Not Quite Solo... Christmas on the danube!

Cruise the Danube and uncover a mix of history, culture and local traditions wrapped in the spirit of the season. Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and see Vienna’s historic landmarks. Explore Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets by day, then unwind on board Trafalgar Reverie by night. Share stories over regional wines, soak up the ever-changing scenery and festive cheer at every stop. This Danube river cruise offers you discovery, fun and relaxation during the most magical time of year.

Day 1: Budapest

Embark in Budapest  

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Day 2: Cruise the Danube Bend

Discover both sides of Hungary’s capital today with your Local Specialist on a city tour. In historic Buda, head up Castle Hill and admire the Gothic spires, of Matthias Church before stepping onto Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping views across the Danube. Cross into Pest to see Heroes’ Square, a tribute to Hungary’s national identity. Later, join your Experience Director and Experience Manager to explore Budapest’s Christmas markets at your own pace, where you could find local pastries, roasted nuts and mulled wine. Or choose an Optional Experience to explore the Jewish district, including a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue.

*Included Excursion

Budapest Walking Tour

Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour through Budapest’s rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Heroes’ Square, a tribute to Hungary’s national leaders, before heading up Castle Hill. Pass the striking Matthias Church and step inside Fisherman’s Bastion, where you’ll be rewarded with views over the Danube and the city below. 

*Optional Excursion

Discover Budapest's Jewish History

Explore Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, starting with a panoramic drive along Andrássy Avenue, passing Heroes’ Square and the House of Terror. Arriving at Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe, uncover the rich history of Jewish Budapest in this culturally significant district. 

Additional cost applies

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Day 3: Onto Bratislava

Arrive in Bratislava for a Be My Guest experience and meet head brewers Tomáš and Mário for a tasting of traditional lagers, dark beers and local ales, followed by lunch at one of the city’s most celebrated microbreweries. In the afternoon, you can choose between two included experiences to deepen your understanding of the local sites and culture. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the old town, passing through Michael’s Gate to see the Town Hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. You’ll wander among wooden chalets as you explore Bratislava’s Christmas markets, filled with handmade gifts and local delicacies. Or you can choose to dive into history during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to hear powerful stories from the communist era and Velvet Revolution.

 *Included Option

Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Markets

Explore Bratislava’s Old Town with your Local Specialist. Wander its historic streets, see the Old Town Hall, pass through Michael’s Gate and admire St. Martin’s Cathedral. Along the way, soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town’s Christmas markets.

*Make Travel Matter

Live Beyond the Iron Curtain

Discover Bratislava’s Cold War history as you discover key Communist-era sites with a Local Specialist, hearing stories of life under Soviet rule. You’ll meet a representative of Post Bellum, a non-profit preserving first-hand accounts of life under totalitarian regimes, ensuring these stories continue to inspire conversations about democracy and freedom today. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

*Be Our Guest

Beer and Bites in Bratislava

Join head brewers Tomáš and Mário at DOCK7 in Bratislava for a tasting of traditional Czech-style lagers, dark beers and local ales. Over lunch, learn how their passion for craft brewing blends innovation with Slovak tradition in one of the city’s most celebrated microbreweries 

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Day 4: Culture and Architecture in Vienna

Welcome to Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Get to know this buzzing city with a drive along the Ringstraße before exploring the old town’s Baroque architecture on foot with a Local Specialist. Pass imperial landmarks, admire festive displays in shopfronts and visit Vienna’s Christmas markets, where wooden stalls, mulled wine and hand-blown ornaments fill the historic streets. There’s free time to explore the Christkindlmarkt in front of the town hall, one of Europe’s most iconic settings. Choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace for an Optional Experience, where the courtyard transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas village. After a day of discovery, why not end the evening with an optional classical concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

*Iconic Experience

Taste of Christmas Vienna Walking Tour

 Discover Vienna’s historic heart with your Local Specialist. Drive along the Ringstraße, passing landmarks like the State Opera House and Parliament, before walking through the old town and its holiday markets. End at the Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathaus, where you’ll have time to shop, explore and enjoy seasonal specialities beneath the glowing lights.

*Optional Experience

Stroll Around Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Markets

Visit the Habsburgs’ summer palace with your Local Specialist and explore its lavish rooms and ceiling frescoes. Wander through the gardens and take in the views before browsing the Christmas market in the palace courtyard, filled with seasonal crafts, sweet treats and classic Austrian charm.

Additional cost applies

*Optional Experience

Experience the Music of Strauss and Mozart

Spend an evening with the music of Vienna’s most famous composers. In a historic concert hall, talented musicians and singers bring the works of Strauss and Mozart to life. Sit back, enjoy the music and experience the city’s musical heritage in the way it was meant to be heard.

Additional cost applies

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Day5: Cruise the Wachau Valley

 Cruise through Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape of terraced vineyards, hilltop castles and riverside villages. Arrive in the historic town of Krems an der Donau and join a Local Specialist to visit the Kremser Adventzauber, where the old town glows with seasonal lights and stalls showcase regional crafts and Christmas specialities.

*Iconic Experience

 Explore Krems an der Donau 

 Join a Local Specialist to explore Krems an der Donau, a charming town in Austria’s Wachau Valley known for its medieval streets and wine heritage. Discover the Kremser Adventzauber, where the town’s historic centre transforms with lights, music and Christmas stalls offering regional crafts and seasonal flavours. 

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Day 6:   See Historic Linz  

 Spend the day in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, known for its elegant main square and riverside charm. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the old town and enjoy time to browse the Christmas markets, where handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats bring the square to life. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to Salzburg and step into the story of The Sound of Music. Visit Maria’s church in Mondsee and explore Salzburg’s baroque streets. Along the way, discover the city’s musical heritage and enjoy one of Austria’s most enchanting Christmas markets. 

*Iconic Experience

 Visit Historic Linz with Christmas Market 

 Discover Linz with a Local Specialist and explore the historic heart of Austria’s third-largest city. Stroll through its elegant main square, see the baroque facades and riverside views, then enjoy time at the Christmas markets. Here, seasonal stalls offer everything from hand-carved gifts to Linzer torte and mulled punch in a cheerful setting. 

*Optional Experience

 The Sound of Music in Salzburg with Christmas Markets 

 Follow in the footsteps of The Sound of Music on a guided tour through Salzburg. Visit Maria’s church in Mondsee, stroll through filming locations and explore the city’s baroque streets. Along the way, discover Salzburg’s musical roots and drink in the seasonal atmosphere at one of Austria’s most enchanting Christmas markets. (Lunch is not included in this full day excursion)

Additional cost applies

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Day 7: Discover Passau

Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through Passau’s medieval lanes and baroque squares before browsing the city’s Christmas markets, where merry stalls line the cobbled streets. Alternatively, choose a guided hike along the Ilz River and enjoy a more active perspective on this scenic region. Later, you can opt to join a Bavarian beer experience, complete with traditional folk music and freshly baked pretzels. Raise a stein with locals and take in the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Bavaria so memorable during the season. 

*Iconic Experience

 Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market 

 Walk through Passau’s historic streets with a Local Specialist, where medieval lanes lead to grand baroque buildings and colourful facades. Enjoy the city’s unique character before browsing the Christmas markets. End your visit at the scenic point where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. 

*Optional Experience

 Get a Taste of Bavaria 

 Enjoy an authentic taste of Bavaria with local brews, warm pretzels and lively folk music. You’ll mingle with locals, learn about Bavarian traditions and experience the region’s famous hospitality. 

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Day 8: Farewell Passau

(Disembarkation)

This morning, disembark the Trafalgar Reverie and bid farewell to the captain and crew, taking with you memories of the Christmas magic you’ve experienced along the Danube.

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