Christmas Markets

Your journey into wonder begins here. Raise your glass to the marvellous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception.

Freechoice: Join a guided tour of Budapest, or relax at the city’s Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, take an active hike to Buda Hill, or visit the Hospital in the Rock.

Enjoy the many splendid vistas as you cruise the beautiful Danube river towards the festive city of Vienna.

Enrich
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private classical concert.

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Vienna, or visit Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, learn about Viennese coffee culture during a guided tour, or cycle to the Danube Island.

Later, explore the magical Viennese Christmas markets at your leisure. An age-old tradition, the forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1298 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or ‘Krippenmarkt’. Nowadays, over 20 official advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, meet a Schnapps producer and sample some of the many flavours on offer.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town of Salzburg, or join a walking tour dedicated to the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

Enrich
Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place.

Tour this fabulous city including its well-preserved medieval centre, then enjoy some free time to soak up the festive spirit at one of four Christmas markets in the city.

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of this fascinating city, or visit moving WWII sites. Alternatively, join a gingerbread baking class.

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did.

Freechoice: Take a guided tour of Rothenburg with time to wander the famed Reiterlesmarkt that has a history dating back to the 15th century, or stay in Würzburg and visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace where you will enjoy wine tasting in the underground cellars before some free time to explore the wonderful markets of the city.

Freechoice: Visit a local monastery and learn about beer production, or meet a winemaker and join him for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, be introduced to a Baron and Baroness and discover how they celebrate Christmas, or opt to visit a Schnapps producer or a local farming family, and toast the festive season as you sample some of their produce.

Explore charming Rüdesheim, including a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Enjoy free time and perhaps try delicious glühwein or hot chestnuts amid the stalls.

Take a guided walking tour through Cologne before time at leisure to explore the city’s iconic Cathedral and the delights of the magical Christmas markets.

Freechoice: Explore the city by bicycle, or on foot during a walking tour with a tasting of delicious Dutch treats. Alternatively, experience an iconic canal cruise, or visit the villages of Schermerhorn and Alkmaar.

Depart after a wonderful farewell breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of wonderful memories.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.