Top Danube River Trips & Tours in December 2026

from $6,999

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Enchanting Christmas & New Year's

Passau to Budapest - 11 Day Itinerary aboard S.S. Maria Theresa

• Fancy a Artstetten Castle reception
• Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg
• Discover the delicacies of Slovakia
• Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss concert
• Warm up with mulled wine tasting

Starts / Ends

Passau / Budapest

Activities

Archaeological Site Visits, Urban Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a captivating 11-day Christmas & New Year's river cruise from Passau to Budapest aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa. Explore historic Grein, Melk Abbey’s baroque treasures, and the storybook village of Dürnstein. Savor wine tastings, festive Christmas markets, and evening concerts featuring Mozart and Strauss.

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from $10,790

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Danube Christmas Markets

Munich - Budapest - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Amber

• Explore Regensburg’s medieval town
• Admire Passau’s colorful river
• Tour Salzburg’s historic landmarks
• Wander Cesky Krumlov’s streets

Starts / Ends

Munich / Budapest

Activity Level

Variable

Experience an 8-day Danube River cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard the Scenic Amber, exploring enchanting Christmas markets and local traditions. Enjoy exclusive events and guided tours that showcase Central Europe's cultural heritage during the festive season.

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from $11,750

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Danube Christmas Markets with Prague

Prague - Budapest - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Amber

• Explore Prague’s Old Town
• Experience Regensburg’s traditions
• Tour Passau’s cathedral
• Visit Salzburg Christmas markets

Starts / Ends

Prague / Budapest

Activity Level

Variable

Experience an 11-day cruise on the Scenic Amber, journeying from Prague to Budapest. Discover the stunning Gothic architecture, historic sites, and festive markets while savoring local delicacies.

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from $3,697

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Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound)

Vienna to Nuremberg - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Avalon Impression

• Be amazed with art
• Get a taste for pastries
• See Nuremberg
• Enjoy visiting markets

Starts / Ends

Vienna / Nuremberg

Activity Level

Variable

Enjoy centuries-old Christmas markets and historical landmarks on a 7-day river cruise on the Avalon Impression from Vienna to Nuremberg. Taste Austria's tastiest holiday delicacies. Tour the beautiful 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest monasteries. Discover Nuremberg's medieval castles and gothic churches.

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from $5,934

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Iconic Christmas Markets

13 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amalea

• Visit The Great Synagogue
• Explore Rathaus
• Take a guided bike ride
• Sample Bavaria’s specialties

Activity Level

Variable

Iconic Christmas Markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Start your journey with 2 nights in Budapest, followed by a 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg & finishing with 3 nights in Prague.

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from $22,790

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Christmas & New Year

Budapest - Amsterdam - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Opal

• Witness Vienna’s imperial charm
• Discover Cesky Krumlov’s streets
• Visit Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle
• Admire Wurzburg’s vineyards

Starts / Ends

Budapest / Amsterdam

Activities

Local Market Visits, Village Visits, Wine Tasting, Christmas Market Visits

Activity Level

Variable

Set sail on a 15-day Scenic Opal cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, celebrating the holidays with visits to festive markets and historic cities. Experience Christmas in Vienna and ring in the New Year in Wurzburg, soaking in Europe’s rich culture and seasonal charm.

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from $4,349

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Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only

Budapest - Nuremberg - 8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amaverde

• Discover Budapest’s festive charm
• Hike Budapest’s scenic Castle Hill
• Visit Vienna’s festive Town Hall
• Explore Nuremberg’s Christmas glow

Starts / Ends

Budapest / Nuremberg

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on an 8-day river cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg aboard the MS Amaverde, exploring festive Christmas Markets in stunning cities and charming towns. Enjoy the season's sights, sounds, and tastes, from handcrafted treasures to delightful holiday treats.

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from $4,249

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Romantic Danube - Cruise Only

Vilshofen - Budapest - 8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amabella

• Discover Passau’s historic allure
• Admire Linz’s cultural vibrance
• Experience Vienna’s elegance
• Stroll Bratislava’s regal streets

Starts / Ends

Vilshofen / Budapest

Activities

Festival Visits

Activity Level

Variable

Sail the Danube on an 8-day river cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amabella. Explore timeless cities, majestic abbeys, and UNESCO sites, discovering the romance and history of Old World Europe.

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from $6,034

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Iconic Christmas Markets

Budapest - Prague - 13 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amaverde

• Explore Nuremberg’s Christmas glow
• Visit Vienna’s festive Town Hall
• Walk Passau’s historic old town
• Bike through Melk’s serene paths

Starts / Ends

Budapest / Prague

Activities

Biking, Hiking, Land & Sea Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 13-day cruise with stays in Budapest and Prague aboard the MS Amaverde. Experience enchanting Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna, and Budapest, filled with handcrafted treasures, seasonal delights, and a warm holiday spirit.

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from $6,549

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Gems of Southeast Europe

14 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amabella

• Discover Budapest’s UNESCO treasure
• Explore Vienna’s historic grandeur
• Visit Pecs’ Roman heritage
• Experience Vukovar’s wine culture

Starts / Ends

Vienna / Bucharest

Activity Level

Variable

Set sail on a 14-day cruise aboard the MS Amabella. Discover Eastern Europe's treasures, from historic towns and scenic landscapes to wine tastings, cultural highlights, adventurous hikes, and bike rides.

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from $4,349

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Gems of Southeast Europe - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amabella

• Explore historic Pecs landmarks
• Bike through scenic Mohacs
• See Veliko Tarnovo’s fortress
• Visit Rousse's elegant architecture

Activity Level

Variable

Set sail on an 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amabella, discovering the rich history and cultures of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Explore ancient fortifications, vibrant cities, and the natural beauty of the Danube’s Iron Gates while enjoying regional wines and outdoor adventures.

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from $4,249

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Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only

8 Day Itinerary aboard MS Amabella

• Visit the historic Buda Castle
• Walk through Bratislava
• Enjoy a wine & music evening
• Sample food & beer in Vilshofen

Activity Level

Variable

Sail down the Danube River through Europe on this 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amabella. Experience the different cultures, customs, and history as you travel through Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany. Explore castles and cathedrals, go wine tasting, tour medieval towns, and more on this European cruise.

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from $16,990

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Christmas & New Year

Amsterdam - Budapest - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Jasper

• Stroll Amsterdam’s canals
• Admire Cologne Cathedral
• Explore Miltenberg’s houses
• Discover Wurzburg’s Baroque beauty

Starts / Ends

Amsterdam / Budapest

Activities

Small Ship Sailing

Activity Level

Variable

Take a 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on the Scenic Jasper, immersing yourself in Europe’s holiday traditions with festive markets and guided tours. Celebrate Christmas on board and welcome the New Year in an iconic city, blending cultural exploration and seasonal joy.

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