Explora y reserva Viking River Cruises 7 Night Danube Christmas Delights en el Viking Gymir saliendo de Passau, Germany el 17 dic 2025 y terminando en Budapest, Hungary el 24 dic 2025 Navega hacia Passau, Germany, Linz, Austria, Krems an der Donau, Austria, Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia, Budapest, Hungary

Passau, Germany

Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great econ

Known as the "City of Three Rivers," Passau is where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge, creating stunning waterfront views. The city's baroque architecture, epitomized by St. Stephen's Cathedral with its magnificent organ, attracts many visitors. Stroll through the charming old town, explore the Veste Oberhaus fortress, and enjoy the serene river promenades. Passau's unique geographical and cultural landscape makes it a fascinating stop on any cruise.

Centered around the beautiful St. Stephen&rsquo;s Cathedral, home to Europe&rsquo;s largest pipe organ, the romantic market stalls of the Christkindlmarkt are a delight to explore. An array of handmade goods, from tasty treats to ornaments, offer a wealth

Linz is today&rsquo;s provincial capital of Upper Austria. The city&rsquo;s famous Linzer Torte, the jam-filled cake topped with almonds, hails from here and can be found in any number of caf&eacute;s and the stalls of the city&rsquo;s Christmas markets. 

Linz, Austria

Linz, a vibrant city on the Danube, blends contemporary art and historical charm. Visit the Ars Electronica Center for interactive exhibits on technology and future innovations. The Old Town features the stunning Baroque architecture of St. Martin’s Church and the Hauptplatz square. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and river from the Pöstlingberg Hill, accessible by the steepest adhesion railway in Europe.

A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube&rsquo;s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to 

Krems an der Donau, Austria

Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, 

The yuletide season transforms Vienna&rsquo;s beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Sch&ouml;nbrunn market, set in front of the baroque Hapsburg summer palace, and Freyung market, nestled in the c

Vienna, Austria

Vienna captivates visitors with its imperial grandeur, rich musical heritage, and vibrant café culture. Explore the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and the historic Hofburg complex. Enjoy world-class performances at the Vienna State Opera or discover artistic treasures at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and savor a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional café, blending the city's historic charm with contemporary flair.

The aroma of mulled wine and Slovakian delicacies mixes with the sound of Christmas carols to turn Bratislava&rsquo;s historic Old Town into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The medieval Bratislava Castle overlooks light-festooned streets th

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, sits gracefully along the Danube River, offering a blend of medieval and modern attractions. The city's compact old town is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with highlights including the imposing Bratislava Castle and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Visitors can enjoy vibrant cafes, unique shops, and the scenic riverbank promenade. Bratislava's rich history and lively cultural scene make it a delightful stop on any Danube River cruise.

Take in the natural beauty of the fabled &ldquo;Blue Danube&rdquo; as you pass through the Danube Bend, considered one of the most beautiful sections of the river. Cruising this 40-mile stretch through northern Hungary, you will see peaceful farmland and 

The Christmas season adds another layer of beauty to the already romantic charms of Budapest. Nestled in the heart of Pest lies V&ouml;r&ouml;smarty Square, home to the city&rsquo;s largest yuletide market. The enticing aroma of national specialties perme

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital, offers a rich blend of history and modernity. Explore the iconic Buda Castle, stroll along the Danube promenade, and soak in the thermal baths. The city's stunning architecture, from the Parliament Building to Fisherman's Bastion, captivates visitors. Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine and lively nightlife in this enchanting destination.

Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other

7 Night Danube Christmas Delights

Europe

The Aquavit Terrace, revolutionary in its design, provides the ultimate al fresco dining experience along the river, blending indoor and outdoor settings seamlessly. Engage with fellow travelers over breakfast and lunch as you take in the tranquil beauty of the river, creating memorable moments in this inviting and relaxing space.


Aquavit Terrace

Discover a haven of literary delight in the onboard Library, where a thoughtfully curated selection of titles beckons the curious traveler. Choose a volume, find your cozy nook, and let the pages transport you as the world glides by.


Library

The Sun Deck features a shaded sitting area and an organic herb garden, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and taking in the views. Enjoy the fresh air while lounging under the umbrellas or exploring the lush greenery of the herb garden.


Sun Deck

Whether you need a last-minute gift or an essential item forgotten at home, the onboard shop offers everything from essential travel items to exclusive Viking memorabilia like books, apparel, and jewelry. It's the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or essentials, ensuring your voyage remains comfortable and memorable.


Shop

Embark on a leisurely stroll around the walking track, soaking up the sun and enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and landscapes. This facility is perfect for guests who want to stay active while indulging in the beauty of their surroundings. Ideal for early morning jogs or evening walks under the stars.


Walking Track

Challenge your putting skills on the open-air mini golf course atop the sun deck. With each stroke, enjoy the crisp river breeze and the captivating historical townscapes that border the river. This fun and accessible activity is a great way to enjoy some leisure time while sailing.


Mini Golf

Dive deep into the art, culture, and history of your destinations with the expert-led lectures and port talks, providing insights into the landmarks and heritage of each place. These sessions are perfect for enriching your understanding and preparing for your adventures ashore.


Guest Lectures & Port Talks

Witness the artistry of local crafts and culinary traditions with demonstrations by artisans and chefs, from glassblowing to making Austrian apple strudel. These sessions offer a hands-on glimpse into the region's heritage and flavors.


Craft & Cooking Demonstrations

The Lounge Bar combines crafted cocktails with a serene riverside backdrop, inviting guests to enjoy attentive wait service from lunch through the late evening. Here, conversation flows as smoothly as the river outside, creating an effortlessly elegant atmosphere.


Lounge Bar

The Restaurant presents a feast for the senses, serving multicourse meals that celebrate regional flavors alongside timeless classics. Dine in upscale elegance as panoramic windows frame ever-changing vistas, ensuring every meal is accompanied by a view.


The Restaurant

Nestled in the Lounge, guests find solace on plush seating, with live music providing a serene soundtrack to the stunning river vistas framed by expansive windows. It's an intimate retreat for relaxation and mingling as the river's grace glides by.


Viking Lounge

Experience the spirit of each region through the Destination Performances, featuring local cultural arts like Portuguese fado and Viennese opera. These performances are a captivating blend of entertainment and cultural immersion.


