they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.

LEADERS IN INNOVATION
Continuously innovating the river cruise experience, we were the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary bikes, a full-sized pickleball court, and a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef's Table. As industry leaders, we work to minimize our impact on the world’s rivers, reducing single-use plastics across our fleet and installing solar panels on AmaMagna.

STAY CONNECTED
Stay in touch with our high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, available on board throughout our fleet. In addition, our easy-to-use myAmaCruise app allows you view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.

Ship Overview
Ship Overview
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.
Ship Details
Ship's Registry
Switzerland
Year Built
2011
Ship Length
443 ft
Ship Beam
38 ft
Total Capacity
160
Crew Size
51
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Deck plans are not yet available
AMAWaterways: Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

Day 1
Vienna
Hotel check-in

Day 2
Vienna
Imperial Vienna tour and Christmas Markets

Day 3
Budapest
Transfer to Budapest
Embarkation
EMBARKATION

Day 4
Mohacs
Pécs excursion with Christmas Markets
OR Szekszárd wine tasting
OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube

Day 5
Vukovar
Vukovar City Tour
OR Osijek tour
OR Vukovar bike tour
Croatian wine tasting
OR Vucedol Museum

Day 6
Belgrade
“The City by Two Rivers” tour and Winter Market
OR Belgrade Fortress hike
OR Belgrade bike tour
“Brandies of Belgrade” tasting
OR “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour

Day 7
Iron Gates
Golubac Fortress visit
Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates

Day 8
Vidin
Baba Vida Fortress, Vidin Walking Tour, and Christmas Markets
OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting
OR Vidin bike tour

Day 9
Rousse
Veliko Tarnovo excursion with Christmas Market
OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour
OR Bucharest excursion with Christmas Market

Day 10
Giurgiu
DISEMBARKATION

Bucharest
Flight to Istanbul

Istanbul
Hotel check-in

Day 11
Istanbul
Istanbul Walking Tour

Day 12
Istanbul
Topkapi Palace & Harem

Day 13
Istanbul
Return flight home

Why River Cruise with AmaWaterways
THE HEART OF THE RIVER™

With over two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, our family-owned and operated company has remained focused on what we do best: providing our guests with innovative and unforgettable travel experiences. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart, every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share.

UNPACK ONCE: A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE
Step aboard and unpack once aboard one of our luxury ships that transport you from one destination to the next. With AmaWaterways, every day is a “see” day as we cruise through grand capitals and charming towns. Our ships dock near city centers, meaning you can step right off the ship and explore.

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED – CHOOSE FROM UP TO EIGHT EACH DAY
AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. Our roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

AWARD-WINNING INCLUDED DINING EXPERIENCES
With membership in the internationally recognized La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Tables et Auberges de France, AmaWaterways takes pride in preparing exquisite, regionally inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy complimentary hand-selected wines and local beers during every lunch and dinner on board.

THE LUXURY OF SPACE - FEWER GUESTS ON BOARD
Spacious and uncrowded, our award-winning fleet offers elegantly appointed staterooms and suites and welcomes fewer guests than many traditional river cruise ships. Our innovative AmaMagna offers enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.

ENHANCE YOUR BEST SELF
Join our dedicated Wellness Hosts for complimentary small-group fitness classes on board your ship. For a gentler approach to wellness, we invite you to take a dip in the sun-deck pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Healthy cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients is always available, as are vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium choices.

UNPARALLELED PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Our extraordinary Cruise Managers and crew continuously go above and beyond to enhance the onboard experience, surprising and delighting our guests with thoughtful details, getting to know you personally and anticipating your needs before you ever have to ask. Our people are the main reason more guests return to cruise with us than with any other river cruise line - a testament to their passion and unrivaled service.

EXTRAORDINARY CRUISE MANAGERS
AmaWaterways’ extraordinary Cruise Managers are the best in the industry: destination experts with extensive experience in providing exceptional levels of personalized service. Warm-hearted, genuine and knowledgeable, they are there for you every step of your journey, including during our optional land packages before and after your river cruise.

LEADERS IN INNOVATION
Continuously innovating the river cruise experience, we were the first to offer twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary bikes, a full-sized pickleball court, and a complimentary multi-course specialty restaurant, The Chef's Table. As industry leaders, we work to minimize our impact on the world’s rivers, reducing single-use plastics across our fleet and installing solar panels on AmaMagna.

STAY CONNECTED
Stay in touch with our high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, available on board throughout our fleet. In addition, our easy-to-use myAmaCruise app allows you view and share an interactive map that follows your river cruise itinerary, share photos with friends and family, learn about each port of call, find available excursions and even access your electronic travel documents.

About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways logo

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable?ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.

Read More

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable?ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.