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- Budapest to Passau
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Danube Christmas Delights
- From $2,799
- 6 Guided Tours
- 4 Countries
- Dates & Pricing
- 2024 2025 2026
- Budapest to Passau Passau to Budapest
Danube Christmas Delights Map
Sail to enchanting destinations
Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans—perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.
SPRING SALE
Viking Inclusive Value
All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees
To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
More features, services and excursions included
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Your Stateroom Includes:
River-view stateroom
Bottled water replenished daily
110/220 volt outlets
Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror
Premium Freyja® toiletries
Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
Telephone, safe, refrigerator
Individual climate control
*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.
Pre & Post Cruise Extensions
More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
Pre: Budapest
From $599 | 2 Nights
Pre: Budapest Premium
From $1,299 | 2 Nights
Post: Prague
From $899 | 3 Nights
Post: Prague Premium
From $999 | 3 Nights
Post: Munich & Salzburg at Christmas
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Christmas on the Danube
About this tour.
On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas markets and see Europe dressed in its holiday best. Join a local expert and explore historic Vienna. Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and hillside houses. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. Enjoy a Glühwein Party – a German holiday party with mulled wine. Explore Nuremburg, home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Relax as you are transported to beloved riverside towns and delve into local holiday traditions.
Your Tour Includes
- 2 Handpicked Accommodations
- 2 Choice on Tour Options
Included Highlights
- 6-Night Danube River Cruise
- Wachau Valley
- Glühwein Party
Your Tour at a Glance
7 Breakfasts
2 - Moderate
Travel Style
Customize your tour.
Optional Excursions
Starting at $75.00
Activity Level
- Level This Tour
For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.
Extension Style
Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.
Must-See Inclusions:
Experience the picturesque region of the Wachau Valley.
Explore Regensburg, home of the first stone bridge built over the Danube.
Cultural Experiences:
Browse the famous Christmas markets along the Danube.
- Join a local expert as you discover Würzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg and Vienna.
Explore the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey.
Culinary Inclusions:
Enjoy unlimited wine with every dinner on board your cruise ship.
- Attend the Captain's Gala Dinner, featuring delicious food and lively entertainment.
- Choice on Tour: Passau City Walk or Veste Oberhaus Fortress
- Christmas Markets
Book with Confidence
* With Insurance Purchased
- *No Hassle Refunds
- Traveling Well Safety
- No booking fee, *no change fees
- Top Rated Travel Protection
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Getting Prepared
Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour, upgrade your room.
Cruise Upgrade
Pre and Post Tour Extensions
- Choice On Tour
Pre and Post Night Stay
Unique Experience
Cultural Experiences
Room Upgrade
Cruise-MS Amadeus Brilliant
Cabins are available on Lower (Haydn), Middle (Strauss) and Upper ( Mozart) decks. Please note that river cruises are smaller ships and only have a finite number of each cabin category available. Specific categories are available on afirst come first basis. Every effort will be made to accomodateyour cabin choice at time of booking; however if that cabin category is no longer available, the closest available category will be offered. Please inquire through our Client Care Center for any upgrade fees which will apply for different cabin category. Suites (Amadeus suites) and singles are very limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
*Total for all passengers
Enhance Your Trip
- Tour Extensions
Enjoy leasurely paced guided walking tour of Passau, the 2,000 year old fairy tale city also known as the "City of the Three Rivers" and take in its ornate Baroque architecture, the cobblestone streets, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest church organ.-OR-Spend time at one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe, the Veste Oberhaus. Perched high above the old town Passau the Veste Oberhaus. never conquered and never completely destroyed, the view of the city from above is breathtaking.
Would you like to begin your vacation with an additional Extension in Galveston? Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.
- Overnight Flight
- Your cultural experience of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight to Prague.
- Prague, Czech Republic - Extension Begins
- Arrive in Prague, the cultural capital of Bohemia. Upon arrival, settle into the hotel and join your Tour Manager on an orientation walk of the city.