Destination Performances

Enjoy the soothing sounds of classical and regional music performed by talented musicians, from local ensembles to renowned choirs. This auditory journey is designed to enrich your mind and complement the scenic beauty of your travels.


Classical & Regional Musicians

Viking Longship Gymir, launched in 2022, caters to mature travelers seeking enriching European river cruises that blend adventure with tranquility. Onboard, guests can savor regional cuisine in an open-seating restaurant or at the Aquavit Terrace, where tasting menus and regional wines enrich the dining journey. With inclusive excursions like walking tours, live entertainment, and a serene sun deck, the ship provides ample activities, allowing passengers to enjoy cultural exploration and relaxation.

Library 

The Sun Deck offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding beauty, complete with a shaded sitting area for comfort. Engage with nature at the organic herb garden, embrace sustainability with the solar panels, or stay active with amenities like a mini golf and walking track.


Walking Track  

Mini Golf 

The Restaurant 

Guest Lectures & Port Talks 

Destination Performances 

Craft & Cooking Demonstrations 

Classical & Regional Musicians 

Viking River Cruises

Romantic Danube

Grand European Tour

Danube Waltz

Christmas Markets

European Sojourn

Passage to Eastern Europe

Viking Gymir

Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time at Budapest's colorful Market Hall to browse an array of speciality food and handicrafts.

Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Budapest with the assistance of your own private guide. Once on board your ship, a member of Viking’s Guest Services team will be available to help you plan your time in Budapest so you can make the most of your visit. With a group of up to six guests, you may discover the history of the city’s communist era and visit the Dohany Street Synagogue to learn about Budapest’s Jewish heritage. Perhaps head to the medieval Castle district—a UNESCO site—or simply explore Budapest through the eyes of a local, seeking out hidden gems. At a specified time, you will meet your private guide at the pier, board your chauffeur-driven vehicle and set out to visit your chosen sights. Follow your own agenda, exploring more of the sights that you wish to see. After your half day of exploring, your driver will return you to your awaiting ship.

Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during an exclusive visit to Göttweig Abbey. A scenic drive will take you to the abbey, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine produced in the region. Then, enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn what it takes to run a monastery today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its colorful and ornate interior. Continue into the abbey’s museum, which chronicles its 900-year history as a center of religious life and its role as a monastic retreat. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. The adjoining princely and imperial rooms showcase splendid artwork from the abbey’s own collections.

Follow the flat bicycle trails along the scenic Danube to Dürnstein on an electric bike, or e-bike. The Danube Cycle Path, a revolutionary international bicycle trail, begins in Passau, Germany, and follows the course of the river all the way to the Danube Delta in Romania. The route through Austria is considered one of Europe’s top cycling experiences for its sweeping vistas. You will meet your guide by the pier and, after a safety briefing, set off along the fabled river, pedaling through a breathtaking landscape of vine-clad hillsides and green meadows. Your e-bike allows you to choose between pedaling or getting assistance from a small motor, making for an easy ride. Upon arrival in Dürnstein, you will have time to admire the charms of one of the Danube’s most picturesque villages. Enjoy free time to explore on your own, then return to Krems, passing lush vineyards along the way.

Enjoy an exclusive visit to historic Göttweig Abbey before learning how to make tasty apricot dumplings. Take a scenic drive to the Benedictine monastery, located on a hilltop overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and Danube River. Your host and guide will welcome you at the cellar entrance with a glass of sparkling apricot wine or juice produced in the region. Enjoy a private viewing of a short film about monastic life and learn how the monastery is run today. Step through the church’s neoclassical portal to admire its ornate, colorful interior and stroll the abbey’s informative museum. Climb the Imperial Staircase, crowned by one of the largest and most spectacular ceiling frescoes in the world. Following your tour, continue to the abbey’s show kitchen, where a cook will demonstrate the preparation of Austrian-style apricot dumplings using local ingredients. Sample the delicious results with coffee or tea before returning to your ship.

See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was center of arts and intellect during the reign of the Hapsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Marvel at the elegant architecture along Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse, exploring by foot and by horse-drawn carriage. Meet your guide and travel by metro to Stephansplatz, where an enriching walking tour leads past the towering St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Imperial Crypt, where the Hapsburgs are entombed, and the shop-lined Kärntner Strasse. See the famed Hotel Sacher, where the city’s beloved Sachertorte was created, and pass the Vienna State Opera, the Albertina museum, the tree-lined Burggarten and the cherished Mozart statue. At the celebrated Museum of Fine Arts, you will have time to peruse the magnificent collection and have some lunch. Then, board a fiaker for a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride along the Ringstrasse, passing the Parliament, Town Hall and Imperial Court Theater. Back at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, enjoy free time.

Tour the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles. With your guide, drive just outside the city center to the monarchy’s fabulous summer residence. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II erected the original hunting lodge here and called it Schönbrunn, meaning “beautiful spring.” In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Hapsburgs, added the grand neoclassical Gloriette colonnade so she could have sweeping city views. Enjoy a guided tour of the imperial apartments and grandly furnished rooms where Maria Theresa resided. Learn about her extraordinary reign, which featured many military campaigns and domestic reforms in medicine, education and civil rights. There will be free time to explore the formal gardens.

Tour the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and meet some of the singers. One of the best known choirs in the world, this perfectly pitched ensemble of trebles and altos is made up of around 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14. Since 1948, the Palais Augarten has served as a school for the modern-day descendant of the boys’ choirs that once regaled the Viennese Court in the Middle Ages. In their day, Mozart and Bruckner performed with them, and Schubert and Haydn sang with them as youths. During your visit, enjoy Privileged Access as you tour some common areas and rehearsal rooms where the boys live and exercise their voices. Then, retire to a salon for an uplifting 30-minute private concert, after which you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and mingle with some choir members.

