November 28 - December 5, 2027 | Classical on the Danube

Details coming soon!

Celebrate the magic of the season as you sail the Danube, where storybook towns and glittering Christmas Markets bring Old World holiday traditions to life. From a festive Bavarian welcome in Vilshofen to the twinkling squares of Passau, Linz, and the Wachau Valley, you’ll wander cobblestone streets filled with handcrafted treasures, gingerbread aromas, and warm mulled wine. This is the beauty of Christmas in Europe–wrapped in charm, tradition, and the sparkle of the season.

Duration: 7 nights

Rivers: Danube

Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Dates: November 28 - December 5, 2027

Fares: Details coming soon!

*Non-Refundable Deposit of $750 CAD due upon booking

Unmatched access no other tour can offer.
A music masterclass with a view, layered
on top of an already exceptional itinerary.

A Discovery

Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna, your floating home for the days ahead. Settle into your stateroom as the city's lights begin to shimmer along both banks of the Danube. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner, where new friendships form and anticipation builds for the journey through the heart of Europe.

A River of Storybook Villages

Wander centuries-old towns along the way on unforgettable excursions.

The Streets of Jazz-Age Paris

Spend 3 days post-cruise in Paris, with two very special jazz shows

Legendary Music Masterclass

Legendary Soundwaves takes you past the velvet rope. It's the music lover's induction into the inner circle that no other travel offers. Dr. Bowman’s expertise is legendary. The series debuts with Jazz in France and offers curated music history and jazz experiences layered on top of an already exceptional itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1

November 28 — Budapest, Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in Budapest and board the luxurious AmaMagna, your floating home for the days ahead. Settle into your stateroom as the city's lights begin to shimmer along both banks of the Danube. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner, where new friendships form and anticipation builds for the journey through the heart of Europe.

Day 2

November 29 — Budapest
Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Buda Castle and Heroes' Square, Budapest offers culture and tradition at every turn. Tour the vibrant Great Market Hall and explore both hilly Buda and flat Pest, then visit a festive Christmas Market. Alternatively, hike Castle Hill along Fishermen's Bastion for active exploration. Later, cruise the scenic Danube Bend, where hills frame Hungary's oldest settlements—Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre—as nature and history converge at the river's dramatic turn.

Day 3

November 30 — Budapest
Host to 11 Hungarian coronations between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava earned the title "Coronation City of Kings." Discover this regal heritage on a walking tour through the Old Town, followed by a visit to the charming Christmas Market. Alternatively, join a "Tastes of Slovakia" tour to savor local delicacies, or hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views across the city and Danube.

Day 4

December 1 — Vienna
The "City of Waltzes" reveals its treasures on a tour of the Opera House and former Imperial Palace, concluding in the historic city center. Visit the Christmas market at Maria Theresaplatz, or bike along the Danube. During the afternoon, explore Schönbrunn Palace's market with its giant sparkling tree. Cap the day with "Vienna by Night," wandering through magnificently illuminated Christmas Markets that transform this imperial city into a winter wonderland.

Day 5

December 2 — Rouen & Jazz Night
History comes alive in Rouen, where cobblestone streets wind past the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom and the medieval quarter’s storied squares. Devour Normandy’s delectable foods like chocolate, cheese, and cider, or set off on a guided bike tour before discovering the tranquil elegance of Bonnemare Castle and its lined gardens. *Curated dinner & jazz show on a covered rooftop terrace at twilight, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 6

December 3 — Vernon & Giverny
Glide into Vernon’s scenic charm before stepping ashore to explore Monet’s world of colour and light at Giverny. Delight in the grandeur of Château de Bizy or embrace adventure on a guided bike ride through the countryside, where every vista invites reflection and wonder.

