Christmas Markets on the Danube

Arrive in Budapest and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Budapest, often called the “Queen of the Danube,” is one of Europe’s most majestic cities, with many of its iconic landmarks, like the fairy-tale Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill, and the stunning Hungarian Parliament building, visible right from the riverbanks. But beyond these well-known sites, this vibrant city has a rich history and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. On this excursion, follow your guide beyond the typical tourist paths and explore intriguing, lesser-known attractions that reveal Budapest’s deeper cultural tapestry.

Check out of your hotel to board your ship.

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you can marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. Visit the city’s famed Christmas Markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial.

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you discover during your walking tour. Visit Bratislava’s charming Christmas market. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Enjoy a free evening to explore Vienna on your own.

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, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. In the afternoon, experience the spectacular festive atmosphere of the Schönbrunn Christmas Markets. at the beautifully decorated Christmas Markets in this magnificent city. In the evening, spend some free time at the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Chirstkindlmarkt, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then taste some of the village’s distinctive wines. Or visit a local boutique to taste Durnstein’s special apricot treats, such as jams and chocolates. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk, where you can have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey.

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice of three 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 can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube River. Or go on a full-day visit to Salzburg where you can enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its breathtaking Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion.

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you can 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. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf or join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later, sail for Vilshofen, be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.

Depart the ship and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, which you can discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, enjoy a visit to Old Town’s Christmas market. Later continue your journey on to Prague and check into your hotel. 

Discover Prague with a choice of 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. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you can find the famous Astronomical Clock. Then, have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square.

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.

Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight.