Celebrate the magic of the festive season and experience four different countries along the Danube, Europe's second longest river, on this Christmas Markets cruise.
Sailing from Budapest, discover some of the Danube's most celebrated cities at this wonderful time of year, browse the Christmas markets and sample traditional festive fare. Cruise past the illuminated waterfront at Budapest and onto Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. See the famous Christmas Markets in Vienna, including the Schonbrunn Palace markets, and explore the city on a guided tour.
Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to discover Durnstein and the Austrian city of Linz. In Vilshofen there is a private festive Oktoberfest celebration with beer and traditional folk music. On selected dates shop at Christmas markets - these normally close a few days before Christmas.
F404 Operated by AMA Waterways
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Christmas Markets on the Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - Budapest (Hungary)
Embark your river ship in Budapest. Tonight there is a Welcome Dinner and a special illuminations cruise along the city's glittering waterfront. (D)
Day 2 - Budapest
Enjoy a sightseeing tour including both Buda and Pest to see highlights including Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit the festive markets. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Bratislava (Slovakia) - Vienna (Austria)
From Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, you can enjoy a guided walking tour to the Old Town Hall and Mirbach Palace before enjoying free time to explore the city and its Christmas markets. On the reverse itinerary there is the option to sample traditional Slovakian specialties or hike up to Bratislava Castle. Later, cruise to Vienna where there is a traditional Viennese Wine and Music evening in a rustic wine tavern outside the city (forward itinerary only). Visit the Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Market and browse the stalls for traditional gifts and decorations. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Vienna - Krems
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vienna to see the magnificent Opera House, Vienna University, St Stephen's Cathedral and the famous Spanish Riding School or join the guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon visit the Christmas markets at the spectacular Schonbrunn Palace and witness the giant sparkling Christmas tree which stands outside of the Palace. Finish the evening with a visit to the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Weissenkirchen - Wachau Valley - Melk
Take the walking tour of Durnstein's cobbled streets followed by a wine tasting (forward itinerary); hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned; or enjoy an 'apricots and sweets' tasting. Cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk. Tonight the ship docks in Grein where there is time to explore at leisure (forward itinerary); on the reverse itinerary there is a wine tasting of local wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Linz
Arrive in Linz, the second largest city in Austria and take a guided walking or cycling tour to the highlights. This afternoon choose to visit the picturesque 'Salzkammergut' region which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov or visit Salzburg, famous for the setting of the 'Sound of Music'. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Passau (Germany) - Vilshofen
Enjoy a walking tour of Passau, a 2000-year-old fairytale city with cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture, to see the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, St Stephen's Cathedral and Christmas Market. The more active may choose instead to hike up to the impressive Veste Oberhaus Fortress or cycle along the Danube from Passau to Erlau. This afternoon cruise to Vilshofen for a private Oktoberfest celebration with beers and traditional music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Vilshofen
Disembark ship in Vilshofen. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.