Don your dancing shoes as you learn the steps of the Viennese waltz and visit Mozart’s Vienna apartment. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Albertina, where you will meet your dance teacher. The waltz was first introduced to modern ballrooms during the 17th century and became popular in Vienna in the 1780s. During your class, you will learn the steps, how to lead and the correct etiquette for this traditional ballroom dance. Feeling energized, take a relaxing ride on a fiaker, or horse-drawn carriage, through the city—a popular mode of transport for the Viennese. From St. Stephen’s Cathedral, take a walk to Mozarthaus for an informative tour of his family residence. Discover more about life in 18th-century Vienna as you explore the rooms and contemplate Mozart creating some of his greatest compositions here, including Le Nozze di Figaro.

Step backstage at the elegant Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Transfer to the Hofburg, the former imperial palace and seat of power of the Hapsburg dynasty rulers. Upon arrival, you will join your host for a tour of the internationally renowned equine institution and its stalls. The facility was commissioned in 1729 by Emperor Charles VI and is the oldest of its kind in the world. A portrait of the monarch is displayed in the opulent baroque hall—the riding school’s performance venue. See the outdoor courtyard, tack room and historic stables of the Lipizzaner stallions as your guide regales you with interesting facts about the heritage and training of Europe’s oldest horse breed. After, board a fiaker, a traditional Viennese horse carriage, for a ride along the Ringstrasse, passing the Parliament, Town Hall and Imperial Court Theater.

The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert. Even the elegant architecture along the famed Ringstrasse seems to sing. On a daily basis, the city celebrates its long musical tradition with concerts in high-style venues. The Vienna Residence Orchestra is one of its most beloved institutions. Despite its young age (it was founded in 1989), it has hosted luminaries in the classical music world; Rudolf Nureyev was once a guest director. During this special performance, lose yourself in the lilting airs of Vienna’s most beloved music. In a historic venue, witness the period come to life as costumed singers and dancers take to the stage. And enjoy the beautiful strains of Strauss waltzes and selections from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Then, the magic continues during a scenic drive after dark through an illuminated Vienna.

Delight in an enchanting evening of music with a privileged access performance led by the renowned Alma Deutscher. Settle into your seat at the illustrious Wiener Konzerthaus, the stage for the world’s best orchestras and star soloists for more than a century. Here, Alma will act as both conductor and violinist in an enthralling concert of old and new music. Born in 2005, Alma is a musical prodigy who has captivated the classical world, selling out her Carnegie Hall debut at age 14 and being hailed as the “new Mozart.” Tonight, revel in a stirring presentation of timeless music as she leads the historic Strauss Capelle, the orchestra with a tradition going back nearly 200 years to the iconic composer himself, through renditions of the music of Mozart and the waltzes of Strauss, as well as her own compositions. After, return to your ship, no doubt humming many of the evening’s melodies.

Get acquainted with the Slovakian capital, a vibrant and relaxed cultural center. Meet your guide at your ship, then set off to explore this intimately sized capital. Drive via Grassalkovich Palace and Freedom Square up to Bratislava Castle for views over the city and surrounding plains, then descend to the Old Town, graced with ornate mansions and art nouveau houses. During your walking tour, admire the medieval Town Hall complex, where a butter-hued tower looks over the red-roofed city, and view the fortifications at Michael’s Gate, one of the only surviving medieval gateways. See the baroque Holy Savior Jesuit Church and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. A stunning and revered remnant from the city’s past, it was the site of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years. Enjoy some free time in the lovely town center before returning to your ship.

Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Vienna with the assistance of your own private guide. Once on board your ship, a member of Viking’s Guest Services team will be available to help you plan your time in Vienna so you can make the most of your visit. With a group of up to six guests, you may choose to explore one of the city’s ornate palaces or view the crown jewels that belonged to Austria’s last emperor. Perhaps peruse one of the museums, discover the city’s classical music heritage or simply explore Vienna through the eyes of a local, seeking out hidden gems. At a specified time, you will meet your private guide at the pier, board your chauffeur-driven vehicle and set out to visit your chosen sights. Follow your own agenda, exploring more of the sights that you wish to see. After your half day of exploring, your driver will return you to your awaiting ship.

Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Vienna with the assistance of your own private guide. Once on board your ship, a member of Viking’s Guest Services team will be available to help you plan your time in Vienna so you can make the most of your visit. With a group of up to six guests, you may choose to explore several of the city’s sights. Alternatively, you may choose to venture farther afield and take in the stunning views of the Vienna Woods, stopping at beautiful locations, such as the impressive Klosterneuburg, one of the largest vineyards in Austria. At a specified time, you will meet your private guide at the pier, board your chauffeur-driven vehicle and set out to visit your chosen sights. Follow your own agenda, exploring more of the sights that you wish to see. After your full day exploring, your driver will return you to your awaiting ship.

Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge. Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

Spend the day in picturesque Salzburg, setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart. Drive with your guide past charming mountain villages, rolling hills and pristine lakes. Upon arrival in this glorious city, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high-baroque architecture. Pass by the Hagenauer House at Getreidegasse 9, the birthplace of renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s favorite son; today, it is one of Austria’s most visited museums. See the Domplatz, dominated by the 249-foot 17th-century Dom and St. Peter’s Abbey, where Mozart premiered the Great Mass in C Minor in 1783. Savor lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant, named for the church, as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirit of the musical.

Participate in a festive Oktoberfest-style celebration in a stunning rural setting. Bavaria is renowned for its rich tradition of brewing beer. For centuries, the ingredients and production of Bavarian beer were regulated by strict guidelines known as the Reinheitsgebot, or purity decree. Though many of those rules have been lifted, purists remain and still brew some of the world’s finest beers. You will drive from Passau into the rolling green hills of the Bavarian countryside to Gut Aichet, a sprawling riverside farm at the heart of the region’s agriculture. After a brief tour of the farm with your host, immerse yourself in a true German party brought to life with traditional music and locally brewed beer. If you wish, you can join in the dancing and celebrate the spirit of Bavaria. Savor authentic brezen, or pretzels, during your stay, along with assorted breads, spreads and locally cured ham.

Take in Passau’s sublime setting at the confluence of three rivers from the best vantage points in the city. Meet your guide and set off on foot, along the left bank of the Danube River, where you will climb to Veste Oberhaus. This mighty fortress perched atop St. George’s Hill, a promontory between the Ilz and Danube Rivers, affords spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. Visit the museum inside the fortress, which chronicles its six centuries of history along with that of the city and the wider region. Afterward, you will enjoy refreshments as you admire panoramic vistas of the confluence of the three waterways; the Danube, the Ilz and the Inn rivers. Then, follow your guide along a scenic route to Passau, before returning to your awaiting ship.