- Your day in this fairy-tale city begins with a panoramic tour through the city before arriving at Hradcany Castle for a stroll across the Charles’s Bridge. Visit the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral and see the iconic statue-lined Charles Bridge. After you’ve toured the city, it’s time to explore the magical Christmas markets of Prague with your local guide. Wander the stalls filled with hearty food, soul-warming mulled wine, and handmade crafts and ornaments.
- Prague - Vienna, Austria
- Your time in Prague ends today. You’ll be transferred to your ship where you’ll experience the beauty of Christmas on the Danube.
Hotel-Intercontinental Hotel Wien
Hotel-Maritim Hotel Wurzburg
Travel from the port to one of Vienna's most beautiful buildings, the Schönbrunn Palace, which was modeled after the palace of Versailles, the residence of Louis XIV (Le Roi Soleil). Here you can view the state apartments of the Habsburgs' summer residence for many years. The Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria's treasures and a sight to be seen! Later enjoy a delightful visit to the amazing Christmas market.
Experience the beauty and magic of the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg. Begin your tour to the palace courtyard to stroll the royal gardens and take in the festive atmosphere of the enchanting Christmas market. Make your way through the stalls of festive wooden huts and explore artisan crafts and culinary delicacies.
Join a local expert as you discover Würzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg and Vienna.
Attend the Captain's Gala Dinner, featuring delicious food and lively entertainment.
Accommodations
Arrive earlier.
Pre Night: Intercontinental Hotel Wien From $240 per night
MS Amadeus Brilliant
Maritim hotel wurzburg, stay longer.
Post Night: Maritim Hotel Wurzburg From $135 per night
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Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Select Year
- 2024 Eastbound
- 2024 Westbound
- 2025 Eastbound
- 2025 Westbound
- Accommodations
- Pricing & Availability
- Important Info
Uniquely Tauck
Experience with Tauck
Visits to Christmas Markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Passau, Regensburg & Nürnberg*
TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES
Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors & Tauck Cruise Director
All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,632 Value
Locally guided walking tours of market cities and towns
Visit to Baroque Melk Abbey in Austria
Tour of Thurn und Taxis Palace and visit to its private Christmas Market
* Please note: Operating dates for the Christmas Markets could be subject to change; every effort will be made to visit as scheduled.
SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES
Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.
Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.
Exclusively inclusive river cruising
This Danube river cruise from Nürnberg to Vienna aboard ms Savor or ms Joy offers a new approach to discovering the magic of the Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria… a 700-year holiday tradition!
The holiday markets of nürnberg, the festive holiday markets of nürnberg.
The most celebrated Christmas Market in Germany occupies Nürnberg's main market square opposite the Church of Our Lady; over the years, touches like its golden-haired Christmas Angel and the Bavarian "Plum People" you'll see in its stalls have made it one of the most famous in Europe. And by the time the holiday season is over, more than two million people will have stopped by to shop for hand-made toys and ornaments, Christmas candles, gingerbread, and – of course – glühwein.
Experiencing Europe's Christmas Markets
Treasure the magic of europe's christmas markets along the danube.
In every stop on your Christmas Markets cruise along the Danube, you'll enjoy all the magic of your destination's holiday markets, each of which has taken on a distinctive character of its own over the centuries. You'll discover those local traditions… like the hot mulled wine known as glühwein, served in collectible mugs unique to each market… that have caught on to become an indispensable part of the holiday celebration. Experience some special holiday magic on an exclusive visit to the Thurn und Taxis family's Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg. Tour this lavish Baroque family home – converted from a monastery in the 18th century – and browse its private Christmas Market.
We really loved how Tauck thought of everything on the cruise, from our arrival at the airport until we headed home, there were no worries.
Tauck Traveler Review
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Welcome Aboard
Ship Specifications
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Diamond Deck
(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)
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Arrive Early
Nights 1-7 On Board
Tauck Riverboat
Your Journey
Pricing & Availability
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Eastbound: Nuremberg → Vienna
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Westbound: Vienna → Nuremberg
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About Booking This Tour
Travel Documents
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany and Austria. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this cruise.
If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Germany and of Austria to determine what travel documentation is required.
Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.
You will be issued a keycard, which you must scan upon embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.
How to Book a Tour
See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.
