Christmas Markets Along the Danube - 2021

Your holiday cruise begins with an overnight flight to Munich, Germany. You can also begin your journey earlier an explore beer, history, and architecture on our optional pre-trip extension to Prague.

Today you’ll land in Munich. Upon your arrival, a Vantage representative will transfer you to the m/s River Splendor. This evening, you’ll gather with the Captain and your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink & Briefing before your first dinner on board.

Vantage Onboard Enrichment:

• Morning yoga and stretching, offered throughout the duration of your cruise
• Optional early risers’ breakfast in the Captain’s Club, offered throughout the duration of your cruise
• Chess, shuffleboard, track, spa, and other amenities

Delve into Bavarian custom and culture with a day to explore medieval Regensburg. Largely spared from World War II bombing, Regensburg is remarkably well-preserved, with an Old Town doubling as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the city on a walking tour of the city’s medieval highlights, and meet Martin, the city guard, in a special acting scene we’ve arranged — don’t forget your camera!

If you’re more active, you’ll have the opportunity to join the same walking tour but at a faster clip. Alternatively, feel free to explore on one of the complimentary bicycles aboard your ship.

Later, you'll have leisure time to explore on your own, including a chance to dine at the Regensburg Sausage Kitchen, a historic restaurant on the Danube that’s also the oldest continuously open restaurant in the world. Don’t miss the finger-sized sausage, sauerkraut, and sweet mustard — a delicacy! You can also join the Cruise Director for a warm, mulled cup of Glühwein at the local Christmas Market. Tonight, enjoy a festive dinner with on board entertainment.

Included Features:

• Walking tour of Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Glühwein and Christmas Market visit with your Cruise Director

Cultural Connections:

• Meet Martin the city guard
• Evening onboard entertainment

• Ride through Regensburg and learn about its history on a moderate 14-mile route. Click here for details

More baroque splendor awaits you in picturesque Passau, located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. On a Christmas-themed walking tour, we’ll admire the UNESCO-listed Old Town and spend some time at the Christmas market, located just outside St. Stephan's Cathedral. (A more active walk and cycling are also available.) Don’t forget to try the gingerbread here in Passau — it’s spiced, warm, delectable, and you’ll even learn how to make it later this afternoon.

Plus, break out your artistic side when a local painter comes on board for a colorful painting lesson. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner, followed by movie night featuring The Sound of Music.

Included Feature:

• Christmas-themed walking tour of Passau

Cultural Connections: 

• Onboard painting lesson by a local
• Gingerbread demonstration

Biking Opportunity:

• Ride along the Ilz River on a medium/difficult 10-mile route. Click here for details

You'll have a choice of tours in Austria today. Set off today for storybook Salzburg, nestled in the Austrian Alps. This city — Mozart’s hometown, in fact — also boasts a few locales featured in the beloved classic, The Sound of Music. Lunch is in a local restaurant.

Or, have lunch on board and choose to explore lovely Linz, a cutting-edge city at the forefront of the arts and technology that UNESCO dubbed a City of Media Arts. No matter what tour you choose, you’ll have time to soak up the charm — and peruse the wares at the local Christmas markets. After dinner, enjoy more local entertainment in the ship’s lounge.

Included Feature:

• Your choice of tours: Full-day Salzburg excursion with lunch in a local restaurant, or Linz walking tour with lunch on board and afternoon at leisure

Biking Opportunity:

• Cycling opportunity along the Danube in the historic Old Town of Linz. Click here for details

After breakfast, learn how to make warm apple strudel, a European holiday staple. After lunch, your ship arrives in Vienna for two days of discovery. A panoramic city drive along the UNESCO-listed Ringstrasse will give you a better view of this imperial and artsy capital. Then, feel the grandeur of Palais Liechtenstein on a special tour of this dazzling estate.

You’ll return to the ship this evening to hear a fascinating lecture on Austrian Christmas traditions. Tonight, look forward to a special wine-paired dinner, followed by more festive onboard entertainment.

Included Features:

• Panoramic city tour of Vienna
• Special tour of the Palais Liechtenstein

Cultural Connections:

• Attend a lecture on Austrian Christmas traditions
• Evening onboard entertainment

A lecture on the Habsburg monarchy kicks off your second day of discoveries in Vienna. Afterward, attend a rehearsal of the famed Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. After lunch on the ship, catch the Vantage shuttle back to the center of Vienna where more fabulous Christmas market shopping awaits.

This evening, attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the Kursalon music hall, a frequent haunt of Vienna’s own Johann Strauss. But the festivities continue — after tonight’s dinner, enjoy a waltz dance course on board the ship.

Vantage Exclusive: 

• Attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the Kursalon music hall

Included Feature:

• Morning rehearsal of the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School
  (Note: when morning rehearsal is not available, there will be a guided visit of the horse stables instead)

Cultural Connections:

• Join a lecture on the Habsburg monarchy
• Evening onboard entertainment

Biking Opportunity:

• Ride a moderate 8-mile route past Vienna’s stunning architecture. Click here for details

After breakfast, get to know Bratislava on a walking tour of the city’s historical sites including the Main Square, National Theater, and an inside visit to the Bishop’s Palace before attending a classical organ recital at a local Franciscan church that’ll put you even more in the holiday mood.

Afterward, enjoy free time to peruse the local Christmas market, where you can find fine crystal, handmade leather slippers, honey wine, and other treasures. Your ship sets sail for Budapest this afternoon. During some scenic sailing, enjoy afternoon tea and decking the halls of your ship in a fun Christmas tree decorating workshop. This fun, family activity culminates with a competition, and the winner will be announced afterward at the festive Captain’s Farewell Reception.

Included Feature:

• Bratislava walking tour

Cultural Connections:

• Classical organ recital at a local Franciscan church
• Onboard Christmas tree decorating workshop

Scenic Sailing:

• See the Bratislava Castle from the water

Wake up in Budapest, which you’ll see this morning on a city tour. Almost the entirety of Budapest’s historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll see the best of it as you visit City Park; Heroes' Square with its statues of Magyar chieftains; elegant Andrassy Avenue; the iconic Parliament building; and Castle Hill, where you’ll have free time and entrance to Fisherman's Bastion and the Citadel.

Your afternoon is free for you to explore, with complimentary shuttle service to and from the ship. Perhaps you’ll explore the more than 100 stalls comprising the Budapest Christmas Market, or ask your Concierge to help arrange a visit to one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért.

Included Feature:

• Half-day city tour of Budapest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

After breakfast, transfer to Budapest’s airport for your return flight home.