St Stephen’s Basilica and the Christmas market in Budapest
Bratislava’s Christmas Market
Vienna’s Town Hall
A French Balcony Cabin
The Library
The Lobby
The Lounge
The Speciality Restaurant
The Dutch Café
Christmas Markets of the Danube 2027 (Budapest to Vienna)
The Danube
Visit the markets of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
Browse stalls laden with tempting treats and local handicrafts at leisure as you experience the festive atmosphere at some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe on this all-inclusive Danube river cruise in 2027. Visit Budapest where Vörösmarty Square hosts the city’s oldest and largest Christmas market and then spend a relaxing day on board Spirit of the Lorelei en route to Bratislava. Here, the Christmas market is usually held at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, and numerous stalls sit against a scenic backdrop of historic buildings. Continue overnight to Vienna to visit the square in front of the City Hall, which is turned into a Christmas Advent market with a huge Christmas tree dominating the space. This festive river cruise to Europe is the perfect prelude to Christmas, with the opportunity to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
Spirit of the Lorelei
Travel to Budapest and embark Spirit of the Lorelei. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.
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.
Included visit
Walk to Vörösmarty Square where you can explore the city’s oldest and largest Christmas market. Numerous food merchants and craft vendors sell their wares here and the venue is popular with Hungarian musicians who can often be heard entertaining the shoppers.
Optional excursion
This optional sightseeing tour by coach, reveals some of the highlights of Budapest and includes a short stop at the local Basilica.
Depart Budapest, 0600.
Scenic cruising, Danube Bend.
Enjoy a leisurely day cruising the Danube River, passing through the scenic Danube Bend this morning.
Arrive 0100. Depart 2200.
Arrive this morning in Slovakia’s capital where you can walk into the city to explore streets adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Sail overnight towards Vienna.
Included visit
Visit the city’s Christmas market, usually held at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, which has many stalls laden with tempting goodies for you to browse. Perhaps treat yourself to a mug of mead or steaming mulled wine while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Optional excursion
Step aboard the Bratislava Land Train with a local guide, for 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.
Arrive 0800.
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 visit
Take our 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 Lorelei 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.