Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and get transferred to your ship. After settling in, spend the afternoon checking out the city on your own terms. That evening, there's a traditional Hungarian folk music and dance performance on board to kick things off.
Included Activities
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
- Day 2
Budapest
A local guide takes you on a coach tour through Budapest, pointing out the city's architecture and cultural sites. Afterward, you'll have free time to walk through the Christmas markets where you can pick up handcrafted ornaments, festive decorations, and seasonal food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
- Free time at Budapest Christmas market
Landmarks Budapest Christmas Market - Day 3
Bratislava
You'll arrive in Bratislava and do a walking tour of the historic district and Christmas markets. There's time for coffee and cake at a local family's home to get a feel for Slovakian hospitality. A Carpathian wine route excursion is available if you want to add that on.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava
- Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Optional Activities
- Carpathian wine route excursion (extra expense)
Landmarks Bratislava Historic District Bratislava Christmas Market - Day 4
Vienna
The ship sails to Vienna. You'll join an art tour that includes the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which holds some significant collections. Walking through the city's wide boulevards and ornate Baroque palaces shows off Vienna's artistic side. There's an optional evening concert if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Vienna art tour with visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Optional Activities
- Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Landmarks Kunsthistorisches Museum - Day 5
Wachau Valley & Göttweig Abbey
You'll visit Göttweig Abbey, an 11th-century monastery sitting on a hill overlooking vineyards in the Wachau Valley. Tour the abbey and taste their traditional wine made by the monks. Back on the ship, there's a presentation about Christmas traditions across Europe.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
- Christmas traditions in Europe on board presentation
Landmarks Göttweig Abbey - Day 6
Linz
Docking in Linz, you get a walking tour of the old town showing baroque and Renaissance architecture. You'll see hand-carved nativity scenes in local churches and try Linzer Torte, a local pastry specialty. A day trip to Salzburg is available as an extra option.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Linz with Linzer Torte tasting
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
Landmarks Linz Old Town - Day 7
Passau
Passau is where three rivers meet, and you'll explore the historic center with its baroque buildings and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen Cathedral is on the route, and there's a Christmas market to walk through. Later, a traditional Bavarian band performs on board. There's also an optional excursion focusing on Bavarian traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Passau
- Traditional Bavarian band on board
Optional Activities
- Bavarian Traditions excursion (extra expense)
- St. Stephen Cathedral organ concert (extra expense)
Landmarks St. Stephen Cathedral Passau Christmas Market - Day 8
Transfer to Prague
After breakfast, you'll leave the ship and transfer to Prague for a three-night hotel stay. A coach takes you to your centrally located accommodation where you'll get settled for the next few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Prague
A local guide leads you through Prague's festive season. You'll walk around Old Town Square, seeing the architecture and Christmas stalls, then have coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace. Free time lets you explore seasonal decorations and local treats on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague with Christmas market
- Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Landmarks Old Town Square Lobkowicz Palace - Day 10
Prague Free Exploration
You have the day to explore Prague however you'd like. Your tour director can help with suggestions and planning. The Christmas markets feature local craftsmen selling handmade ornaments and Czech holiday treats. A culinary excursion tasting local Czechia specialties is available for an extra fee.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Czechia excursion (extra expense)
Landmarks Prague Christmas Markets - Day 11
Departure from Prague
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport, heading home with memories of monasteries, cobblestone streets, and European holiday traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