See the famous fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney and enjoy a flight over the surrounding countryside. Board your plane and take a short flight, where you will meet your guide and transfer to Neuschwanstein. Built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, the planned three-year build could never be completed to Ludwig’s satisfaction given the grand architectural features he commissioned. A supporter of Richard Wagner, the world-renowned composer, he insisted that the castle’s name and design reference one of Wagner’s characters—the Swan Knight. Stroll through the beautiful inner garden, surrounded by a walled courtyard, and the majestic interior decor of the castle’s rooms. After time to explore, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy free time at leisure before returning to the airport for your return flight to Vilshofen and transferring back to your ship in Passau.

Take flight on a private charter over the stunning lakes, rivers and mountains of Germany and Austria. Drive to a nearby airfield and meet your pilot, then set off on your 45-minute flight. Sit back and relax as your nine-seater Cessna aircraft glides over beautiful vistas. See the picturesque town of Passau and the confluence of the Ilz, Inn and Danube rivers. Fly over Eagle’s Nest, Adolf Hitler’s remote mountaintop chalet perched atop Mt. Kehlstein. Marvel at the beauty of the Austrian Alps, with their glacial lakes and pristine pastures that run from the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains to the historic city of Salzburg. Admire the city’s graceful domes and spires below, and the formidable Festung Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old hilltop fortress, before commencing your return to base. Be sure to have your camera at the ready for this breathtaking trip.

Escape Passau as you pedal along the Inn River, enjoying unspoiled nature and pastoral landscapes along the water. Only minutes beyond Passau’s city limits, you will find yourself in farm fields with towering cornstalks and waist-high wheat. The small riverside forests, refuge to a variety of birds, are where the endemic beaver is making a slow but steady comeback. With one bank in Germany and the other in Austria, the Inn provides a rare opportunity for an international bike ride. Head out from Passau in one country, then cross the bridge in Wernstein to return through another. The small border town, which sprang up around a 12th-century fortress, changed hands between Bavaria and Austria several times throughout the centuries, and today is Austrian. Crossing the border comes with only one rule: Bicyclists must dismount and walk across the bridge. No riding is allowed.

Travel to horse country to tour a farm and witness some exciting horsemanship by highly skilled riders. Hungarians take great pride in the role horses have played in their nation’s history; they have helped win battles and aided in migration, settlement and farming. Many Hungarians, concerned that their country’s equestrian connection is being lost, hold fast to their rural ways and to their four-legged comrades, elevating horsemanship to an art form. Drive to Domonyvölgy in Hungary’s horse country. Upon arrival at Lázár Equestrian Park, you will be greeted with pálinka, a Hungarian fruit brandy. Here, a rollicking show brings centuries-old traditions of horseback riding to life. During your visit, you will also be able to ride a horse-drawn carriage to see more of the park and meet Hungarian farm animals—perhaps the long-wooled Racka sheep, the Mangalica pig or the Puli dog.

Explore historic Buda during a city hike to Castle Hill and admire magnificent vistas over the Danube. Depart your ship and set out on foot, crossing the bridge over the Danube where you will begin your ascent to Castle Hill, home to some of the city’s most prized medieval treasures. Explore the maze of cobblestone streets and pathways, and keep watch for the entrances to the underground labyrinth of caves that run beneath Castle Hill. Stroll around the grounds of the Royal Palace and time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard. See the beautiful Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, and stroll along quaint streets lined with coffeehouses. From the top, you can also admire stunning views over the Danube and the majestic Chain Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time. Walk down the hill to the riverside and return to your ship.

Explore Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage, including the Jewish Quarter and massive synagogue. A century ago, Budapest had a thriving Jewish community. In the years leading up to and including World War II, half of the city’s 250,000 Jews were killed. The 19th-century Moorish-Revival Dohány Street Synagogue (Great Synagogue), the largest in Europe, was converted to a stable. Today, a rich Jewish history is preserved, as you will see with your guide. During a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, once the Budapest Ghetto, admire the Great Synagogue with its glittering interior. In the synagogue complex, browse religious relics at the Jewish Museum and view the “Tree of Life” memorial to the 400,000 Hungarian Jews killed by Nazis. Note that the synagogue is not open to tours on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Soak up the restorative powers of Budapest’s thermal baths and join locals in a centuries-old tradition. Ancient Romans discovered the benefits of bathing in the thermal waters that flow through Budapest. As the city grew, the spouting springs were treasured and preserved so highly that not even the Communist government forbade their pleasures. Still today, they offer a regimen most residents of Budapest cannot do without. Accompany your guide to one of the city’s historic baths, immersing yourself in the therapeutic waters that have flowed here for centuries. During your visit, you might mingle with the locals taking a soak or observe some bathers as they pass the time with a game of chess in the pool. So revered have these waters been that many have been sheltered within facilities that exude a temple-like aura.

Admire city landmarks and savor a taste of Hungary during visits to a renowned chocolatier and a famed distillery. Your wide-ranging excursion will take you around to the must-see sights of both Buda and Pest, including Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the Royal Palace and more. In the heart of Pest, visit the Szamos Chocolate Museum. Take a guided tour of the extensive museum, then enjoy a taste of several varieties of chocolates, as well as cocoa beans and marzipan. During your workshop, observe the chocolate master as he presents a step-by-step demonstration of chocolate molding, then decorate your own chocolate bar, which you can take with you. After a delicious lunch of Hungarian cuisine, head to the Zwack factory and museum, where the premium bitter Unicum has been produced since 1840. Learn more about this popular digestive, visit the cellars and sample some fresh from the oak casks.

Browse the countless stalls of Budapest’s Grand Market Hall and taste Hungarian delicacies. The historic hall was built during the late 19th century, a sprawling three-story marketplace with a neo-Gothic facade. Today, the bustling scene is a feast for the senses, an endless array of textures, fragrances, tastes and sounds. Stroll with your guide and get acquainted with the massive market’s layout, browsing the stalls of vendors displaying aperitifs, breads, meats, wine, honey, strudels and more. On the ground floor, farm produce, pastries, candies, spices and spirits tempt the palate. Eateries and souvenirs are on the second floor. Locals head to the basement to see the butchers and fish vendors. After your market tour, enjoy free time to peruse the emporium on your own, then walk to a nearby traditional restaurant for a taste of Hungarian delicacies.

