Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) 2028

EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN, GERMANY. Board your cruise ship in Vilshofen to begin your cruise. Spend your evening getting to know fellow passengers while enjoying a delicious meal curated by our chefs.

VILSHOFEN – PASSAU. Cruise to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers” where you’ll have the option to join a guided walking tour in the city; hike into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or take part in a River Inn bike tour. 

LINZ, AUSTRIA. The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets; marvel at the city’s picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings; and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe’s largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B,L,D)

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

WEISSENKIRCHEN. Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)

VIENNA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

VIENNA. After arriving in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, you’ll have three activities to choose from. History buffs will enjoy learning about the country’s history during the “Coronation City of Kings” walking tour, while foodies can eat their way through the city on a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to Bratislava Castle where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Explore both sides of Budapest. Begin on the Buda side with a guided tour of the Castle District, including Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewpoint, and Matthias Church. Or, for a more active option, you can join a guided hike to Castle Hill.

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you’ll disembark in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. Or, if you’ve opted to extend your trip with a stay in Budapest, our team will assist you with transfers to your hotel.