Iconic Christmas Markets
December 7 – 14, 2026
AmaWaterways AmaVerde
Download Flyer
Register Here
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure.
Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore.
Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
The Educator: Sherri Noel
Sherri Noel embodies a creative spirit with a passion for sewing. A published author, teacher, and pattern designer, Sherri’s work has graced the pages of several prestigious magazines and quilting books over the past decade plus.
Her quilting journey began in college, inspired by her creative and industrious grandmothers. Upon graduating college, her parents gifted her a sewing machine, sparking a love for quilting that would define her career. Sherri has been designing quilts for many years, and in 2012, she launched her website, RebeccaMaeDesigns.com, named after her daughters, to share her talents and patterns with the world.
Her website offers a treasure trove of fun tutorials and block-of-the-month quilt-a-longs, inviting quilters to join her creative adventures. Sherri loves to travel, teach, and engage with the sewing community, regularly contributing to popular sewing sites.
Sherri’s designs incorporate a diverse range of quilting techniques, including traditional piecing, English paper piecing, foundation paper piecing, partial seams, bias tape appliqué, needle turn appliqué, wool appliqué, embroidery, and pearl cotton. She also has a love of hand quilting with the big stitch technique.
Among her notable creations are the Madawaska Mittens, the Dear Daughter quilt, her Scandinavian Christmas designs, and her beloved scrappy block-of-the-month patterns.
Sherri views quilting as a profound form of creative expression. In 2016, she began adding sentiments and quirky sayings to her quilts, starting with the Dear Daughter quilt, which features tender, thoughtful messages for her daughters about living a joyful and simple life. Sherri lives in New England and can be found at rebeccamaedesigns.com.
The Project:
We will meet in the lounge to visit, enjoy the scenery, listen to music, and work on our projects together. You are welcome to meet us in the lounge to pick up your daily kit and spend an hour visiting, watching the beautiful scenery go by, enjoy the lounge music, and work on our projects together.
From Sherri:
I absolutely adore wool appliqué, and when you add a touch of Christmas, it’s even more delightful! During this enchanting quilting river cruise, you’ll receive a special stitch kit and we’ll create charming, small holiday-themed wool projects together. These projects are perfect for stitching on the go or when you need a quick creative fix. Each piece will serve as a lovely reminder of the magical European Christmas Markets we’ll visit along our journey.
This is not one of the projects, but will give you an idea of what the projects will look like.
Itinerary:
-
- 7 December 2026: Budapest, Hungary
- Board the ship in Budapest for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise.
- 8 December 2026: Budapest, Hungary
- Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration.
- 9 December 2026: Vienna, Austria
- The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. Or cap the day off with “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Town Hall (Rathaus), Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.
- 10 December 2026: Melk, Austria
- High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley.
- 11 December 2026: Passau, Germany
- Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria.
- 12 December 2026: Regensburg, Germany
- Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.
- 13 December 2026: Nuremberg, Germany
- Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets.
- 14 December 2026: Nuremberg, Germany
- Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home.
- 7 December 2026: Budapest, Hungary
Optional Add-Ons: If you choose to add on a pre or post cruise land tour, your hotels and all excursions will be included, as well as daily breakfast.
Pre-Cruise: 2 nights Budapest, Hungary – $600 per person
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.
Post-Cruise: 3 nights Prague, Germany – $975 per person
Discover Prague on a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the day, visit Prague’s festive Christmas markets.
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world.
About the Ship: AmaWaterways 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.
Total Passengers: 160
Total Crew: 51
Launched: 2011
Re-designed: 2021
Features of this river boat include:
- Award Winning Dining in the Main Restaurant
- The Chefs Table
- Fitness Room
- Massage & Hair Salon
- Main Lounge & Bar
- Observation Lounge
- Al Fresco Terrace
- Walking Track
- Sun Deck
- Heated Pool
- Lower Sun Deck
- Elevator (does not reach the Sun Deck)
- Complimentary Bicycles
- Enriching Entertainment
- Putting Green
Package Includes:
- Onboard accommodations
- Port fees and taxes
- Prepaid Onboard Gratuities
- Holiday Themed Project Kits
- Complimentary Chefs Table Dining Experience
- Daily Lounge Group Meet Up
Included with your cruise fare:
-
Meals and snacks in both restaurants and lounge
-
House wine, beer, soft drinks and water during lunch and dinner
-
Predinner happy hour with complimentary wine, beer and spirits
-
Juice, water and sparkling wine at breakfast
-
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bottled water 24/7
-
Shore excursions
-
All daily activities
-
Use of fitness room and exercise classes
-
Use of bicycles
-
In-cabin on-demand movies
- FREE Wifi
Pricing: ALL PRICING IS IN USD. Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy.
Pricing is subject to change until booked and deposited.
Single room rates and other room categories are available upon request.
River View Stateroom
Package starts at $5500 per person, double occupancy; $7700 single occupancy
Description: Oceanview staterooms feature a picture window. All staterooms include AmaWaterways’ exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel. Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
Stateroom Size: 170 sq ft *
French Balcony Stateroom
Package starts at $7000 per person, double occupancy; $10200 single occupancy
Description: Balcony staterooms feature a French balcony, for unimpeded views and fresh air. All staterooms include AmaWaterways’ exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel. Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
Stateroom Size: 170 sq ft *
Twin Balcony Stateroom
Package starts at $7600 per person, double occupancy; $11,400 single occupancy
Description: Balcony staterooms feature Twin Balconies, which consist of a French balcony, for unimpeded views and fresh air, plus a separate outside balcony, allowing for private, al fresco enjoyment of your river cruise experience. All staterooms include AmaWaterways� exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel. Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
Stateroom Size: 210 sq ft *
Owners Suite
Package starts at $9600 per person, double occupancy; $18,000 single occcupancy
Owner’s Suites are the most deluxe category, and feature a sitting area and couch, large bathroom with separate bathtub, mini bar, as well as twin balconies, which consist of a French balcony, for unimpeded views and fresh air, plus a separate outside balcony, allowing for private, al fresco enjoyment of your river cruise experience. All staterooms include AmaWaterways� exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel. Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
Stateroom Size: 350 sq ft *
Payment Schedule: MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
$400 deposit per person due at time of registration
2nd deposit of $500 per person due by 15 June 2025
Final balance due by August 15, 2026
**Trip/Travel Insurance quote will be emailed to you once deposit is received. Please review the 3 policy options and let Michelle know which policy you wish to purchase. Your card will be charged at that time.
***Cancellation Fees may apply as follows:
$200 per person non-refundable from the time of booking
$500 per person for cancellations after 15 June 2025
$1000 per person cancellation fee begins 1 August 2026
Additional cancellation fees apply per AmaWaterways based on date of cancellation.
Cancellations made within 60 days of departure are 100% non-refundable.
Download Flyer
Register Here