Dine at one of Bratislava’s brewery houses and sample a selection of beers. Slovakia’s brewing scene is enjoying a surge in popularity, with a number of pubs offering a range of innovative beers alongside tasty traditional fare. Set off on foot to the Sladovna, House of Beer, a medieval pub in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy a taste of one of its craft beers before continuing to the “Klastorny Pivovar,” or Abbey Brewery. Here, your local guide will explain the range of brews on offer, and you will enjoy two of its finest. Once a monastic cellar, and later a cinema hall, you will hear about the history of this magnificent building and its transformation into the establishment that it is today. Afterward, sit down for an evening meal of traditional local fare, accompanied by a glass of beer. With your appetite sated, return to your ship.

Bratislava was built on a smaller scale than other European capitals, so you will explore with ease on this excursion. Join your guide and set off along the Amber Road, tracing the ancient trade route that once linked Northern and Southern Europe. Stop to view the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, the first university to have been founded in present-day Slovakia. Though it operated for only 25 years, it proved highly influential in the fields of mathematics and astrology. In the main square, admire the Roland Fountain, built in 1572 to provide water to the public. Around the square, you will see the rococo, late-baroque Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president, and the rose-hued Archbishop’s Palace, home to today’s mayor. You will also see the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, home of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years. If the church schedule allows, you may step inside to take in its splendor.

Explore nature along the Danube River and pedal at ease by electric bike, or e-bike. Meet your guide at the ship; after a short safety briefing, you will don your helmet and set off. Your guide will lead the way, highlighting points of interest and regaling you with stories as you cycle. See the Klosterneuburg Abbey; according to legend, Margrave Leopold III founded the monastery during the 12th century. On his wedding day, his wife’s veil was seized by a gust of wind and later found here. Enjoy a short stop for refreshments and take a ferry ride across the Danube, pausing to gaze at the scenery before continuing your ride along the river. Cycle past Donaupark, once a derelict site and now a picturesque area celebrated for its beauty. Admire the view of the Danube Tower and surrounding lakes. After your bike ride, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Participate in a high-spirited Heurigen dinner and toast this year’s wine at a local vineyard. Locals gather in the vintner’s wine tavern amid a festive atmosphere; glasses are full, food is bountiful and a spirit of gemütlichkeit, or good cheer, fills the soul. This cherished tradition is celebrated throughout the country and marks the bottling of the season’s vintage. The custom is key to understanding Austria and the importance of viticulture to the people who have long relied on a successful harvest. You will drive with your guide to Grinzing, in the outskirts of Vienna. Here, your host will greet you with a glass of wine. Depending on the weather, you will sample delicious local dishes on the outdoor terrace or in the rustic dining room. It is a memorable and festive way to help celebrate the year’s wine harvest, complete with live, toe-tapping traditional music.

Visit the rural reaches of Bavaria and hear local farmers reveal some details of their working lives. The rolling hills of Bavaria are home to some of Germany’s most fertile and prolific farms. Pigs and other livestock are raised among green pastures, producing some of the region’s most beloved products, from prized hams and sausages to milk and cheeses. Meet your guide and leave Passau for a scenic drive into the heart and soul of southern Germany. At a local farm, you will be met by a farmer, who will share stories of daily life with you and give you a tour of the pens and stables. You will find that life here is simple, yet these growers play an active role in the local community. After time to explore and see the animals, you will have a chance to sample some of the fresh-made products.

Experience all the charms of this capital of Upper Austria during a walking tour. Founded by the Romans, Linz rose to prominence under the Hapsburg Empire. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural center. Set off on foot to explore the Danube’s south bank, passing the massive Brucknerhaus concert hall, named for the famed Austrian composer, and view the modern New Town Hall across the Danube. Continue to Linz Castle, considered the most beautiful museum in the province. In the Old Quarter, see the Market Hall, the Mozarthaus, where the composer wrote the Linz Symphony, the magnificent Renaissance Landhaus tower and the elegant facade of the Landestheater. At Hauptplatz, the city’s main square in the Old Quarter, you may step inside the New Cathedral if the church’s schedule allows and admire its ornate interior.

Step into the Bohemia of old during a guided stroll through the Czech Republic’s fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov. After a scenic drive through the Czech countryside, you will ascend to the town’s highest point to visit Český Krumlov Castle. Admire its Renaissance style, the stone arches of the Cloak Bridge, and the Upper and Little Castles. Walk over the Bear Moat, where bears have been kept since 1707, and pass the Castle Gate, pharmacy and monastery. Your tour descends the castle hill by foot into the town center, where you will see the Renaissance Town Hall, House of the Prelate and Gothic Church of St. Vitus. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Egon Schiele Art Centrum.

Enjoy a sweeping culinary excursion through picturesque landscapes. Along the way, stop to sample the region’s delicious bounty. You will begin with a drive through rural farmlands outside Linz where fields are fed by Danube waters. Your destination is the small and tranquil village of Gutau, where life is lived at the easy pace of the seasons. At a local farm, a bread maker invites you to a demonstration and shows you how to bake your own loaves using local techniques. Continue to St. Oswald and its Mittendorfer Schnapsmuseum and distillery. Enjoy a tour of the facility to see how schnapps is made from locally grown ingredients. Learn more about the spirit at the museum, where you can sample three different flavors. Make a stop at Seyrhof to enjoy a farm-fresh plate of cured meats, bacon, cheese and bread before returning to your ship.

Honor the memory of the victims of World War II during a solemn visit to the Mauthausen Memorial. From 1938 to 1945, Mauthausen and its subcamps operated as notorious Nazi slave labor camps, imprisoning a total of around 190,000 and killing at least 90,000 people. Today, it is a site of remembrance and education, preserving the memory of those who perished here. During your guided exploration, learn about the camp’s brutal history as you see sites such as a former barracks that housed prisoners and the Quarantine Yard, where new arrivals to the camp were indoctrinated. View the infamous “Stairs of Death,” where prisoners were forced to carry heavy granite blocks up 186 steps to the top of the quarry. You will also have free time to visit the Commemoration Site including the “Room of Names,” a hall displaying the names of all known persons who died at the camp.

