Cruise the Danube and uncover a mix of history, culture and local traditions wrapped in the spirit of the season. Visit Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, stroll through Bratislava’s medieval Old Town and see Vienna’s historic landmarks. Explore Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets by day, then unwind on board Trafalgar Reverie by night. Share stories over regional wines, soak up the ever-changing scenery and festive cheer at every stop. This Danube river cruise offers you discovery, fun and relaxation during the most magical time of year.

1. Day 1
   Embark in Budapest

   Wed, Dec 09, 2026

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Cruise the Danube Bend

   Thu, Dec 10, 2026

   Discover both sides of Hungary’s capital today with your Local Specialist on a city tour. In historic Buda, head up Castle Hill and admire the Gothic spires, of Matthias Church before stepping onto Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping views across the Danube. Cross into Pest to see Heroes’ Square, a tribute to Hungary’s national identity. Later, join your Experience Director and Experience Manager to explore Budapest’s Christmas markets at your own pace, where you could find local pastries, roasted nuts and mulled wine. Or choose an Optional Experience to explore the Jewish district, including a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Onto Bratislava

   Fri, Dec 11, 2026

   Arrive in Bratislava for a Be My Guest experience and meet head brewers Tomáš and Mário for a tasting of traditional lagers, dark beers and local ales, followed by lunch at one of the city’s most celebrated microbreweries. In the afternoon, you can choose between two included experiences to deepen your understanding of the local sites and culture. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the old town, passing through Michael’s Gate to see the Town Hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. You’ll wander among wooden chalets as you explore Bratislava’s Christmas markets, filled with handmade gifts and local delicacies. Or you can choose to dive into history during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to hear powerful stories from the communist era and Velvet Revolution.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Culture and Architecture in Vienna

   Sat, Dec 12, 2026

   Welcome to Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Get to know this buzzing city with a drive along the Ringstraße before exploring the old town’s Baroque architecture on foot with a Local Specialist. Pass imperial landmarks, admire festive displays in shopfronts and visit Vienna’s Christmas markets, where wooden stalls, mulled wine and hand-blown ornaments fill the historic streets. There’s free time to explore the Christkindlmarkt in front of the town hall, one of Europe’s most iconic settings. Choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace for an Optional Experience, where the courtyard transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas village. After a day of discovery, why not end the evening with an optional classical concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart?
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Cruise the Wachau Valley

   Sun, Dec 13, 2026

   Cruise through Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape of terraced vineyards, hilltop castles and riverside villages. Arrive in the historic town of Krems an der Donau and join a Local Specialist to visit the Kremser Adventzauber, where the old town glows with seasonal lights and stalls showcase regional crafts and Christmas specialities.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   See Historic Linz

   Mon, Dec 14, 2026

   Spend the day in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, known for its elegant main square and riverside charm. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the old town and enjoy time to browse the Christmas markets, where handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats bring the square to life. Alternatively, choose an Optional Experience to Salzburg and step into the story of The Sound of Music. Visit Maria’s church in Mondsee and explore Salzburg’s baroque streets. Along the way, discover the city’s musical heritage and enjoy one of Austria’s most enchanting Christmas markets.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Discover Passau

   Tue, Dec 15, 2026

   Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through Passau’s medieval lanes and baroque squares before browsing the city’s Christmas markets, where merry stalls line the cobbled streets. Alternatively, choose a guided hike along the Ilz River and enjoy a more active perspective on this scenic region. Later, you can opt to join a Bavarian beer experience, complete with traditional folk music and freshly baked pretzels. Raise a stein with locals and take in the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Bavaria so memorable during the season.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Farewell Passau

   Wed, Dec 16, 2026

   This morning, disembark the Trafalgar Reverie and bid farewell to the captain and crew, taking with you memories of the Christmas magic you’ve experienced along the Danube.
   Meals: Breakfast