Christmas Markets, Hot Mulled Wine, Handcrafted Toys and the smell of gingerbread.  What a wonderful way to start the holiday season.
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Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.

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A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination

Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options

Bike tours and hikes

Local Flavors tours

Knowledgeable guides

Personal headset for easy exploration

Airport transfers with purchase of air 

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DAY 1

VILSHOFEN, GERMANY - EMBARKATION.

Board the ship in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)
 

DAY 2

PASSAU, GERMANY

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 3 LINZ, AUSTRIA

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas markets. Or you could go on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Česky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 4 WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike along the Danube River or hike up to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you’ll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you won’t want to miss the excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley’s finest wine. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 5 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride through Vienna. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas Markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening on your own. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 6 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market, or an invigorating castle hike from Vienna up to Bratislava castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate and the Old Town Hall. As an alternative, visit the Austrian palace of Schloss Hof, located near the Slovakian border. In the evening, explore Vienna’s festive Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 7 ESZTERGOM – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. 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. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 8 BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

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PRE AND POST NIGHT PACKAGE OPTIONS

Ask about pre and post nights in Prague and Budapest

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* This is a sample itinerary  and is not intended as a final or current itinerary .  All options are subject to change without notice.  Call for a quote and current itinerary.  Special offers are available while inventory lasts and only on select dates. Travel protection recommended.  Additional options may be available.  Other restrictions may apply.  Must be booked no later than 30 days prior to trip.