At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:
- Tour Name and Departure Date
- Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
- Traveler's Address(es)
- Email Address*
- Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
- Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
- Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
- Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
- Interest in our specially negotiated airfares
* Required Fields
Deposits & Final Payment
The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.
The deposit amount is $900 per person
Final Payments:
Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
Cruise Protection Plan
Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:
Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection
Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:
Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:
Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).
*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey. Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.
- Trip Cancellation – Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost.
- Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
- Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
- Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip.
- Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.
The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is: $799 per person
This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.
This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.
To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL
If You Have To Cancel
If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit
Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.
If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.
Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:
120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.
Tour Interruption Fees
If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.
Partial Room Cancellation
A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.
Travel Terms and Conditions
Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.
Travel Requirements For This Tour
Health, Safety and Mobility
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
The riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and inform us at time of booking.
VACCINATIONS
If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany or Austria. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Info Center at 800-232-4636/800-CDC-INFO (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here .
If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany and Austria to determine what additional vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.
While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.
The riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks; there is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
Reading List
We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!
You can view the reading list here.
What To Pack
Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .
Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A coat and sweater for the sun deck and touring is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps. For the captain's welcome and farewell dinners, you may wish to dress more formally, but it is not required.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin on board the riverboat.
The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services but no dry cleaning. Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. Ironing facilities are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise on the Danube:
- Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard
- Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Slacks and jeans
- Medium-weight socks
- Medium-weight sweater
- Winter coat
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Optional - Sport jacket and tie for men
- Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
- Lightweight gloves
- Collapsible umbrella
- Sun protection
- Camera, lenses, batteries and chargers
- Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Travel clock with alarm/ cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your cabin while traveling
The Tauck Experience
Tauck's River Cruise Guide
Danube river facts, first timer's guide, why take a tauck river cruise, choosing the best european river cruise for you.
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Sail to charming cities & villages
Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.
SPRING SALE
Viking Inclusive Value
All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees
To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
More features, services and excursions included
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Your Stateroom Includes:
River-view stateroom
Bottled water replenished daily
110/220 volt outlets
Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror
Premium Freyja® toiletries
Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more
Telephone, safe, refrigerator
Individual climate control
*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.
Pre & Post Cruise Extensions
More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
Pre: Prague
From $1,199 | 3 Nights
Pre: Prague Premium
From $1,599 | 3 Nights
Pre: Nuremberg
From $799 | 2 Nights
Pre: Prague & Nuremberg
From $1,349 | 4 Nights
Post: Budapest
Post: Budapest Premium
From $1,749 | 2 Nights
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Viking Vilhjalm Review: Festive Christmas Cruise on the Danube
S hortly after checking in at reception on the elegant Viking Viljhalm longship docked in Budapest, my daughter Christina and I were escorted to our stateroom. Our luggage arrived a few minutes later. Christina and I were excited to experience our first Viking river cruise as well as our first European Christmas markets.
The Viking Viljhalm sails along the Danube from Budapest, Hungary, to Passau, Germany, with port stops in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Linz and Krems in Austria. For our Viking Danube Christmas Delights cruise, the Viljhalm was festively decorated for the holidays with garland, ornaments and a Christmas tree.
Since all fees are paid upfront (and we booked our shore excursions in advance), we enjoyed a relaxing and exciting week onboard Viking Viljhalm. The staff was friendly and the service was impeccable.
Viking’s all-inclusive fares cover one complimentary shore excursion, free beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner, free wifi, port taxes and fees. Ground transfers are included with the purchase of Viking Air. Additional shore excursions, and pre- and post-cruise stays are available for purchase.
Read More: A Merry Viking River Cruise from Budapest
Viking Longships
The elegant Viking Viljhalm is among the river cruise company’s longships that sail in Europe. The 433-foot Viljhalm launched in 2016 and has the same design as the first longships that debuted in 2012. Reflecting Viking’s Norwegian heritage, these streamlined ships easily navigate the Danube and numerous locks – an exciting feature of a river cruise. The Viljhalm longship comfortably accommodates 190 guests and 53 crew members.
