Celebrate the wonderful winter season on this festive markets cruise exploring the beauty of the Danube and its historic cities decorated with spectacular displays of Christmas light.
Sailing from Budapest, discover some of the Danube's most celebrated cities at this wonderful time of year. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Bratislava, browse the Christmas stalls for local gifts and, of course, sample the festive fare. There is the option to travel to a typical Slovak mountain chalet to enjoy a tasting of wine and local delicacies.
Awake in the elegant city of Vienna, where Christmas stalls line the historic streets, and perhaps visit the festive markets at the superb City Hall or majestic Schonbrunn Palace, before enjoying a classical musical recital back on board. Back in Budapest there is another chance to explore the rustic Christmas markets and sample some delicious traditional chimney cake and mulled wine.
RT146 Operated by Riviera Travel
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Yuletide Markets on the Danube Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Budapest (Hungary)
Fly from the UK to Budapest and embark your luxury ship Thomas Hardy.
Day 2 - Budapest
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Budapest to see the magnificent Parliament Building and the winding streets of the ancient Castle District. There is free time to explore the magical Christmas markets and perhaps sample some spicy goulash or traditional mulled wine before enjoying lunch back on board. Relax as the ship cruises through the spectacular valleys and mountains of the Danube Bend.
Day 3 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Explore the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, which has a beautifully restored baroque old town on a guided tour. See the traditional Christmas cribs in the churches then spend time at leisure exploring the city and its festive markets. Shop for artisan gifts among the pretty red and white stalls or try some local specialties including poppy seed strudel and potato pancakes. After lunch on board you can continue exploring the city and browsing the Christmas markets, or join the optional excursion to Slovensky Grob for a wine tasting in a typical Slovak mountain chalet.
Day 4 - Vienna (Austria)
Take a step back in time in the magnificent capital of city of Vienna, where there has been a Christmas market since the Middle Ages. Today there are over 20 markets to choose from, including the majestic Schonbrunn Palace and the splendid City Hall. This morning there is a guided tour with highlights including St Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and the Spanish Riding School. Enjoy a classical music recital on board this evening.
Day 5 - Budapest (Hungary)
Relax on board and watch the winter wonderland scenery glide by, then during lunch Budapest's magnificent skyline comes into view. This afternoon perhaps browse the market stalls, sample traditional chimney cake and honey cookies or indulge in some mulled wine. Enjoy a Captain's Dinner this evening.
Day 6 - Budapest - UK
Disembark Thomas Hardy and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.