The Danube River is full of surprises for those who embark on Continental Europe’s most popular river for cruising. Flowing through 6 countries, the Danube winds for nearly 1,800 miles from Germany’s Black Forest through Austria into the Balkans before ending in the Black Sea. Many elegant ships offering a variety of itineraries cruise the legendary river and take you to some of Europe’s most fabled cities along the way.
Enjoy the cheerful sight of holiday décor and the merry sound of Christmas caroling while onboard your ship, and cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year. A beautiful way to take in all of these beautiful cities on a Danube River cruise. River cruises leave you in the heart of the cities that are filled with magic during the holiday season. From Nuremburg’s iconic Christmas Markets with its iconic red and white striped booths to Strasbourg’s charming white storks, a visit to Europe’s Christmas Markets is a magical experience. Massive Christmas trees strung with thousands of lights are set against the backdrop of most stunning architecture, where travelers and locals alike gather to make merry. Learn about age-old traditions as you wander through the Christmas Markets enjoying whimsical artisanal gifts and the intoxicating aroma of roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and sugar plums. Browse Danube river cruise packages 2021.
Destination highlights include:
Budapest, Hungary
Explore Budapest, an enchanting city often referred to as the “Queen of the Danube.” Made up of two parts – Buda, the hills, and Pest, the flatlands – the city is divided by the Danube. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castle Hill district and see dramatic vistas from the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion. Cross the famous Chain Bridge, an early-19th-century bridge that was the first to connect Buda with Pest. In the center of it all is the Christmas Market, where you can shop for traditional Hungarian wares and delightful holiday treats like apricot brandy and cinnamon-spiced gingerbread.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The heart and soul of Slovakia, Bratislava is full of surprises – many of which you will discover on a walking tour of historic downtown Bratislava ending at the Christmas Market. While Bratislava’s very first Christmas Market was only established in 1993, the Slovakians have quickly embraced the holiday traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors with stalls filled with folk handicrafts from the region.
Vienna, Austria
This regal city becomes even more dazzling during the holidays. Vienna is a treasure trove of secular and sacred gems. Travel the stately Ringstrasse and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married in 1782. Visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, said to be the most beautiful library in the world. Austria’s most famous Christmas Market, with over 140 wooden huts, is set in front of City Hall. Macaroons with nutmeg and rum balls are two treats you won’t want to miss. Also, visit a smaller, but no less charming, Christmas Market at Freyung Square, which has taken place every winter since 1772. In the evening, celebrate the spirit of Mozart and Strauss in one of Vienna’s well-known concert halls.
Salzburg, Austria
Located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and around the venerable cathedral, Salzburg’s Christmas Market is a feast for the senses – from the warm aroma of mulled wine and Austrian pastry delights, to the sights and sounds of holiday performances, to the colors and textures of traditional handcrafts.
Steyr and Linz, Austria
Explore the beautiful towns of Steyr and Linz, home to numerous Christmas Markets featuring a surprising variety of intricate Christmas crèches. While there, don’t miss tasting the local treat – the Linzer torte – or nibble on gingerbread while you enjoy carols performed by brass bands and local choirs.
Passau, Germany
Take a guided walk through the Medieval section of Passau, past St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the New Residence, and Town Hall, to the confluence of the three rivers that converge in Passau. At Passau’s Christmas Market, set against the glorious backdrop of St. Stephan’s Cathedral, you will find unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. As an added treat, attend a gingerbread-making and floral decorating demonstration.
If river cruising is not your style, you can also visit by land on a Christmas Market tour.