Like the other longships, the Viljhalm has four decks. The Main Deck (staterooms without balconies), Middle Deck (staterooms with balconies/verandas, restaurant, guest services and a shop), Upper Deck (staterooms with balconies, verandas, lounge, bar, Aquavit Terrace and library), and Sun Deck. There’s an elevator that travels from the Middle to Upper Deck.
The ship’s spacious public spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors create a bright and airy environment for a scenic sailing experience. And a smooth and quiet sailing thanks to the ecologically friendly hybrid engines that produce less vibration.
Types of Staterooms
The Viljhalm’s 95 staterooms have private balconies and/or verandas and range in size from 135 square feet for a standard room to 445 square feet for an Explorer Suite.
We stayed in a Veranda Stateroom, which measures 205 square feet including the balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows. The beds in the staterooms feature plush king beds but can be configured for two twins, which is what we requested.
After we unpacked, utilizing ample dresser drawers and closets, we stowed our luggage under our beds to free up floor space. There was plenty of space for each of us to have our own side of the room to dress and primp for dinner.
Room amenities include a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV with an infotainment system featuring live TV channels, complimentary Movies on Demand and in-ship programming. Bottled water is replenished daily. While the bathroom was somewhat compact, it had premium bath amenities.
We enjoyed our balcony although our December sailing made it chilly to stay outside for long. However the floor-to-ceiling windows made it easy to watch the passing scenery from inside our room.
Read More: Corinthia Hotel Review: Luxury Stay Pre-Cruise in Budapest
Elegant Atrium
Located on the Main Deck, the spacious atrium has a reception desk, guest services and a small shop. It’s also where you check in and out for shore excursions.
Aquavit Terrace
Located at the bow, the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace is a lovely space for a casual breakfast or lunch. Whether you sit indoors, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, or outdoors on the terrace for al fresco dining, you’ll get great views of the passing scenery.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Aquavit Terrace is one of the best places to watch the ship pass through locks.
Adjacent to the Aquavit Terrace is the Lounge, a spacious, inviting area with comfortable seating areas, a bar and a dance floor. During the day, people hang out reading a book or chatting with friends. It becomes more lively later in the evening when people gather for cocktails, port talks and after-dinner entertainment. Evening shows feature regional performers, sing-a-longs, trivia games, and music by Viljhalm’s onboard musician.
Main Restaurant
Meals are served in the main restaurant. Christina and I agreed the ship’s food was superb and exceeded our expectations. The menu features regional cuisine and chef specialties. For example, while in Austria, the chef’s tasting platter included pumpkin seed-crusted chicken thigh, braised beef, cheese-filled sausage, potato salad, dumplings, red cabbage and sauerkraut.
Throughout the week, there was a buffet and omelet station or you could order eggs, pancakes, French toast and other items from the menu. Lunch and dinner entrees included daily classic items (salads, cheeseburgers (including vegan), hot dogs, steak, etc) and regional dishes (goulash, soups, pasta, sausages, chicken paprikash, etc).
Complimentary beverages including beer and wine are served with meals. We upgraded to the Silver Spirits drink package ($25 per person, per day), which offers premium wine, champagne, cocktails and aperitifs.
On the ship’s Upper Deck, there’s a cozy library (with books and games) and two computers.
Although our Viking Veranda stateroom had a delightful private balcony, we often went up to the sun deck for spectacular 360-degree views. While cruising through Austria’s enchanting Wachau Valley, the ship’s program director pointed out castle ruins, vineyards, and charming towns.
The top deck has a walking track and lounge chairs.
Where does Viking Villhalm sail?
The ship sails from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany, and from Passau to Budapest.
The post Viking Vilhjalm Review: Festive Christmas Cruise on the Danube appeared first on She Buys Travel .
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Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the "Blue Danube," highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest's Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe's best-preserved cities, and delight ...
AmaWaterways™ 2023 Christmas Markets On The Danube - Embark from Budapest during Europe's most festive season for a 7-night cruise on the storied Danube. Visit Christmas Markets in Bratislava, Vienna, Passau, and more. Optional pre/post extensions available. See itinerary or contact us for more information.