Board a boat, exploring the Inn River as the rolling hills of Upper Austria and Lower Bavaria unfold around you. Meet your guide for a drive upriver through the Bavarian countryside. Soon, you will arrive at the quaint little Austrian town of Schärding on the Inn River, just a short distance from Passau. Take a walking tour with a local guide, admiring the gracefully curved gabled roofs of multihued pastel houses facing the picturesque baroque central square. Then embark a small boat to cruise the famous emerald-green waters of the Inn River. As you get underway, you will see the onion-domed tower of St. George’s Church peering over the town. Enjoy beer and a pretzel as you take in views of the passing countryside, with German Bavaria on one side and Upper Austria on the other.

Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the lilting Danube and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, the Champs-Élysées of Budapest, admire the National Opera House. Drive through at Heroes’ Square, a wide-open plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here you will visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, named for the country’s most popular medieval king. From the heights of Buda Hill, enjoy fantastic views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time at Budapest's colorful Market Hall to browse an array of speciality food and handicrafts.

Stroll the delightful streets of Szentendre, a colorful village of galleries and artists, and pay a visit to one of its renowned museums commemorating one of the town’s beloved. With cobblestone streets, pastel facades and a red-roofed townscape, Szentendre overflows with charm. In the 1500s, the Hungarian-Serbian community laid the foundations of what we see here today; at one time, eight Serbian Orthodox churches served this rural hamlet. The town holds fast to its roots. And today, it is home to a thriving artists’ community, embodied in the richly hued houses and decorated storefronts. Journey here with your guide and amble along the narrow, picturesque streets, pausing to browse inviting galleries that display the work of local artists. You will also visit the Margit Kovács Museum; this artist’s early 20th-century ceramics and other sculptures won her international accolades as they captured a rich tableau of past times in the Hungarian countryside.

Visit one of Hungary’s most beloved monuments, built by a count in the 1760s. Gödöllö Royal Palace was built by Count Antal Grassalkovich, well-respected among the monarchy and a confidante of Empress Maria Theresa. But when the last direct male descendant in the family died, it was bought for the royal couple as a summer house. In the 20th century, Soviet troops used it as a barracks and transformed some wings into rest homes for the aged. Restoration began in 1985 and continues today. Upon arrival, you will tour the elegantly adorned rooms of King Franz Joseph’s suite. See the lush furnishings and finely detailed woodwork of Empress Elisabeth’s private apartments. And pause in the impressive Grand Hall to imagine the royal court gathering for ceremonial occasions. Later, there will be time to admire the French-inspired gardens and vast, beautifully manicured park surrounding the palace.

Step inside Hungary’s grand parliament building and get a flavor for the nation’s hearty cuisine. Transfer with your guide to the Budapest Parliament building, the world’s third largest. As the nation’s business goes on around you, you will enjoy a guided tour of select public rooms. Next, walk to Szabadság Square, or Liberty Square, stopping to view the statue of Ronald Reagan and the art nouveau treasures that surround this public space. You will also see the US Embassy and the decorative Postal Savings Bank. Pause to taste some pogácsa, or salty scones, enroute to the Urban Betyár Restaurant, where you will sample heart sausages and a cup of goulash soup. Finish your tasting tour with a delicious Somlói Galuska and hear the story behind this beloved sweet treat.

Travel like a local as you journey by subway and on foot to view the city’s main sights. Begin with a subway ride to Karlsplatz, where you will walk by the stunning opera building and see the famed Viennese coffeehouse, Café Sacher, and Albertinaplatz. The engaging walk also takes you by the Spanish Riding School, named for the Spanish horses that formed one of the bases of the Lipizzan breed, at Josefsplatz. Continue with your guide along Kohlmarkt, home to many luxury boutiques and the acclaimed pastry shop, Demel, established in 1786. Visit the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial and then walk to one of the oldest squares in Vienna, Hoher Markt, where the historic Ankeruhr (Anker Clock) stands. Enjoy some free time at Stephansplatz before heading back to the ship via the subway.

Become acquainted with Vienna’s classical music icons as you learn about the city’s musical heritage. Your first stop is at the City Park, one of the oldest in Vienna. Here, you will be greeted by a gold-gilded statue of Johann Strauss II. After time for photos, take a brief walk to the Haus der Musik (House of Music) located at the palace of Archduke Karl. Four floors invite you to immerse yourself in the world of music during a melodic journey, as you observe composers at work and learn about the future of music composition. Continue on foot to the Mozarthaus; located at Domgasse 5, it was the Viennese residence of renowned Classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from 1784-1787. During your visit, gain insight into his life, music and late 18th-century Vienna as you tour its three floors of exhibits. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Savor several favorite Viennese treats during a street food excursion through the heart of the city. With your small group, meet your knowledgeable local guide, who will lead you on this appealing tour for your taste buds. Set off by foot through the vibrant streets of Vienna, making several stops along the way. Visit a würstelstand—a traditional stall selling hot dogs, sausages and side dishes—to sample sausages served with either sweet or hot mustard. Stop to sip on a wine spritzer at one of the many cafés, where you will learn about the city’s centuries-old café tradition. Nibble on a delectable piece of cake accompanied by a cup of hot coffee, and sample a scoop of ice cream at a nearby parlor. Cap your tour with an opportunity to try delicious waffles during a leisurely stroll through beautiful Vienna.

Be captivated by Budapest as you explore the city after dark and raise a toast to its stunning landmarks. Meet your guide and set off on a panoramic drive to witness several iconic sights. Admire the twinkling lights along the Danube and enjoy memorable views of the city known as the “Paris of the East.” See brilliantly illuminated bridges, including the Liberty Bridge—the shortest bridge in the city that connects Buda and Pest. View landmarks, such as Gellért Hill and Buda Castle, as your knowledgeable guide regales you with stories of the city’s history. Your drive continues along the Danube River to the beautiful Parliament building; its illuminated façade is a sight to behold after dark. Cap your excursion with a visit to a bar, where you can enjoy views of the Danube River as you sip a glass of sparkling wine.

