7 Night Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise from Budapest

Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)

Today, you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below, and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. You will also visit the city's famed Christmas markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, and the moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. (B,L,D)

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1563 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title "Coronation City of Kings", as you'll discover during your walking tour. You'll also have an opportunity to visit Bratislava's charming Christmas market. Or, join a special "Tastes of Slovakia" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. Later, enjoy a free evening to explore Vienna on your own. (B,L,D)

The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. In the afternoon, experience the spectacular festive atmosphere of the Schonbrunn Christmas markets. In the evening, spend some free time at the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Christkindlmarkt, Vienna's largest Christmas market. (B,L,D)

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and then taste some of the village's distinctive wines. Or visit a local boutique to taste Durnstein's special apricot treats, such as jams and chocolates. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, you'll sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Wachau Valley to Melk, where you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey. (B,L,D)

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city's famed "Culture Mile" and the Danube River. Or go on a full-day visit to Salzburg where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its breathtaking Christmas markets. Alternatively, you can visit the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, a guest favorite located just over the Czech-Austrian border, on a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B,L,D); Note: Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day.

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square-also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike to Paulinerkloster Mariahilf or join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later, sail for Vilshofen, where you'll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Vilshofen as you prepare for your flight home. (B)