Delightful Danube Christmas

Named the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and added to the roster of UNESCO Creative Cities as a City of Media Arts in 2014, Linz embraces the present and future, with reverence to its past. The city’s layout reflects its history, with an ancient medieval centre encircled by neoclassical, Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance neighbourhoods.

Complimentary Excursions:
Christmas in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Salzburg & its Christmas Markets
Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial
Linz City Walk & Tramway Ride

At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the Passau skyline is accentuated by numerous church spires, including the towering twin columns of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, it is beneath the Dom (as the cathedral is known) that the city hosts its iconic Christkindlmarkt. Here in the Old Town, surrounded by arched bridges and Italianate manses, more than 70 stalls are filled with the magical treats and artisan wares of the season.

Complimentary Excursions:
Passau Walking Tour - Organ Recital & Christmas Markets
Regensberg and its Romantic Christmas Markets

While the markets here are only open on the weekends, a true gift awaits at the Melk Abbey, a fortified Baroque Benedictine monastery sitting high above town on a rocky outcrop boasting stunning views of the Wachau Valley. Melk itself is a lovely village with cobbled lanes, and its petite size makes for a pleasant stroll to discover its 16thcentury Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the centre of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock.

This storied and intensely scenic 25-mile stretch of river between Melk and Krems is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. You’ll understand why as you marvel at vineyards dotting the hillsides, castles and ruins in abundance, and engaging small towns lucky enough to exist along these banks.

Crowned by lofty Dürnstein Castle, the region’s most renowned architectural highlight, this postcard-worthy town is surrounded by verdant forests, rolling hills and thriving vineyards, made all the more enchanting by the twinkling merriment of the season.

Complimentary Excursions:
Artstetten Castle & Visit with Hohenberg Family Member
Melk Abbey - A Baroque Masterpiece

The grand avenues and ornate palaces of this regal city, once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, take on an even more magical glow during Advent. While modern Vienna may thrive as a highwater mark of European culture, its history with Christmas market traditions dates back centuries to 1298. Today there are more than 20 markets for you to explore, from festivities in front of City Hall, to the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace.

Complimentary Excursions:
Schonbrunn Palace & Christmas Market
Vienna's Highlights & Christmas Markets
Crystal Signature Event:
Art & Music at the Belvedere Palace

Hungary’s sophisticated and culturally diverse capital city is a sea of domes and spires commanding both sides of the Danube. On one bank is hilly Buda; on the other, flatter Pest. And during Advent, Budapest celebrates the season with multiple markets. The city’s oldest, and arguably most beautiful, takes place on Vörösmarty Square, while the Basilica’s Christmas Fair at St. Stephen’s Square is consistently renowned among the very best in Europe. An overnight here rewards with a 3D light show, too.

Complimentary Excursions:
Parliament Building & The Great Market Hall
Panoramic Budapest & Christmas Markets
Dohany Synagogue & the Shoes on the Danube
Horse Show at Lazar Equestrian Park

After breakfast, disembark the ship.