Delight in a night of delicious cuisine and folklore during an entertaining excursion. Meet your guide and journey to a traditional venue by motor coach. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your host before taking your seats for a lively folklore performance featuring Hungarian music and dancing. As you enjoy the show and colorful costumes, sit back and savor a delicious array of food that showcases traditional Hungarian food, accompanied by a glass of wine. Your delectable meal is prepared by talented chefs using fresh, locally grown produce with recipes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Hungary is not just famed for its delicious savory offerings and no family meal is complete without a sweet ending. Cap your meal with a classic decadent dessert that celebrates the region’s cuisine.

Sample fine vintages during a tour and tasting at a local winery. The Wachau wine region comprises just 3 percent of Austrian wine, but its reputation for producing the finest whites in Central Europe is unparalleled. Meet your guide for a drive into the valley, whose unique combination of terraced slopes, dry stone walls, hillside castles, vineyards and rich cultural tradition has earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wine has been produced here since the time of the Celts, long before the Romans introduced the Riesling grape. During your winery visit, learn how the region’s grapes amplify the qualities of the earth in which they are grown, tour impressive cellars and sample wines little known to American palates. This tour offers a unique and fascinating glimpse of a prolific viticulture beloved by oenophiles the world over.

Visit the Belvedere Palace, home to artistic riches including works by Klimt, and create your own “Viennese Gold.” Gustav Klimt, who employed gold leaf in many of his works, was one of Vienna’s most heralded artists. During his lucrative Golden Phase, he created some of the most iconic images of the early 20th century. Drive to the world-famous Belvedere Palace to see some of them, including his masterpiece The Kiss, considered an icon of Viennese art nouveau. You will have free time to browse other works in the museum’s Klimt collection in the Upper Belvedere Palace. Then, continue through the palace gardens and into the Upper Belvedere, admiring stunning views of Vienna along the way. Gather here in a private workshop, where you can channel Klimt’s creativity as you create your own framed mirror with gold stones as a keepsake.

Immerse yourself in culture and cuisine as a local culinary guide takes you on an interactive tasting experience. Meet your culinary expert and walk through a typical Viennese neighborhood to the Vorgartenmarkt, a local market, where you will embark on a journey to discover more about Austrian food and its Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Talk with vendors, visit a neighboring deli and enjoy samples of fresh, homemade produce as you take a stroll among the colorful displays of regional delicacies. You may also have the opportunity to purchase tasty treats for you to take home. Your guide will describe the regional influences of Austria’s neighboring countries on its cuisine over the centuries. After your visit, enjoy free time to further explore the market before returning to your ship. Alternatively, use your time to shop and return to the ship on your own.

Indulge in a taste of Hungary’s most popular street food—delicious, deep-fried lángos. A flat bread, lángos is more than a dish. It is a cherished culinary tradition enjoyed together at bustling street food stalls, festivals or family gatherings. Made from flour, yeast, water and salt, the dough is stretched and flattened by hand, creating a circular shape that is then cooked in hot oil. The crunchy result is then eaten fresh and warm, topped with sour cream and grated cheese, red onions or sausages. You will transfer to a well renowned cooking school in the city center, where you will meet your expert chef and set to work learning how to create your own version of this beloved treat. Complete your lesson by enjoying how the combination of tangy sour cream and savory richness of the cheese complements the crispy lángos. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Watch as the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions are put through their paces during a public training session. Embark your motor coach for a drive to the elegant Hofburg, the former imperial palace and seat of power of Hapsburg Dynasty rulers for centuries. Upon arrival, enter the Spanish Riding School, commissioned in 1729 by Emperor Charles VI and the oldest of its kind in the world; a portrait of the monarch is displayed in the opulent baroque hall—the riding school’s performance venue. Here, you will witness an hour-long training session of the Lipizzaner stallions in the imperial ambience of the baroque winter riding school, accompanied by classical Viennese music. Afterward, take a short walk to Michaelerplatz, where you will board a fiaker, a traditional Viennese horse carriage, for a scenic ride through the old town before transferring back to your ship.

Spend the day in picturesque Mondsee and Salzburg, capped by a lunch show featuring tunes from The Sound of Music. Drive with your guide past charming mountain villages and rolling hills to the lakeside town of Mondsee. Stop to view its medieval, Gothic-style church, the filming location for the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high-baroque architecture. Pass the Hagenauer House at Getreidegasse 9, the birthplace of renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. See the Domplatz, dominated by the 17th-century cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey, where Mozart premiered the Great Mass in C Minor in 1783. Savor lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirit of The Sound of Music.

Delight in the twinkling lights of Budapest during the Christmas season and sample traditional Hungarian treats. Meet your guide and embark on a short drive to the illuminated St. Stephen’s Basilica, the city’s stunning neoclassical cathedral and one of Hungary’s biggest churches. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the market on your own. This Advent Fair boasts a magnificent 60-foot tree; at its base, skaters twirl across the ice and mouthwatering delicacies are offered from its surrounding stalls; perhaps try a flavorsome goulash (traditionally spiced with paprika) or a delicious langos (a deep-fried flat bread that can be served with a variety of toppings). For a sweet treat, savor kurtosh, also known as “Hungarian chimney cake;” this soft baked donut is a favorite among locals. After your tour, you will transfer back to your awaiting ship.

Discover the magnificent architectural highlights of Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, during a festive tour. Set out on a combined motor coach and walking tour that focuses on the splendid buildings along the remarkable Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Step back in time as you admire these elegant public buildings, grand residences, and imposing palaces. Pay a short visit to the Christkindlmarkt at the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterward, you will take a stroll through the stunning Christmas Market around Maria Theresien Platz. Known for its outstanding and unique handicrafts and artistic decors, this atmospheric market will give plenty of opportunity for shopping and browsing its many stalls. After a brief orientation tour, you may enjoy free time to explore at your leisure or return to your awaiting ship.

