Christmas and New Year on the Spirit of the Danube 2027

Travel to Vienna and embark Spirit of the Danube. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.

Vienna is the capital of Austria: home to the waltz, coffee houses, the Prater wheel and one of the world's finest opera houses. It is the city where Marie Antoinette grew up and where Mozart died, and for 600 years was the centre of the Hapsburg Empire. Take our transfer service into the city to explore independently. You return to the city on Day 14 and will have more time then to see some of the city’s numerous attractions.

Included visit

Take our complimentary transfer service into the city, where highlights include the Ringstrasse and Opera House, and head to the Krippenmarkt, December market, to browse the stalls independently. Various art ware, silver jewellery, enamel and ceramics can be purchased here.

Depart Vienna, 0500.
Arrive Krems, 1300.

The historic town of Krems sits on the edge of the scenic Wachau Valley. Its yearly Christmas market is held in the centre of the town surrounded by picturesque architecture. Enjoy an included afternoon visit to the vast Göttweig Abbey, a Benedictine monastery.

Included visit

Join an included excursion to see some of Krems attractions on foot or opt for an included visit to Göttweig Abbey, a huge Benedictine monastery founded in 1083. Discover its highly decorated baroque interior and monumental imperial staircase, overlooked by a ceiling fresco by Paul Troger from 1739.

Depart Krems, 0900.
Scenic Cruise, Wachau Valley.
Arrive Melk, 1300. Depart 1900.

This morning you cruise through the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Wachau Valley to Melk. This historic town features architectural styles from across the centuries. Its jewel is the abbey which sits on a bluff above the town. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Enjoy a guided tour to Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Learn more about why this site was rebuilt in the 18th century and what remains in the tombs of the abbey below. See the church frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, the marble hall and the world-famous library, which houses more than 80,000 books and manuscripts.

Arrive 1300.

Passau is located at the confluence of the Danube, the Ilz and the Inn. The surrounding wooded hills create a scenic backdrop to the city's towers, spires and red-roofed houses. The wealthy past of this cultured city is reflected in its many fine buildings, including the baroque St Stephen's Cathedral, and the old and new Bishop's Palaces.

Included excursion

Enjoy a walking tour of Passau, exploring some key highlights such as the Gothic Town Hall and the city’s landmark, St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Spirit of the Danube will spend the day moored in Passau and you can look forward to a relaxing Christmas Day enjoying the festivities and traditional Christmas dinner on board.

Depart Passau, 0900.
Arrive Vilshofen, 1200. Depart 1800.

The attractive old area of this small Bavarian town is perched on a promontory between the Danube and Vils rivers. Highlights include the Benedictine Abbey and church of St John. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Head into the Bavarian forest on a scenic coach tour.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Linz is a diverse city where the modern architecture and creative arts scene blends with the quaint Old Town of baroque-style buildings. The city is known for its Linzer torte, said to be the world’s oldest cake recipe. Take time to explore Linz independently. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

This included tour begins with a short walk from your ship towards the city centre. In the company of a local guide you will visit the Old Town Hall, which features an enormous aerial floor map of the city. Next, board the land train for a trip through the streets of Linz with commentary en route.

Arrive 1300. Depart 1900.

Dürnstein is set beneath the ruined Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the late 12th century. Highlights of the town include the medieval lanes, the city gate and inner yard of the town hall. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included walking tour into Dürnstein to see some of the highlights.

Arrive 0700. Depart 2300.

The old town of Slovakia’s capital is easily explored on foot. The cobbled streets lead to Bratislava Castle, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the city. The Gothic-style Cathedral is where eleven Kings of Hungary were crowned while Turks occupied their own capital. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Step aboard the Bratislava Land Train with a local guide, taking you on a sightseeing adventure around the Slovakian capital. The journey will take you past the Slovak Philharmonic Hall, through to one of the oldest local theatres, the Slovak National Theatre, and around the historic Old Town to Bratislava Castle. You should expect to walk approximately one mile.

Arrive Esztergom, 0800. Depart 1300.
Scenic Cruise, Danube Bend.
Arrive Budapest, 1900.

The small town of Esztergom is home to Hungary’s largest basilica, the dome of which can be seen for miles. The first Hungarian king, St Stephen, was born and crowned in Esztergom. Continue to Budapest for an overnight mooring.

Included excursion

Board the land train for a short journey from the pier to the Esztergom Basilica with a local guide. Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the tenth until the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the Royal seat to Buda. Its cathedral, Esztergom Basilica, is the second largest church and tallest building in Hungary. Expect to walk up to one mile during this included excursion.

Budapest is a city made up of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube. The cities have been officially united since 1873, but they are still very different in character. Buda is the older and more graceful, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed Buda Castle, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and 19th-century public buildings. Spirit of the Danube will remain moored here overnight and you can welcome in the New Year with celebrations on board. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

During this included, sightseeing tour by coach, take in the sights of the highlights of Budapest and look forward to a short stop at the local Basilica.

Depart Budapest, 0200.
Sailing day.

Relax and enjoy the scenery and facilities on board as Spirit of the Danube continues cruisding through the day and overnight towards Vienna.

Arrive 0600.

This morning travel by coach on an included tour, passing the iconic Ferris Wheel and highlights of the historic Ringstrasse, before stopping for a guided walk through the oldest part of the city, where you can see St Stephen’s Cathedral. Following your included tour you may choose to stay in Vienna to explore further independently before returning to the ship later this afternoon using our complimentary transfer service.

Included excursion

Explore the city of Vienna on either a panoramic coach tour or a combined coach and walking tour to see some of the highlights, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House.

Disembark Spirit of the Danube after breakfast and begin your return journey.