Vienna’s Christmas Market
Melk Abbey
Linz at Christmas
A French Balcony Cabin
The Delta Restaurant
Enjoy delicious cuisine at the Panorama Restaurant
Dine with a view at the Panorama Restaurant
Belvedere Lounge
Relax in the Belvedere Lounge
Christmas Markets of Austria
The Danube
Enjoy the yuletide traditions of Vienna
Experience the festive atmosphere at some of Austria’s most popular Christmas markets, where you will have the opportunity to explore stalls laden with local handicrafts and tempting treats, from waffles and chestnuts to mulled wine, at your own leisure. In the charming towns of Krems and Melk Christmas market stalls are set against a backdrop of histoiric architecture.
While the diverse city of Linz features modern buildings and a creative arts scene that blend with the quaint Old Town of baroque-style buildings. During the festive season you can expect light-filled streets and multiple traditional markets, including those held at the Hauptplatz and cathedral. This all-incluisve river cruise along the Danube concludes in Austria’s elegant capital city Vienna, home to the Prater wheel and famous opera house.
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
Spirit of the Danube
Travel to Vienna and embark Spirit of the Danube. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.
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. Browse festive huts selling homemade mulled wine, chestnuts and waffles.
Included excursion
Enjoy a walking tour of Krems Old Town and independent visit to the Christmas Markets.
Depart Krems, 0900.
Scenic Cruise, Wachau Valley.
Arrive Melk, 1300. Depart 2000.
Admire the scenery this morning as Spirit of the Danube glides through the picturesque scenery of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Melk features architectural styles from across the centuries. Its jewel is the abbey which sits on a bluff above the town. This masterpiece of baroque architecture has been the spiritual and cultural centre of Austria for more than 1,000 years. Continue sailing overnight.
Included excursion
Join an included guided tour of Melk Abbey, a famous Baroque building sitting on a rocky outcrop above the Danube. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks. There will also be time for an independent visit to the Christmas Market.
Arrive, 0600. 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. During the festive season you can expect light-filled streets and multiple traditional markets, including those held at the Hauptplatz and the Volksgarten in Linz. Sail overnight.
Included excursion
This included excursion 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 aerial floor map of the city. Next, visit the Christmas market to browse the stalls at your leisure.
Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.
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. The Spittelberg quarter in the Neubau district is home to Biedermeier-style buildings occupied by bars and restaurants. Sail overnight.
Included excursion
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.
Disembark Spirit of the Danube after breakfast and begin the return journey to the UK.
Important Information
§ Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, subject to medical screening. A price reduction will be applied if the included travel insurance is not required. Pre-departure cover (cancellation rights) is provided by Saga and is only available when taking out the included insurance. Read More
Including...
Nationwide shared chauffeur service
All Inclusive†
Cruise Director
Plus…
- Drinks reception and Gala dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursion in every port
Find out more about when excursions are available to book.
†The included drinks are available on board from 9am to midnight and include non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Excludes branded spirits. This begins at 4pm on day 1 of your river cruise to the day before your cruise ends.