Day 7

December 4 — Paris
Wander through Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh’s presence still whispers in the attic rooms of Auberge Ravoux, and the village’s quiet charm invites reflection. Delight in the elegant beauty of Château de Malmaison and its famed gardens, or set off on a guided bike ride through Paris’s storied streets. Drift along the Seine on a riverboat, taking in the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Musee d’Orsay, as the city’s bridges and monuments unfold in timeless harmony.

Day 8

December 5 — Paris, Cruise Disembarkation & Jazz Night
Our music group transfers to a hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the heart of the city's jazz history, for three nights. Enjoy a spectacular dinner and evening jazz show, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 9

July 2 — Paris
Free day to explore Paris.

Day 10

July 3 — Paris, Trip Finale & Jazz Night
A farewell gathering with Dr. Bowman, then on to one of Paris's most legendary jazz clubs for a final unforgettable night, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 11

July 4 — Departure
Fly home, or continue on independently.

What's Included:

River Cruise (7 nights aboard AmaLyra):

  • Luxury river-view stateroom

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Scheduled shore excursions

  • Port charges and onboard Wi-Fi

  • Cruise Director and onboard wellness activities

  • Welcome Reception by Dr. Rob Bowman upon boarding AmaLyra

  • Two curated dinner & jazz shows (Le Havre and Rouen), exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

  • Hosted jazz sessions and engagements by Dr. Rob Bowman

Post-Cruise in Paris (3 Nights):

  • Transportation from ship to hotel

  • Post-cruise accommodations for three nights in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area on the Left Bank - the historic heart of the Parisian jazz scene

  • 1 X Dinner & jazz show in Paris, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

  • 1 X Ticket for a jazz show at a legendary venue on last night

Not included: Airfare, airport transfers, and personal expenses.

About the Ship, AmaLyra

AmaLyra carries just 144 guests across 72 staterooms, many with French balconies, bringing the Seine's beauty right into your room. Onboard, enjoy regionally inspired dining reflecting the flavours of Paris and Normandy, a Main Lounge for evening entertainment, a Sun Deck whirlpool, and wellness amenities including a fitness room and massage services.

Dining: Choose between the Main Restaurant, blending international and regional French cuisine, and The Chef's Table, an open kitchen tasting menu experience. Dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more, are happily accommodated. Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks provided throughout the sailing.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your stateroom and throughout all public areas.

Accessibility: AmaLyra features an elevator reaching the Violin and Cello decks (not the Sun or Piano decks) and wide public areas throughout. Some staterooms are designed for guests with mobility needs, and crew support is available both onboard and during shore excursions.

For full ship specifications and deck plans for AmaLyra, visit AmaWaterways - click here.

  • No! This voyage is meant for anyone who appreciates music - in this case, jazz - and wants to learn more about its history. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or simply love the vibe, Dr. Bowman's storytelling makes the history accessible and engaging for every level of listener. No prior knowledge required, just curiosity.

  • This hosted experience is designed for mature, active adults.

  • Yes, but solo space is very limited and a solo supplement applies (extra charge for occupying double-occupancy alone). While most people travel with a companion, river cruises are widely considered ideal for solo travellers because they offer an intimate, safe, and structured environment that removes the stress of independent planning.

  • Historic towns may include cobblestones, steep walkways, and stairs. River ships also have accessibility limitations (see AmaLyra details above). Contact Jenny and her team to discuss your individual needs before booking.

  • Bowman will be weaving in jazz history, listening sessions, and Q&A opportunities, and will also be a passenger, just like you, enjoying casual conversations, meals, cocktails, and every excursion and jazz engagement along the way.

  • No. His programming is thoughtfully woven throughout the voyage rather than scheduled daily, so the experience feels natural and unhurried.


  • As much or as little as you like. Join AmaLyra’s included shore excursions (which are magical!) and onboard activities, take part in some or all of Rob’s music sessions, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Four: two along the Seine in Le Havre and Rouen, and two in Paris, including the finale night at one of the city's most legendary jazz clubs.

Frequently Asked Questions for this Voyage