Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise - JWT Travel

Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise

  • 17 December 2025
  • 5 Nights
  • From 2,374 Per Person
  • Dublin
  • Impression
Sail the Danube River at this magical time of the year, exploring Christmas markets and enjoying festivities in style onboard the superb Budapest to Vienna river cruise with Avalon Waterways.

At this time of year, the towns and cities along the Danube are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste and hosting the traditional Christmas Markets. The sound of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air as you sail along this winter wonderland from Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna.

Admire stunning landscapes as you sail from Hungary into Slovakia and Austria and explore its majestic cities, soaking in the festive atmosphere.

As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid and iconic Parliament Buildings. Next, you’ll sail to charming Bratislava where you will join a guided sightseeing tour and have time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. We will then cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube.

Our festive Danube river cruise takes guests finally to Vienna, ‘the city of music’ where you can enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Be sure to explore the many stalls and try some spicy gingerbread and Glühwein, the perfect ending to a memorable winter river cruise.

Contact your JWT Cruise team for more information on this Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise with Avalon Waterways.

Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise

Sail the Danube River at this magical time of the year, exploring Christmas markets and enjoying festivities in style onboard the superb Budapest to Vienna river cruise with Avalon Waterways.

At this time of year, the towns and cities along the Danube are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste and hosting the traditional Christmas Markets. The sound of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air as you sail along this winter wonderland from Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna.

Admire stunning landscapes as you sail from Hungary into Slovakia and Austria and explore its majestic cities, soaking in the festive atmosphere.

As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid and iconic Parliament Buildings. Next, you’ll sail to charming Bratislava where you will join a guided sightseeing tour and have time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. We will then cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube.

Our festive Danube river cruise takes guests finally to Vienna, ‘the city of music’ where you can enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Be sure to explore the many stalls and try some spicy gingerbread and Glühwein, the perfect ending to a memorable winter river cruise.

Contact your JWT Cruise team for more information on this Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise with Avalon Waterways.

Itinerary

Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna River Cruise ITINERARY

DAY 1 – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Embarkation day. With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship®. You will spend the night docked in Budapest.

DAY 2 –  BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Christmas Lights and Classic Sights

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites. Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

DAY 3 – BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

DAY 4 – MELK, AUSTRIA

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Discovery Excursion: Enjoy an Austrian Cookies Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.

Vienna’s Winter Wonderland

This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

DAY 5 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Royal Collections and Christmas Confections

Classic Excursion: Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

DAY 6 – VIENNA, DISEMBARK

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

  • Return flights from Dublin
  • 5 night cruise
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
  • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Active shore excursions, both included and optional
  • Fitness Center
  • Avalon Adventure Center. Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
  • Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Price quoted per person sharing. Please contact our team for different cabin options and solo traveller options.
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler
  • Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

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