Christmas Markets Danube River Cruise

Hosted Departures by Tom Baker, President of AQUAFEST

Experience the magic of Europe at Christmastime on this 7-Night Christmas Markets Danube Cruise aboard VIVA TWO.

There is something unforgettable about sailing the Danube during the holiday season. Historic cities glow beneath thousands of twinkling lights, centuries-old squares come alive with festive Christmas markets, and the scent of mulled wine, roasted nuts, gingerbread, and seasonal specialties fills the air. From the moment you board in Budapest, this journey combines the romance of river cruising with some of Europe’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Begin in beautiful Budapest, where grand architecture lines the Danube, before continuing to Vienna, one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations during Advent. Wander through magnificent Christmas markets surrounded by imperial palaces, festive decorations, and centuries of history.

Continue through Austria with visits to charming Dürnstein, nestled among the vineyards of the Wachau Valley, and Melk, home to the magnificent Baroque Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube. Each destination offers its own intimate holiday atmosphere, from cobblestone streets and decorated storefronts to traditional seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts.

Your journey then carries you into Germany, beginning with picturesque Passau, where three rivers meet beneath the city’s colorful Baroque skyline. Continue to medieval Regensburg, with its beautifully preserved Old Town and atmospheric Christmas markets, before concluding your cruise in Nuremberg, home to one of the most famous and historic Christmas markets in Germany.

Between ports, relax aboard the contemporary VIVA TWO, enjoying comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining, and panoramic views of castles, villages, and winter landscapes along the Danube.