Delight in the Old-World grandeur and seasonal festivities of Europe’s most spectacular capital cities along the Danube River during this special 5-night journey with a distinctive holiday tint. From Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria, follow the paths of kings and queens (Habsburg royalty among them) on up to five included excursions each day. Keep your eye out for the seasonal Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities. Taste local delights such as the cake that started a national holiday in Austria: Sacher-Torte. Whether you are sailing the Danube River for the first time or returning to venture deeper into the cities that inspired you most, we invite you to join us aboard some of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers as we treat you like the royalty you are.
Delight in the Old-World grandeur and seasonal festivities of Europe’s most spectacular capital cities along the Danube River during this special 5-night journey with a distinctive holiday tint. From Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria, follow the paths of kings and queens (Habsburg royalty among them) on up to five included excursions each day. Keep your eye out for the seasonal Christmas Markets scattered throughout Europe’s grandest cities. Taste local delights such as the cake that started a national holiday in Austria: Sacher-Torte. Whether you are sailing the Danube River for the first time or returning to venture deeper into the cities that inspired you most, we invite you to join us aboard some of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers as we treat you like the royalty you are.
Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Taste of Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)
Day 2 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour with market tasting |
|
| | OR "Hidden Budapest" tour |
|
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join our “Hidden Budapest” tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. In the afternoon, spend free time at your leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Bratislava | Scenic cruising |
|
| | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
| | Exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate's Palace |
|
Take in the breathtaking scenery as we glide along the Danube River into Bratislava. 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’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city or enjoy a guided biking tour. In the evening, end your day with an exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate’s Palace, a striking neoclassical building heart of the old town. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Bratislava | Scenic cruising |
|
| Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise in Bratislava before sailing to Vienna. The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to experience a true Vienna specialty, the Sacher Torte, and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese Coffee. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace |
|
| | OR Klosterneuburg bike tour |
|
Visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. Pedal along the scenic Danube River and through charming neighborhoods to the nearby town of Klosterneuberg and its majestic 12th-century Augustinian monastery overlooking the Danube River. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vienna | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Vienna and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Krakow | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Krakow and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | Krakow | City tour with castle, Jewish quarter and Schindler factory |
|
Get acquainted with your surroundings and take a deeper dive into the fascinating history of Krakow with a comprehensive city tour. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle – the world’s very first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Poland’s largest castle, located in the center of its Old Town. The Wawel Hill it stands upon features a limestone cave renowned for its connection to the legendary Wawel Dragon of Polish folklore, which you will learn more about during your tour. You will also venture into Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter and see the factory of Oskar Schindler, who was credited with saving 1,200 Jewish lives during World War II, and who was famously honored in the award-winning film Schindler’s List. You will also be treated to a live performance of the Polish anthem by a trumpeter on the highest tower of Saint Mary’s Church, otherwise known as St. Mary’s Trumpet Call, a tradition since the 19th century. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore more of the city. (B)
Day 3 | Krakow | Auschwitz visit |
|
Prepare yourself for an emotional day as together, we explore a darker period in Poland’s history with a visit to Auschwitz, the largest and most tragically infamous of Europe’s labor and death camps. The main gate, barbed wire fences, buildings and barracks look much the same today as they did during the Holocaust, when 1.1 million lives were taken within the camp. It was liberated from January 17-21, 1945, saving 58,000 from further horrors. Though not for the feint of heart, this once-in-a-lifetime excursion will honor the memory of those who perished and promises to be one you won’t soon forget. (B)
Depart from Krakow and enjoy a stop in Banska Bystrica before transferring to Budapest. Later in the day, board your luxurious river cruise ship. (B,D)
Day 5 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour with market tasting |
|
| | OR "Hidden Budapest" tour |
|
Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join our “Hidden Budapest” tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. As an alternative, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. In the afternoon, spend free time at your leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Bratislava | Scenic cruising |
|
| | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
| | Exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate's Palace |
|
Take in the breathtaking scenery as we glide along the Danube River into Bratislava. 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’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city or enjoy a guided biking tour. In the evening, end your day with an exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate’s Palace, a striking neoclassical building heart of the old town. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bratislava | Scenic cruising |
|
| Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Vienna city tour by bike |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise in Bratislava before sailing to Vienna. The “City of Waltzes” offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to experience a true Vienna specialty, the Sacher Torte, and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese Coffee. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vienna | Schönbrunn Palace |
|
| | OR Klosterneuburg bike tour |
|
Visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. Pedal along the scenic Danube River and through charming neighborhoods to the nearby town of Klosterneuberg and its majestic 12th-century Augustinian monastery overlooking the Danube River. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Vienna | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Depart the ship and continue via motorcoach to Prague where you will check into your hotel. (B)
Day 10 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
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 will find the famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 11 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)
Day 12 | Prague | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)