Delightful Danube Christmas

Arrive in Germany and be transferred to the ship.

Situated at the northernmost bend of the Danube and boasting a well-preserved medieval center, charming Regensburg finds itself not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a traveler’s favorite destination.

With its 1,400 or so ancient buildings standing as regal testament to days gone by, this riverside treasure, complete with elaborate cathedral, quintessential clock tower, multi-arched bridge and multi-faceted personality, is a flourishing city.

At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures.

The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas.

Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence.

Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village.

Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock.

Built in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.

Considered one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley, Durnstein is in a robust wine-growing region sitting alongside the Danube river.

Durnstein Castle, the region’s famous architectural highlight, sits atop a rocky mountain, high above the Danube, at its base. Durnstein’s beauty is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town.

Sip some of the region’s local wines and enjoy a leisurely day in this postcard-worthy European town.

Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture – especially that of the famed Ringstrasse – and distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived here, Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts.

The UNESCO-listed Castle Hill welcomes all to explore Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Enjoy the magic and splendour of Budapest’s Christmas markets

Your journey along the Daunbe has ended begin your journey home after breakfast today.

Upon arrival, transfer to your Crystal Suite ship to begin your journey along the Danube.

Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts.

The UNESCO-listed Castle Hill welcomes all to explore Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Visit Budapest’s magical Christmas markets.

Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture – especially that of the famed Ringstrasse – and distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived here, Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Considered one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley, Durnstein is in a robust wine-growing region sitting alongside the Danube river.

Durnstein Castle, the region’s famous architectural highlight, sits atop a rocky mountain, high above the Danube, at its base. Durnstein’s beauty is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town.

Sip some of the region’s local wines and enjoy a leisurely day in this postcard-worthy European town.

Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village.

Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock. Built in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.

At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures.

The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade pursuits, including salt, swords and ideas.

Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence.

Situated at the northernmost bend of the Danube and boasting a well-preserved medieval center, charming Regensburg finds itself not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a traveler’s favorite destination.

With its 1,400 or so ancient buildings standing as regal testament to days gone by, this riverside treasure, complete with elaborate cathedral, quintessential clock tower, multi-arched bridge and multi-faceted personality, is a flourishing city.

Your journey has come to an end, after breakfast begins making your way home.