Christmas Markets Along the Danube - 2023

Your holiday cruise begins with an overnight flight to Munich, Germany. You can also choose to begin your European journey earlier with optional pre-trip extension in Prague.

Today you’ll land in Munich. Upon arrival, a Vantage representative will meet you at the airport and assist with transfers to Regensburg, where you will board the m/s River Splendor. This evening, gather with your Captain and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink and Briefing, followed by your first dinner on board.

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 time to visit the Drubba store to shop for authentic German clocks and handcrafted gifts. You'll also have time to explore Regensburg 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.

Included Feature:

• Walking tour of Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town

Cultural Connection:

• Meet Martin the city guard of Regensburg
• Glühwein and Christmas Market visit with your Cruise Director

• Ride through Regensburg and learn about its history on a moderate 14-mile route

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. For a more active option, you can participate in a two-mile walking tour of Passau that includes entrance to Veste Oberhaus, or participate in a 10-mile bike ride along the Ilz River. 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

Today, you’ll explore lovely Linz, a cutting-edge city at the forefront of the arts and technology that UNESCO dubbed a City of Media Arts, with an active walking and hiking tour to Ars Electronica. You’ll have time to continue your exploration of the local Christmas markets before returning to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure on board. After dinner, enjoy local entertainment in the ship’s lounge.

Included Feature:

• Linz walking tour

Cultural Connection:

• Evening onboard entertainment

Biking Opportunity:

• Cycling opportunity along the Danube in the historic Old Town of Linz

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Set out on a full-day tour of lovely Salzburg. Learn more

Begin your day with breakfast on board and an engaging lecture about Vienna’s long-held Christmas traditions, before heading out on panoramic tour of this charming city. You’ll be introduced to the historic center of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the city’s famed Ringstrasse and the Innere Stadt. Here you’ll see the Hofburg Palace, the Stephansdom Cathedral, the fashionable Graben area, and the adjoining Kohlmarkt. Following lunch back on board, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure, with convenient shuttle service from the ship to the local Christmas market.

Included Feature:

• Panoramic Vienna city tour

Cultural Connection:

• Evening onboard entertainment

Today you’ll have a unique opportunity to visit Vienna’s Spanish Riding School and attend a rehearsal of the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Return to the ship for lunch, then catch a complimentary shuttle back to the heart of Vienna, where you’ll have time to peruse the wares at the city’s delightful Christmas market. Later, you’ll partake in a true Vantage-exclusive event: a private classical music concert at the Kursalon music. Back on board, enjoy a cocktail of the day presentation, followed by a celebratory Christmas dinner.

Included Features:

• Spanish Riding School visit and Lipizzaner stallions rehearsal
• Private Kursalon concert in Vienna

Biking Opportunity:

• Ride a moderate 8-mile route past Vienna’s stunning architecture

Please note: On dates when the morning rehearsal is not available at the Spanish Riding School, a guided tour will be provided of the Winter Riding School and Stables.

Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Visit Vienna’s famed Opera House and pop into the city’s coffeehouses. Learn more

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 Farewell Reception and disembarkation briefing.

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

Today you’ll set out on a city tour of Budapest, of which almost the entirety of its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see many of the city’s most notable landmarks, including City Park, Heroes' Square, Andrassy Avenue, the iconic Parliament building, Castle Hill, and Fisherman's Bastion. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll head to the Budapest Christmas market and visit over 100 stalls offering locally produced wares.

Included Feature:

• Half-day city tour of Budapest

Biking Opportunity:

• Ride a flat, 5-mile route of medium difficulty, past Budapest's iconic sites.

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