Cruise the Danube to Europe's Christmas Markets

Cruise the Danube to Europe's Christmas Markets
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Trip Overview

Holiday celebrating and shopping were never so delightful as on this festive Danube River cruise. Stay in handpicked luxury hotels in the hearts of Vienna and Munich, stroll through inviting local Christkindlesmarkts and visit historic Melk Abbey as well as Vienna’s Imperial Treasury.

Operated by Abercrombie & Kent aboard A&K Amadeus Riva.

Cruise Highlights

Cruise the Danube River, experiencing nine days of exclusive sightseeing in your private small-group vehicle, escorted by your own Resident Tour Director

Peruse the finest Christmas markets (Christkindlesmarkts) in southern Germany and Austria, picking out treasures and sipping mulled wine in the intimate company of your small group

Privately access a World War II art bunker in Nuremberg on an A&K-exclusive experience

Set out on unforgettable excursions designed by A&K, including a private tour of the Hofburg Palace Treasury in Vienna with its glittering jewels

Daily Itinerary

Arrive in Vienna, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your dedicated Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner.

Visit the Belvedere, seeing the stately palace complex, tranquil gardens and its Christmas market. View works by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Then, enjoy lunch at a Viennese café before a privately guided tour of the Augarten Porcelain Factory. Transfer to your vessel, with priority embarkation. Settle into your premium cabin or suite with an open-air French or walk-out balcony. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner on board.

Privately tour Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a demonstration in strudel making and receive a private waltz lesson. After lunch, walk Vienna's old town with a local guide. Visit the Imperial Treasury at Hofburg Palace and see St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later, peruse the main Christmas market at the Rathausplatz.

Arrive in Melk, where you visit the Benedictine abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Originally constructed as a palace, the abbey boasts soaring gilded towers, an elaborately frescoed church and a vast library of medieval manuscripts. Pause for lunch ashore at a local restaurant in the scenic Wachau Valley. Later, enjoy a private pre-dinner cocktail party in the ship's Amadeus Club, hosted by your Resident Tour Director, followed by an exclusive Chef's Highlights dinner.

Arrive in Passau. Take a guided city walk, visiting the Christkindlesmarkt and St. Stephen's Cathedral for a private tour of its famed organ. Linger over an authentic Bavarian lunch with a glass of wine at a charming restaurant. Then, explore the historic center at leisure.

Walk through Regensburg and visit one of its oldest breweries for a tasting. Tour St. Emmeram's Palace and stroll its Christmas market, before returning to your vessel for dinner.

Transfer to Nuremberg and privately visit a World War II art bunker, an A&K exclusive. Then, walk through the old town to view its 900-year-old ramparts, Imperial Castle and Palace of Justice. Explore the Christkindlesmarkt, with time to shop or savor homemade gingerbread. This evening, join the captain for a gala dinner back on board.

Disembark in Nuremberg and drive to Munich, famous for its beer halls and beer gardens. Take a guided walking tour of its old town. Visit the Frauenkirche cathedral and Marienplatz, with its bustling Christmas market.

Transfer to Munich Airport for your departure.

Pricing & Options

From $9,020

per guest · 8 nights

Departure dates

  • 27 Nov 2027 – 5 Dec 2027On request
  • 3 Dec 2027 – 11 Dec 2027On request
  • 9 Dec 2027 – 17 Dec 2027On request

Prices are a guide and vary with season, cabin category and party size. Your advisor will confirm the exact cost before anything is booked.

The Ship: A&K Amadeus Riva

Deck Plan

A&K Amadeus Riva deck plan

About the ship

Amadeus Riva incorporates the latest in sustainable technology while delivering hallmark features such as panoramic windows in all public areas, walk-out balconies in suites, and windows in A&K-selected cabins that transform into open-air French balconies.

  • 24 guests

Cabins

A-1 Cabin

Double or twin bed, drop-down panoramic window, walk-in wardrobe

oceanview · sleeps 2

Amadeus Suite

Double or twin bed, walk-out exterior balcony, walk-in wardrobe

suite · sleeps 2

B-1 Cabin

Double or twin bed, drop-down panoramic window, walk-in wardrobe. Connecting cabins on request

oceanview · sleeps 2

B-4 Cabin

Double or twin bed, drop-down panoramic window, walk-in wardrobe

oceanview · sleeps 2

Enquire about this cruise

Cruise the Danube to Europe's Christmas Markets