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Danube Christmas Markets

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Danube Christmas Markets

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$2,889
Save $132pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Passau
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Danube Christmas Markets Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Passau
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Danube Christmas Markets Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
39
Launched
2001
Refurbished
2010
Cruise Code
RCDCMPB
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
39
Launched
2001
Refurbished
2010
Cruise Code
RCDCMPB

Overview

Begin your cruise of the Danube from Passau and uncover a mix of history, culture and local traditions wrapped in the spirit of the season. Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and see Vienna’s historic landmarks. Explore Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets by day, then unwind on board Trafalgar Reverie by night. Share stories over regional wines, soak up the ever-changing scenery and festive cheer at every stop. This Danube river cruise offers you discovery, fun and relaxation during the most magical time of year.
Choose to start your tour in either Budapest or Passau. Cruise the Danube and uncover a mix of history, culture and local traditions wrapped in the spirit of the season. Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and see Vienna’s historic landmarks. Explore Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets by day, then unwind on board Trafalgar Reverie by night. Share stories over regional wines, soak up the ever-changing scenery and festive cheer at every stop. This Danube river cruise offers you discovery, fun and relaxation during the most magical time of year.

Itinerary

Step aboard the Trafalgar Reverie, your floating home for your Danube Christmas river cruise, and settle in for the night. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner hosted by your Experience Director. (D)

Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through Passau's medieval lanes and baroque squares before browsing the city's Christmas markets, where merry stalls line the cobbled streets. Alternatively, choose a guided hike along the Ilz River and enjoy a more active perspective on this scenic region. Later, you can opt to join a Bavarian beer experience, complete with traditional folk music and freshly baked pretzels. Raise a stein with locals and take in the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Bavaria so memorable during the season. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Orientation Tour with Christmas Market OR Get a Taste of Bavaria

Spend the day in Linz, Austria's third-largest city, known for its elegant main square and riverside charm. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the old town and enjoy time to browse the Christmas markets, where handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats bring the square to life. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to Salzburg and step into the story of The Sound of Music. Visit Maria's church in Mondsee and explore Salzburg's baroque streets. Along the way, discover the city's musical heritage and enjoy one of Austria's most enchanting Christmas markets. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Visit Historic Linz with Christmas Market OR The Sound of Music in Salzburg with Christmas Markets

Cruise through Austria's Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape of terraced vineyards, hilltop castles and riverside villages. Arrive in the historic town of Krems an der Donau and join a Local Specialist to visit the Kremser Adventzauber, where the old town glows with seasonal lights and stalls showcase regional crafts and Christmas specialities. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Explore Krems an der Donau

Welcome to Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Get to know this buzzing city with a drive along the Ringstraße before exploring the old town's Baroque architecture on foot with a Local Specialist. Pass imperial landmarks, admire festive displays in shopfronts and visit Vienna's Christmas markets, where wooden stalls, mulled wine and hand-blown ornaments fill the historic streets.

There's free time to explore the Christkindlmarkt in front of the town hall, one of Europe's most iconic settings. Choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace for an Optional Experience, where the courtyard transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas village. After a day of discovery, why not end the evening with an optional classical concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart? (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Taste of Christmas Vienna Walking Tour OR Stroll Around Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Markets OR Experience the Music of Strauss and Mozart

Arrive in Bratislava and choose between two included options to explore the city. You can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the old town, passing through Michael's Gate to see the Town Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral. You'll wander among wooden chalets as you explore Bratislava's Christmas markets, filled with handmade gifts and local delicacies.

Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to hear powerful stories from the communist era and Velvet Revolution. For your Be My Guest experience, visit one of the city's most celebrated microbreweries, you'll meet head brewers Tomáš and Mário. Taste traditional lagers, dark beers and local ales before sitting down to lunch.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Markets OR Life Beyond the Iron Curtain OR Beer and bites at Bratislava's DOCK7

Discover both sides of Hungary's capital today with your Local Specialist on a city tour. In historic Buda, head up Castle Hill and admire the Gothic spires, of Matthias Church before stepping onto Fisherman's Bastion for sweeping views across the Danube. Cross into Pest to see Heroes' Square, a tribute to Hungary's national identity. Later, join your Experience Director and Experience Manager to explore Budapest's Christmas markets at your own pace, where you could find local pastries, roasted nuts and mulled wine. Or choose an Optional Experience to explore the Jewish district, including a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Orientation OR Discover Budapest's Jewish History

This morning, disembark the Trafalgar Reverie and bid farewell to the captain and crew, taking with you memories of the Christmas magic you've experienced along the Danube. (B)

Step aboard the Trafalgar Reverie, your floating home for your Danube Christmas river cruise, and settle in for the night. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner hosted by your Experience Director. (D)

Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through Passau's medieval lanes and baroque squares before browsing the city's Christmas markets, where merry stalls line the cobbled streets. Alternatively, choose a guided hike along the Ilz River and enjoy a more active perspective on this scenic region. Later, you can opt to join a Bavarian beer experience, complete with traditional folk music and freshly baked pretzels. Raise a stein with locals and take in the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Bavaria so memorable during the season. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Get a Taste of Bavaria

Spend the day in Linz, Austria's third-largest city, known for its elegant main square and riverside charm. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the old town and enjoy time to browse the Christmas markets, where handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats bring the square to life.

Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to Salzburg and step into the story of The Sound of Music. Visit Maria's church in Mondsee and explore Salzburg's baroque streets. Along the way, discover the city's musical heritage and enjoy one of Austria's most enchanting Christmas markets. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Visit Historic Linz with Christmas Market OR The Sound of Music in Salzburg with Christmas Markets

Cruise through Austria's Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape of terraced vineyards, hilltop castles and riverside villages. Arrive in the historic town of Krems an der Donau and join a Local Specialist to visit the Kremser Adventzauber, where the old town glows with seasonal lights and stalls showcase regional crafts and Christmas specialities. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Explore Krems an der Donau

Welcome to Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Get to know this buzzing city with a drive along the Ringstraße before exploring the old town's Baroque architecture on foot with a Local Specialist. Pass imperial landmarks, admire festive displays in shopfronts and visit Vienna's Christmas markets, where wooden stalls, mulled wine and hand-blown ornaments fill the historic streets.

There's free time to explore the Christkindlmarkt in front of the town hall, one of Europe's most iconic settings. Choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace for an Optional Experience, where the courtyard transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas village. After a day of discovery, why not end the evening with an optional classical concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart? (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Taste of Christmas Vienna Walking Tour OR Stroll Around Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Markets OR Experience the Music of Strauss and Mozart

Arrive in Bratislava and choose between two included options to explore the city. You can join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the old town, passing through Michael's Gate to see the Town Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral. You'll wander among wooden chalets as you explore Bratislava's Christmas markets, filled with handmade gifts and local delicacies. Or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to hear powerful stories from the communist era and Velvet Revolution.

For your Be My Guest experience, visit one of the city's most celebrated microbreweries, you'll meet head brewers Tomáš and Mário. Taste traditional lagers, dark beers and local ales before sitting down to lunch.

Featured Excursions: Choice of Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Markets OR Life Beyond the Iron Curtain OR Beer and bites at Bratislava's DOCK7

Discover both sides of Hungary's capital today with your Local Specialist on a city tour. In historic Buda, head up Castle Hill and admire the Gothic spires, of Matthias Church before stepping onto Fisherman's Bastion for sweeping views across the Danube. Cross into Pest to see Heroes' Square, a tribute to Hungary's national identity.

Later, join your Experience Director and Experience Manager to explore Budapest's Christmas markets at your own pace, where you could find local pastries, roasted nuts and mulled wine. Or choose an Optional Experience to explore the Jewish district, including a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Walking Tour OR Discover Budapest's Jewish History

This morning, disembark the Trafalgar Reverie and bid farewell to the captain and crew, taking with you memories of the Christmas magic you've experienced along the Danube. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • You can book Optional Experiences with your Experience Director onboard at the start of your River Cruise. These can be charged to your onboard account and paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express). Optional Experiences cannot be reserved before your cruise.

  • Land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts
  • Optional Experiences are available to complement and complete your travel experience
  • Audio headset systems are provided on land guided tours
  • Bicycles are available for on-land use at your leisure

  • On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner with sparkling wine and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager
  • Dinners on your first and last day on board feature a special menu
  • Tea time during one special afternoon sailing
  • Lunches and dinners include wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water
  • Farewell reception with sparkling wine

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • You can book Optional Experiences with your Experience Director onboard at the start of your River Cruise. These can be charged to your onboard account and paid by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express). Optional Experiences cannot be reserved before your cruise.

Life Onboard Trafalgar Reverie

Trafalgar Reverie
Trafalgar Reverie

Onboard, you'll enjoy thoughtful service designed around you. Relax on the sun deck, enjoy a massage or join enriching experiences, and when evening comes, enjoy live entertainment and more. Read more

River Cruise Differently
River Cruise Differently

Your trusted Trafalgar vacation is now on water. From scenic sailing to biking along the riverbanks or relaxing during a massage onboard, our itineraries let you explore Europe at your own pace — both onboard and ashore. Read more

What's Included
What's Included

Our trips are thoughtfully priced, offering real connections, local flavours, and pure joy. With curated onboard experiences and seamless service, we make river cruising effortless and unforgettable. Read more

Download Brochure

Trafalgar River Cruises (2026) Brochure

Trafalgar River Cruises (2026)

Introducing River Cruises. A new way to travel with Trafalgar. Unlock the rivers of Europe, where local perspectives, warm hosting and real connection meet effortless comfort. With seamless service, unrivalled land experiences and the need to only unpack once, this is travel made easy and unforgettable.

Download Brochure

Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27) Brochure

Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2026-27)

Trafalgar’s 2026–27 worldwide collection features over 240 guided holidays across 70 countries on six continents, offering iconic sights, authentic local encounters, and expertly planned itineraries. From Be My Guest dining and Stays with Stories to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, each tour is designed to connect you meaningfully with every destination. more With dedicated Travel Directors and Drivers handling every detail, you can relax and enjoy a journey filled with culture, insight, and unforgettable moments.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $2,889
From $4,137
From $5,385
Wednesday 02 Dec 2026 02 Dec 26 Passau
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026 09 Dec 26 Budapest
Details
Trafalgar Reverie
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,889
Save $110
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Passau
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026 23 Dec 26 Budapest
Details
Trafalgar Reverie
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,889
Save $110
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 24 Nov 2027 24 Nov 27 Passau
Wednesday 01 Dec 2027 01 Dec 27 Budapest
Details
Trafalgar Reverie
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,417
Save $132
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 08 Dec 2027 08 Dec 27 Passau
Wednesday 15 Dec 2027 15 Dec 27 Budapest
Details
Trafalgar Reverie
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,129
Save $120
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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