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9 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise - Budapest to Regensburg Monarch Princess

From Budapest, Hungary to Munich, Germany
Length: 9 Days - Departs: Tue, Dec 01, 2026
Operator
Departure
Dec 01, 2026
Arrival
Dec 09, 2026

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Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

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Gate 1 offers the flexibility of paying for your vacation by credit card or check. Choose check for your final payment to save 5% off of your remaining balance. Full details will be sent with your invoice.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Hungary
    Tue, Dec 01, 2026
    Depart for Hungary
  2. Day 2
    DAY 2, Wednesday - Cruise Embarkation in Budapest
    Wed, Dec 02, 2026
    Arrive in Budapest, Hungary's capital city, and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Earlier arrivals have access to the ship lounge or can drop off luggage prior to check-in. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Dinner
  3. Day 3
    DAY 3, Thursday - Budapest City Tour & Christmas Market
    Thu, Dec 03, 2026
    Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park, and Heroes Square. Admire the Buda side with beautiful views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and the graceful medieval architecture. Explore the city's enchanting Christmas market this afternoon on your own before you set sail for Bratislava
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    DAY 4, Friday - Bratislava City Tour & Christmas Market
    Fri, Dec 04, 2026
    This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. In late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center, view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall, and the Franciscan Church. Time to explore the festive Christmas market on your own. View wooden stalls decorated with pine branches, offering an array of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal goods. Later, return to the ship for dinner. This evening, set sail for Vienna
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    DAY 5, Saturday - Vienna City Tour & Christmas Market
    Sat, Dec 05, 2026
    Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent palaces, parks, and monuments, as well as the Opera House and the Austrian Parliament. Walk through the lavish Hofburg Palace on the way to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend the afternoon exploring Vienna's Christmas markets
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    DAY 6, Sunday - Cesky Krumlov & Christmas Market
    Sun, Dec 06, 2026
    Travel to Cesky Krumlov this morning, a UNESCO World heritage Site, on the banks of the Vltava River. Stroll through the quaint cobblestone alleys of the Old Town, lined with quaint shops and cafes. View the historic St. Vitus Church, and marvel at the iconic Cesky Krumlov Castle with its towering spires, and majestic courtyards, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. Free time to explore the Christmas Markets on your own before returning to the ship
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    DAY 7, Monday - Afternoon in Passau
    Mon, Dec 07, 2026
    Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg*, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on board, explore Passau this afternoon on an orientation walk. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes, and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque, and Gothic architecture. In early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
    *Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the orientation walk of Passau.
    Optional: Tour of Salzburg
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    DAY 8, Tuesday - Regensburg City Tour & Christmas Market
    Tue, Dec 08, 2026
    Arrive in Regensburg this morning, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the lively Christmas market on your own. Indulge in traditional holiday treats, sample a glass of mulled wine, along with the local roasted sausage. The ship will remain docked in port this evening. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart Germany
    Wed, Dec 09, 2026
    This morning transfer to the airport in Munich for your departure flight. The Munich airport is approximately an hour and a half drive from the port. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

  • Flights New York-Budapest, Munich-New York
    Other departure cities available.
  • 7 nights outside cabin aboard the Superior First Class or the First Class
  • River port charges of $190 per person
  • Cruise porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
  • Services of local guides
  • Shore excursions per itinerary
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
  • Special Features

  • Experience the charm of the world-famous Christmas markets in Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Regensburg
  • During the city tour of Budapest view the impressive Parliament and the Heroes Square
  • Explore the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center in Bratislava
  • Take a city tour of Vienna and view Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral
  • Embark on a walking tour of medieval Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • River Cruise Features & Amenities

  • Wine and beer with dinners
  • Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
  • Complimentary basic Wi-Fi access in public areas
  • Self-serve coffee and tea station
  • Lounge serving premium spirits
  • Fitness center and daily morning exercises
  • Non-smoking ship interior
  • Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English by licensed guides
  • Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

    Not Included:
    Optional shore excursions and gratuities.


    Additional Information:

    Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

    Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

    While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

    Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

    Ship Information

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    Cabins

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    Life on Board

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    Questions & Answers
      Ask A Question

    Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

    Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

    Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

    The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

    Customer Reviews

    Overall Rating
    4.5
    Accommodations
    4.4
    Itinerary
    4.4
    Professional Staff
    4.7
    Repeat with Operator
    4.4
    Value for Money
    4.6

    Ratings based off 35 reviews - currently showing 14 reviews with comments only

    Great trip,all went smoothly,great tour, lovely sites , great food and drinks. Will go again!!!

    David was great. He helped me find a great cruise at a great price, which was a challenge considering that I was booking two single rooms.

    Adam was excellent. Very helpful.

    The Gate 1 River Cruise was absolutely amazing.

    Simple process and nice to have your own rep. Had travelled on viking before, and found our gate one tour very good compatible for better value

    Gate 1 Danube River cruise exceeded our expectations and provided terrific service AND value! Beautiful ship and fabulous staff. Don't let their 'travel for less' slogan mislead you: they deliver FULL VALUE and service. We would travel with them again in a heartbeat.

    We had a wonderful time on this trip (14 day Danube with Budapest and Prague). One thing we noticed in the cabin: 1. Lack of outlets/USB ports at bedside tables 2. WiFi was really too basic. Dining room: While the breakfast and desserts were good, the lunch and dinner items left much to be desired. There was a lack of vegetable variety. The soups were very salty and the fish was fishy.

    Greatly appreciated the sessions that included information on the next days ports. Also found the on site mini tours of each port very enjoyable. Although we elected to go on much of the optional paid tours, it was great to learn some background information of each site.

    I will only book Gare 1 going forward. This was an excellent experience.

    Although we had to cut our trip short due to an illness. Shannon was there to make sure everything was taken care of.

    GateOne did a great job in every detail. We were pleased with the food, events, tours and staff. The complete tour was delightful. Thanks for a great experience!

    The operator's staff was friendly, efficient, and professional. Would definitely travel with them again.

    An amazing trip in every way--staff, crew, and, in fact, all who worked on the boat gave A+++ service--have raved about the trip to all my friends. On-land accommodations were also commensurate with ship accommodations, including guides, bus drivers, and hotels and hotel staff. .

    We loved the casual atmosphere on the river cruise portion of the trip. Our guides throughout were exceptional in their knowledge and personal relations. The entire staff was always friendly and helpful. There were so many good experiences and trips. We were exhausted by the last day. Maybe too many good experiences with too little time to explore on our own. We were able to see so much for a very reasonable cost. Hopefully, another Gate 1 trip is in our future.

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    AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Gate1. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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