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Start the holiday season right with this festive European cruise. You’ll discover Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia, while delighting in fewer crowds and quaint Christmas markets. Sailing from Budapest to Regensburg, you’ll appreciate a fantastic balance of cultural capitals and charming small towns that embody old-world Europe.
When you’re not shopping for handmade treasures at the Christmas markets, you’ll follow The Sound of Music to Salzburg, discover Bavaria’s unending charms, and enjoy spirited recitals, including a private classical music performance at Vienna’s esteemed Kursalon and an organ concert in Bratislava. Onboard lectures and performances will bring culture and the arts right to you; plus, deck the halls of your ship in a fun-filled competition that guests of all ages will enjoy.
Next stop: Budapest!
Your holiday cruise begins with an overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. You can also begin your journey earlier — and spend more time in Budapest — with an optional pre-trip extension.
Enjoy a Welcome Drink in Budapest and board your deluxe ship
Prepare to experience the joys of a festive river cruise when you arrive to grand Budapest, steeped in old-world splendor and yuletide flair. Upon your arrival, a Vantage representative will transfer you to the m/s River Splendor. This evening, you’ll gather with the Captain and your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink & Briefing before your first dinner on board. Vantage Onboard Enrichment:
Included meals:
Explore Budapest on a city tour
Wake up in Budapest, which you’ll see this morning on a city tour. Almost the entirety of Budapest’s historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll see the best of it as you visit City Park; Heroes' Square with its statues of Magyar chieftains; elegant Andrassy Avenue; the iconic Parliament building; and Castle Hill, where you’ll have free time and entrance to Fisherman's Bastion. Your afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps you’ll explore the more than 100 stalls comprising the Budapest Christmas Market, then head to visit a famous confectioner like Gerbeaud, Café Demel, or the Sacher Café, and join the perennial argument over who makes the world’s best Sachertorte. Maybe you’ll do some window shopping on Váci Utca, the pedestrian shopping zone. Or ask your Concierge to help arrange a visit to one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi or Gellért. Included Feature:
Apple strudel and treasure hunting in Bratislava; plus, the Captain’s Gala Dinner and evening entertainment
Warm apple strudel . . . it’s a European holiday staple, and you’ll learn how to make it today during a cooking demonstration. Afterwards, get to know Bratislava on a walking tour of the city’s historical sites including the Main Square, National Theater, and an inside visit to the Bishop’s Palace before attending a classical organ recital at a local Franciscan church that’ll put you even more in the holiday mood. This afternoon, enjoy free time to peruse the local Christmas market, where you can find fine crystal, handmade leather slippers, honey wine, and other treasures. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner, followed by evening entertainment. Included Feature:
Learn about Austrian Christmas traditions and explore the Liechtenstein Palace
Venture to Vienna today and hear a fascinating lecture on Austrian Christmas traditions. A panoramic city drive along the UNESCO-listed Ringstrasse will give you a better view of this imperial and artsy capital.
Later, feel the grandeur of Palais Liechtenstein on a special tour of this dazzling estate. Later, spend some time exploring Vienna on your own, including the city’s Christmas market, via a convenient shuttle to and from the ship. Tonight, warm-up dancers join us on board for a lively show.
The best of Vienna: Lipizzaner horses, Christmas markets, and a private Kursalon concert
A lecture on the Habsburg monarchy kicks off your second day of discoveries in Vienna. Afterward, attend a rehearsal of the famed Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. After lunch on the ship, catch the Vantage shuttle back to the center of Vienna where more fabulous Christmas market shopping awaits. This evening, attend an exclusive private classical music concert at the Kursalon music hall — a frequent haunt of Vienna’s own Johann Strauss. Vantage Exclusive:
Follow The Sound of Music to Salzburg, or explore the cultural capital of Linz
You'll have a choice of tours in Austria today. Set off today for storybook Salzburg, nestled in the Austrian Alps. This city — Mozart’s hometown, in fact — also boasts a few locales featured in the beloved classic, The Sound of Music. Or, choose to explore lovely Linz, a cutting-edge city at the forefront of the arts and technology that UNESCO dubbed a City of Media Arts. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll have time to soak up the charm — and peruse the wares at the local Christmas market. After dinner, enjoy more local entertainment in the ship’s lounge. Included Feature:
Christmas-themed Passau tour, painting and gingerbread making, and decorating the ship before the Captain’s Farewell Reception
More baroque splendor awaits you in picturesque Passau, located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. On a Christmas-themed walking tour, we’ll admire the UNESCO-listed Old Town and spend some time at the Christmas market, located just outside St. Stephan's Cathedral. Don’t forget to try the gingerbread here in Passau — it’s spiced, warm, delectable, and you’ll even learn how to make it later this afternoon. This afternoon, a local painter comes on board for a colorful painting lesson. Then, learn the secrets of making Germany’s treasured lebkuchen — also known as gingerbread — in the ship’s lounge. Tonight, deck the halls of your ship in a fun Christmas tree-decorating workshop. This fun, family activity culminates with a competition, and the winner will be announced afterward at the festive Captain’s Farewell Reception. Included Feature:
Wander Regensburg’s historic streets by foot or bike
Delve into Bavarian custom and culture with a day in medieval Regensburg. Largely spared from World War II bombing, Regensburg is remarkably well-preserved, with an Old Town doubling as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the city on a walking tour of the city’s medieval highlights, and sample Glüehwein — spiced mulled wine — at the Christmas market. You’ll also meet Martin, Regensburg’s city guard, who will regale you with a special presentation. Later, you'll have leisure time to explore on your own or continue shopping the Christmas market for handmade items including marionettes, dolls, pottery, candles, and more. Included Feature:
Fly home from Munich, or head to Prague on an extension
Disembark your river cruise ship in Regensburg and transfer to the Munich airport to return home, or head to Prague for a post-trip extension.
On this three-day extension, explore one of Europe’s — nay, the globe’s! — most impressive capitals. Delve deeper into the urban heart of Hungary as you enjoy plenty of time on your own to shop for festive holiday treats, take in a thermal bath, and discover what makes this “Pearl of the Danube” so luminous. This is an outstanding opportunity to experience the best of the Hungarian capital filled with holiday spirit, holiday treats, and charming Christmas markets.
Important Notice:The above day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion or an alternate excursion at Vantage’s discretion.
Please Note: Port times & itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels and winter weather may affect itinerary. All Christmas markets are subject to local traditions and opening dates and times are dependent on the local authorities.