The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets River Cruise
This 5-night River Cruise offers a fantastic way to experience the festive season across three of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. Travelling along the iconic Danube, you will visit Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, each of which is transformed by seasonal lights and traditional stalls. This is a fully organised tour designed for comfort, allowing you to enjoy the Danube Yuletide Markets without any of the stress of planning transport or transfers yourself.
Your journey begins in Budapest, where a guided tour introduces you to the city’s grand architecture, including the Parliament Building and the Castle District. The ship then navigates the spectacular Danube Bend, a stretch of the river where the water winds through steep, frost-covered hills. This provides a wonderful opportunity for travellers to sit back in the panoramic lounge and watch the winter scenery glide by. In Bratislava, you will explore the historic old town and the city’s impressive white fortress before visiting the local markets for handmade wooden gifts and pottery.
Vienna is often the highlight for many, with its imperial palaces providing a grand backdrop for over 20 different festive markets. From the giant advent calendar at City Hall to the handicrafts at Schönbrunn Palace, the city is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and nutmeg. To make the experience even more special, a live classical string quartet will perform on board while the ship is docked in the city of music. Throughout the cruise, you will stay on a 5-star ship with a professional crew dedicated to your comfort.
The holiday is exceptional value, as it includes return flights from Dublin with a 20kg checked bag, all airport transfers, and full board meals. A superior drinks package is also included, covering beverages with lunch and dinner, as well as bar drinks from 6pm until midnight. With guided tours in every city and onboard activities like a Stollen-making demonstration, this cruise is a well-rounded and relaxing way to see the very best of Central Europe during the most magical time of the year.
What is included in the drinks package?
Are flights and luggage included from Dublin?
Which cities will we visit on this cruise?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin with 20kg check-in bag per person
- Return airport transfers
- 5 nights onboard a 5-star Riviera River Cruise ship (Ms Riviera Radiance, Ms William Wordsworth, or MS Emily Bronte)
- Full board meals throughout the cruise
- Superior drinks package, including drinks with lunch, dinner, and from 6pm until midnight
- Complimentary onboard tea and coffees
- Complimentary onboard WIFI
- 7 included experiences and visits to various Christmas markets
Itinerary
1Arrival in Budapest+
Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be transferred to your five-star cruise ship. After settling into your cabin, you can begin exploring this atmospheric city. In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board and get to know your fellow travellers in the welcoming lounge.
2Exploring Budapest and the Danube Yuletide Markets+
This morning features a guided tour of Budapest, taking in the Parliament Building and the historic Castle District. You will have free time to visit the local stalls and enjoy the festive music and scents of gingerbread. In the afternoon, the ship sets sail through the scenic Danube Bend as you head towards Slovakia.
3Bratislava Sightseeing+
We arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, for a guided tour of the beautifully restored baroque old town and the grand white fortress. Later, you can wander the maze of streets to the main square, where fairy lights twinkle over the artisan stalls. Sample local potato pancakes or poppy-seed strudel before we continue our journey to Austria.
4Imperial Vienna and Festive Markets+
A guided tour of Vienna introduces you to St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg complex. Spend the afternoon at the City Hall markets or the traditional stalls at Schönbrunn Palace. After a superb Chef’s Dinner, enjoy a live classical string quartet recital on board, a perfect tribute to the city’s musical history.
5River Cruising and Stollen-Making+
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the river with a traditional Stollen-making demonstration on board. As we return to Budapest, take in the winter scenery from the sun deck with a mug of spiced Glühwein. The afternoon is free to visit the wooden stalls at Vorosmarty Square for last-minute gifts.
6Return Home+
After a final breakfast on board, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Dublin.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 2026 | Main Deck | €2,349 | Enquire Now |
| 30 Nov 2026 | Main Deck | €1,849 | Enquire Now |
| 05 Dec 2026 | Main Deck | €2,059 | Enquire Now |
| 12 Dec 2026 | Main Deck | €2,299 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RI
