If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays and welcome the New Year in incredible style, this special cruise is for you. Visit stunning churches and sample delicious wines in enchanting baroque villages. Ring in the New Year dancing in a real Viennese palace and see how a dusting of snow adds to the glamour of Hungary’s historic capital. On Christmas Eve, walk through the quiet medieval streets of Regensburg to the Gothic cathedral for Midnight Mass. Meet Habsburg royalty during a private reception in a castle overlooking the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.The mighty Danube takes the ship through three nations decked in all their holiday finery at this most delightful time of year.
Select departures run in reverse (Budapest to Nuremberg)
Highlights
Explore the Regensburg city to learn about it's history for 2000 years.
Enjoy a day tour to Bavarian Forest village in Deggendorf.
Wander through the Passau ancient town with a local expert.
Experience a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall at the Vienna Art History Museum
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
There is not a more perfect place to begin a celebration of the holiday season than Nuremberg. The historic Old Town is an archetypal German medieval city and is home to a world-renowned gingerbread called lebkuchen.
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour with Christmas market
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared this evening.
Day 3: Cruising the Main-Danube Canal | Regensburg
Spend a leisurely day on board and cruise along a marvel of modern engineering, the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal. Tonight, celebrate Christmas Eve in the enchanting town of Regensburg, known for its stunningly preserved medieval quarter.
The Old Town of Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations this time of year, adding to its already considerable charms and captivating architectural style. Check out the best and brightest cultural sights and plunge into the town’s ancient past.
Choice of “2,000 Years in One Hour” Regensburg walking tour or Jewish Regensburg walking tour
Day 5: Cruising the Danube River | Deggendorf (Theresienthal)
Take some time today to explore the beautifully expansive and heavily wooded Bavarian Forest. As the largest continuous forested region in Europe, there’s plenty to uncover—like unspoiled landscapes, abundant wildlife and idyllic atmosphere.
Featured Excursion: Bavarian Forest village with Theresienthal glass manufactory visit
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Passau is a lovely place to take a stroll with a local expert who will regale you with stories about the town’s colorful (and ancient) past.
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. This is the perfect time of year to explore this refined and much-loved city. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” all the better—you will recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town.
After a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, reach the village of Dürnstein. Walk along the cobbled streets, browse the shops selling apricot schnapps and maybe take a quick jaunt up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own).
Featured Excursions: Dürnstein village stroll with spiced wine tasting and organ concert in a monaster and Private Artstetten Castle reception with a member of Habsburg Royalty
Vienna is a city steeped in history, music and elegant architecture. Mozart, Austria’s most famous citizen, was at the height of his creative powers when he lived here, writing perhaps his best-known works, including “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Don Giovanni” and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”
Featured Excursions: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum or Private Mozart and Strauss concert
Choice of Vienna city tour with Christmas market or “Taste of Christmas” Vienna walking tour
Begin the day with a visit to a palace that pays tribute to the taste and wealth of the Habsburg emperors. Spend some time exploring Vienna on your own and then ring in the New Year in style.
Featured Excursions: Bergl Rooms with Puppet Theatre or Private New Year’s Eve gala dinner and dance at a Viennese palace
After enjoying some extra free time to explore Vienna on your own, relax on board as the ship cruises to Budapest. Have the morning at leisure. Have the option to either relax on board or ramble through glorious Vienna.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared this evening.
Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital with a city tour that will show all the highlights.
Featured Excursion: Budapest panoramic highlights with Parliament visit
Day 13: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship and be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,199
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Classic
Magnificent appointed riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) is located on the Moselle Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers
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French Balcony
Sumptuous appointed riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) located on the Danube Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, back-lit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers
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Deluxe French Balcony
Luxuriant appointed riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) located on the Rhine Deck with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, back-lit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers
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Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite (225 sq ft - 21 sq m) located on the Rhine Deck with a french balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, back-lit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers.
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Grand Suite
Luxurious appointed riverview grand suite (310 sq ft - 28.8 sq m). Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, back-lit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub.
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Royal Suite
Luxurious appointed riverview royal suite (390 sq ft - 36.2 sq m) with spacious living room. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, back-lit magnifying mirror, mirrors, bathrobes and slippers, rain shower and tub.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 15% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