A Guest Favorite Czech Destination: Krumlov Castle. Travel back in time to explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Český Krumlov. Sail an AmaWaterways® River Cruise - voted Best River Cruise Line in 2019. Explore itineraries that cruise the rivers of Europe, Asia and Africa. Find the best river cruise for you today.
Pass through Europe's most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley's beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region's renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local ...
Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria's magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys' Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria ...
Call us toll free at 800.340.5158. Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenburg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world, and is famous as a toy making center, known for ...
On Tauck's Danube family Christmas cruise enjoy the eternally magical experience of visiting Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary 800-788-7885 or your travel ... Both the young and young at heart delight aboard a weeklong Danube river cruise filled with European holiday festivities onboard and ashore...
Visits to Christmas Markets in Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Passau, Regensburg & Nürnberg*. TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES. Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors & Tauck Cruise Director. All private Tauck shore excursions - $1,632 Value. Locally guided walking tours of market cities and towns.
October 26, 2023 FRANCE; A Celebration of Classical Music. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. ... Grand Danube Cruise (Christmas) (2024) 14 - night cruise. from $ 7,198 pp $ 6,448 pp; ADD 2 NIGHTS BUCHAREST, 2 NIGHTS BRASOV PRE-CRUISE AND 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE POST-CRUISE
2 Nights. Premium. Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the "Blue Danube," highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest's Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations.
The elegant Viking Viljhalm is among the river cruise company's longships that sail in Europe. The 433-foot Viljhalm launched in 2016 and has the same design as the first longships that debuted ...
Highlights of Budapest. Welcome to the grand cosmopolitan city of Budapest - long a center of great beauty, elegance and sophistication. Sailing dates and pricing for all itinerary options on the AmaWaterways™ 2023 Christmas Markets On The Danube River Cruise.
River Cruises. Experience multiple European cities for an affordable price by signing up for a cruise along the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers. See breathtaking landscapes and castles, superior European museums, and all the sites that travelers have only dreamed of seeing. Danube. Seine & Burgundy.
Read more. AmaWaterways™ UK, a luxury river cruise line company with top ratings & reviews offering a list of scenic riverboat all-inclusive itineraries on European Asian African waterways. For our 2020 2021 2022 special offers, holiday, Christmas markets deals & best prices call us or contact your travel agent.
Cruise Danube Christmas Delights Pass through Europe's most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley's beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region's renowned Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets Along the Danube Christmas Markets Along the Rhine ... European Christmas Cruises Small Ship Cruises ... ©2023 Grand Circle Travel • 347 Congress St. • Boston, MA 02210 We use cookies to improve your experience, by using our site you accept such use.
Wiener Schnitzel: Not Just an American Hot Dog Stand. CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR CALL 0800 520 2250. Sailing dates and pricing for all itinerary options on the AmaWaterways™ 2023 Christmas Markets On The Danube River Cruise.
Sailing dates and pricing for all itinerary options on the AmaWaterways™ 2023 Christmas Markets On The Danube River Cruise. Contact Your Travel Advisor or Call 1-800-626-0126; Special Offers; Our Story; ... Join us on one of our specially curated Christmas Markets cruises taking place at the height of the season with multiple market visits ...
Lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 10am-4pm. Holidays are provided by, and your resulting contract and booking conditions will be with, Riviera Travel (registered in England no ...
METPO PEЧHOЙ BOK3AЛ. St. Petersburg. The port is approximately a 2 hour drive from the St. Petersburg airport. If you are transferring independently, it is advisable to carry the address in Russian and English. The address of the port is: Oktyabrskaya naberezhnaya, 31. Pier Utkina Zavod. Metro. Proletarskaya.
A family-owned company since 2002, award-winning AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 28 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. 'Ama' means love - and we put love in everything we do, from our exquisite locally-sourced cuisine to our variety of included shore excursions in every port to our warm, personalized service. We are also proud of our innovations ...
October 26, 2023 FRANCE; A Celebration of Classical Music. Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. ... Grand Danube Cruise (Christmas) (2024) 14 - night cruise. from $ 7,198 pp $ 6,448 pp; ADD 2 NIGHTS BUCHAREST, 2 NIGHTS BRASOV PRE-CRUISE AND 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE POST-CRUISE