Visit the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty and immerse yourself in its grand traditional festivities. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II erected the original hunting lodge here and called it Schönbrunn, meaning “beautiful spring.” In 1775, Empress Maria Theresa, the only female ruler of the Hapsburgs, added the grand neoclassical Gloriette colonnade so she could have sweeping city views. Silver and gold lights gently twinkle in the palace grounds and dozens of stalls display traditional crafts, handmade by local artisans. Shop for unique gifts, sample a yuletide treat, and enjoy a guided tour of the grandly furnished rooms, adorned with decorations for the holiday season. After time at your leisure, you will return to your ship.

Get acquainted with the vibrant Slovakian capital and immerse yourself in festive traditions. Meet your guide at your ship, then set off to explore this intimately sized capital. Drive via Grassalkovich Palace and Freedom Square up to Bratislava Castle for views over the city and surrounding plains, then descend to the Old Town. Admire the medieval Town Hall complex, where a butter-hued tower looks over the red-roofed city and view the fortifications at Michael’s Gate. Stroll through the town’s main square and see the baroque Holy Savior Jesuit Church and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy time to browse the colorful market stalls and shop for handmade products made from wood, glass, leather, beeswax and more. Or sample some of the delicious yuletide delicacies. Spend time at your leisure; perhaps ascend the tower of the Old Town Hall for delightful views.

Experience a Benedictine abbey where monks work and worship during a Privileged Access visit to Göttweig Abbey. Enjoy the vistas of the splendid Wachau Valley and the Danube River during a scenic drive, before arriving at the abbey, standing in all its majesty atop a hill. The oldest part of the monastery, a small chapel in the inner courtyard, dates back to 1072 and it is usually closed to visitors. However, Viking guests are invited to step inside the chapel and enjoy the nativity scene, an important work by the monks. Admire the craftmanship and intricate carvings of the figurines as you discover more about the history of the abbey. After your delightful experience, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Stroll historic Passau, watch an Advent wreath demonstration and sample a yuletide treat—gingerbread. Known as “the city of the three rivers” and founded more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the stunning Old Town and pause to admire its imposing baroque cathedral. Along the way, gaze up at the twinkling lights and enjoy the scent of spiced gingerbread, sausages grilling and almonds roasting from street vendors. Stop and learn tips on how to craft the perfect Advent wreath and see how gingerbread is made at a local bakery. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the stalls of local artisan craftsmen, who display all manner or handmade gifts from unique woolens, delicate glass ornaments and traditional wooden toys. After your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Spend the day in one of Austria’s most scenic alpine cities, Salzburg, and visit its renowned Christmas market. The setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music, Salzburg is also the birthplace of renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Drive with your guide past charming mountain villages, rolling hills and pristine lakes. Upon arrival in this glorious city, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, strolling past high-baroque architecture and gaining an intimate view of Salzburg. Continue to Domplatz, where you will have an opportunity to browse the stalls of the traditional Christkindlmarkt, one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Then, savor lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant, named for the church, as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirt of the musical The Sound of Music.

Participate in a festive celebration in a stunning rural setting as you sample Bavaria’s famous beer. Bavaria is renowned for its rich tradition of brewing beer and for centuries, the region has lived up to its reputation. You will meet your guide and drive into the rolling green hills of the Bavarian countryside to Gut Aichet, a sprawling riverside farm at the heart of the region’s agriculture. After a brief tour of the farm with your host, immerse yourself into the festive spirit of a true German Christmas party, brought to life with traditional music and locally brewed beer. Enjoy a special toe-tapping performance; If you wish, you can join in the dancing and sing along to a Christmas song as you celebrate the spirit of Bavaria. Savor authentic brezen (pretzels) during your stay, along with assorted breads, spreads and locally cured ham.

Stroll Bratislava’s Old Town and experience the Christmas market with an enchanting organ recital. Join your local guide and set off along the Amber Road, tracing the ancient trade route that once linked Northern and Southern Europe. Stop to view the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, the first university founded in present-day Slovakia. Feel the festive spirit as you visit the old town on foot, admiring the illuminated main square. Around the square, you will see the rococo, late-Baroque Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president, and the rose-hued Archbishop’s Palace, home to the mayor. Stop at the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and enjoy an organ concert of festive carols. Afterward, visit the Christmas market and walk among traditional stalls, brimming with yuletide treats, handcrafted Christmas ornaments, and more.

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a walk through the quaint town of Linz and its Christmas market. After a brief orientation from your onboard team, set off on foot for a walk to admire the sights of the capital of Upper Austria and the third largest city in Austria. See the Main Square and admire the baroque architecture, adorned in festive lights. See colorful market stalls brimming with handicrafts by local artisans and sample seasonal delights, such as delicious gingerbread and yuletide sweets. Keep the cold at bay as you sip on a warming glühwein spiced with aromatic cinnamon, accompanied by a local delicacy from one of the stalls. Enjoy time at your leisure browsing the stalls and shopping for a range of unique items; perhaps homemade tree decorations, pottery lovingly crafted by talented artisans, or jewelry, making the perfect Christmas gift.

Explore the medieval gem, Český Krumlov, and immerse yourself in the yuletide atmosphere. Meet your guide and step into the Bohemia of old during a guided stroll. At the town’s highest point, see Český Krumlov Castle and admire its Renaissance style, the stone arches of the Cloak Bridge, and the Upper and Little Castles. Walk over the Bear Moat, where bears have been kept since 1707, and pass the Castle Gate, pharmacy and monastery. Back in the town center, view the Renaissance Town Hall, House of the Prelate and Gothic Church of St. Vitus. Savor a delicious lunch of traditional festive fare at a local restaurant and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Christmas market, to browse for traditional crafts and handmade gifts for you to take home.

Experience a Benedictine abbey overlooking the splendid Wachau Valley and enjoy regional appetizers. Göttweig Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks that was founded in 1083. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the centuries-old abbey and give you insights into the daily life of the monks’ community. Learn about its 900-year history as a center of religious life and admire the heavenly ceiling fresco above the imperial staircase. Afterward, enjoy a selection of regional appetizers before your guided visit of the Sebastiani Library. There, you may view selected exhibits that will be brought out from the safe and have an opportunity to thumb through the pages of a historical book. Following your library visit, you will have the privilege of receiving a unique Viking traveler blessing from a monk of Göttweig Abbey, before rejoining your awaiting ship.

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7 Night Danube Christmas Delights

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7 Night Danube Christmas Delights