Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and have the day to yourself. The city sits along the Danube, and there's no pressure to hit any specific spots. Grab a coffee at a local café, wander the streets, or just settle into your accommodation and get your bearings in Hungary's capital.
- Day 2
Budapest
Start with a guided tour hitting Heroes' Square and other Budapest highlights. The afternoon opens up after that, so you can head to the Chain Bridge, check out the cafés and pubs at your own pace, then browse through the Christmas markets scattered around the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided City Sightseeing including Heroes' Square
- Free afternoon exploring Chain Bridge and city attractions
Optional Activities
- Browse Budapest's Christmas market
- Visit cafés and pubs
Landmarks/POIs Heroes' Square Chain Bridge - Day 3
Budapest to Vienna
You have a free morning to explore Budapest before boarding your ship. Walk the Royal Palace grounds and take photos, soak in some Christmas traditions around town, then head to your cruise ship in the evening. The ship sets sail overnight toward Vienna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Free time at Royal Palace grounds
Landmarks/POIs Royal Palace - Day 4
Vienna
Spend the day sailing through Hungary and Slovakia on the Danube. You'll pass by Bratislava with its red-roofed landscape and rolling hills, then try an Austrian cookie tasting while heading toward Vienna. If live music appeals to you, there's an optional Royal Waltz Concert in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing
Optional Activities
- Optional Excursion to Royal Waltz Concert
Landmarks/POIs Bratislava - Day 5
Vienna
A guided tour covers Vienna's Habsburg sites including the Imperial Palace complex, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. After that, the afternoon is yours to either visit Christkindlesmarkt or relax in a Viennese café. Back on ship later for optional live entertainment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks
- See Imperial Palace complex, Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Live entertainment on board
Optional Activities
- Browse Christkindlesmarkt
- Relax in Viennese café
- Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Palace Vienna Opera House St. Stephen's Cathedral Schönbrunn Palace - Day 6
Krems - Melk - Passau
Walk through Krems, a small valley town that feels untouched by modern time, then sail into the Wachau Valley heading toward Melk. A guided tour takes you through Melk's Benedictine Abbey to see the frescoed ceilings, library, ornate pipe organ, and statues. You'll cruise overnight to Passau.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Walk to explore Krems
- Sail through Wachau Valley
- Guided Tour of Melk Benedictine Abbey including frescoed ceilings, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ
Landmarks/POIs Wachau Valley Melk Benedictine Abbey - Day 7
Passau
A guided walk explores Passau, known as the City of Three Rivers where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. Browse the Christkindlesmarkt near St. Stephen's Cathedral, or take an optional full-day trip to Salzburg to see Austrian Christmas traditions. Either way, you return to ship for overnight cruise to Regensburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk to explore Passau
Optional Activities
- Browse Christkindlesmarkt near St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg
Landmarks/POIs St. Stephen's Cathedral - Day 8
Regensburg
Walking tour covers Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria, the 179 AD fortress entrance. Then you'll explore Regensburg's Christmas markets, grab hot mulled wine and bratwurst, maybe some candied almonds or gingerbread. There's live entertainment after dinner before your overnight sail to Nuremberg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk
- See Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
- See Porta Pretoria
- Live entertainment after dinner
Optional Activities
- Browse Regensburg's Christmas markets
- Sample mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, bratwurst
Landmarks/POIs Altes Rathaus Porta Pretoria - Day 9
Nuremberg
Start with a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board. Then choose between a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture and Kaiserburg Castle, or visit the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. The rest of the day is free to wander the Christmas Markets and try Bavarian specialties like bratwurst and gingerbread.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Christmas Traditions Lecture on board
Optional Activities
- Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg with medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, Kaiserburg Castle
- Guided Tour of historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds
- Browse Christmas Markets of Nuremberg
- Sample Bavarian cuisine including bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine
Landmarks/POIs Kaiserburg Castle Nuremberg Rally Grounds Nuremberg Gothic Cathedral - Day 10
Prague
You arrive in Prague, the City of 100 Spires, with free time to explore. Walk through the Golden City and surrounding countryside at your own pace. Try some plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager by the Vltava River if you're hungry.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Prague and surrounding countryside
- Sample plum dumplings
- Try traditional Pilsner lager
Landmarks/POIs Vltava River - Day 11
Prague
A guided walk takes you through Prague's Gothic architecture and historic sites including Hradcany Castle Grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town's Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon in Prague's Christmas Markets, looking through the wooden stalls for ornaments, handmade toys, and local handicrafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk
- Visit Hradčany Castle Grounds
- Visit St. Vitus Cathedral
- Visit Old Town's Astronomical Clock
Optional Activities
- Browse Christmas Markets of Prague
- Browse ornaments and handmade toys
Landmarks/POIs Hradčany Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Old Town Astronomical Clock - Day 12
Prague
Your trip concludes this morning with breakfast, and then you'll head out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
