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Danube Christmas Delights - Budapest to Passau - 2026

From Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Wed, Dec 02, 2026
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 02, 2026
Arrival
Dec 09, 2026

Please see below brochure cabin pricing

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All the River Operators Offers & More:

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We have the best value and service on Viking River Cruises

Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Mention Promo Code: PT3508
Promotion Image

Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Your Choice Sale, up to $2000 Credit or Free Beverage Package & Tips

Promotion Details
For a limited time, receive up to $4000 off, plus choose your bonus savings between up to $1000 onboard credit or a Free Beverage package and Included gratuities. Also, receive our exclusive $400 off per couple and up to $1000 onboard credit. (Not all sailings apply, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Your choice of shipboard credit (SBC36) or a FREE beverage package & included gratuities (BEV36). Shipboard credit based on cruise length. Up to 8 days: $500 per couple ($250 per person); 9 to 12 days: $750 per couple ($375 per person); 13+ days: $1,000 per couple ($500 per person). No beverage package on Egypt ships. Excludes World Cruise itineraries. A limited-time $25 per person deposit is due at time of booking for all featured itineraries; remaining deposit is due with final payment (excludes World Cruise itineraries). Oceans: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Viking Homelands; British Isles & Ireland; South America & the Chilean Fjords; Australia & New Zealand and Australia, Asia & Alaska; other itineraries, dates and categories may vary. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand Australia Circumnavigation. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Panama Canal & Central America. Rivers: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Grand European Tour, Cities of Light and Rhine & Main Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Grand European Tour; Magnificent Mekong; France’s Finest; London, Paris & D-Day; Capitals of Eastern Europe; European Sojourn and Pharaohs & Pyramids. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of featured Mississippi River itineraries. Expeditions: Save up to $4,000 per couple ($2,000 per person) based on select departures and categories of Antarctic Explorer. FREE roundtrip international airfare based on select departures of Antarctic Explorer, Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores and Panama Canal & the Americas. FREE roundtrip airfare based on select departures of Niagara & the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Treasures and Canada & East Coast Explorer. FREE Airfare offer available from most gateways and is subject to change: Based on inventory availability at time of purchase and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. 2027–2028 Viking World Cruise: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by May 15, 2027. 2028 Arctic to Antarctic Explorer: A limited-time reduced deposit of 10% is due within 7 days of booking; pay in full by February 15, 2028.

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Mention Promo Code: PT3013
Promotion Image

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Exclusive, $400 Off + up to $1000 Onboard Credit

Promotion Details
Only at AffordableTours.com will you save an additional $400 per couple ($200 per person) and up to $1000 onboard credit on any Viking cruise.
Must Book By Thu, Dec 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Offer applies to new bookings deposited from April 9, 2024 and is capacity controlled which may be removed at any moment without notice. Promotion is not combinable with Viking vouchers. Offer is combinable with all Viking offers Additional restrictions apply. Onboard credit amount varies by length of cruise and has no monetary value and is non-refundable and non-transferable, may not be used toward service charges, cannot be redeemed for cash, and unused portions will become void after sailing is complete.

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Mention Promo Code: PT3655
Promotion Image

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Exclusive, $200 Onboard Credit on All Sailings

Promotion Details
Book during our exclusive sale and receive $200 onboard credit per stateroom ($100 per person) on all available voyages.
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Shipboard Credit: $100 shipboard credit offer is per person and is only valid on new FIT bookings reserved February 1- March 31, 2026. This shipboard credit is only eligible for bookings made within the booking window provided above. No cash value. Booking must be deposited for offer to be valid. Valid for departure dates of river and ocean voyages. Not applicable to Viking Tours or any other Viking itineraries or products. Shipboard credits are not applicable on group bookings or any bookings sailing within 60 days. Viking hotel stays during cruisetours and pre- or post-cruise extension packages are not eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply; contact your Travel Advisor for details. Promotion expires February 28, 2026. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time.

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Mention Promo Code: PT2191
Promotion Image

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Save 2% On Your River Cruise!

Promotion Details
Enjoy the convenience of paying for your trip by echeck and save 2%. (Speak with your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Combinable with all current offers
Must Book By Thu, Dec 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

You may use echeck to pay for your Viking cruise or cruisetour, and for airfare. Every dollar paid for cruise, air, taxes, fees or surcharges can be paid by echeck, including regular-priced itineraries and airfare, any special offers or Viking Air Plus services to receive a 2% discount. Additional restrictions may apply.

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Mention Promo Code: PT3664
Promotion Image

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Spring Sale, Reduced Air + Special Fares & $400 Off

Promotion Details
Book now and receive reduced airfare + special fares with just $25 deposits per person. Plus, receive our additional $400 off per couple and up to $1000 onboard credit per stateroom. (Not all dates are applicable, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Tue, Mar 31, 2026
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

2026-2028 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from March 1-31, 2026. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn, Capitals of Eastern Europe, London, Paris & D-Day, Pharaohs & Pyramids, Magnificent Mekong. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2026: Pay in full by May 7th, 2026. 2027: Pay in full by July 31st, 2026. 2028: Pay in full by February 15, 2027. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires March 31, 2026. $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to June 2026 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to August 2026 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details. AIR UPGRADE: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business at additional cost based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit Airline Luggage Restrictions. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page. AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS: Offer expires March 31, 2026. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract. NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Budapest
    Wed, Dec 02, 2026

    Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe's most rewarding cities. Hungary's enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

  2. Day 2
    Budapest
    Thu, Dec 03, 2026

    Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe's most rewarding cities. Hungary's enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

  3. Day 3
    Bratislava
    Fri, Dec 04, 2026

    The aroma of mulled wine and Slovakian delicacies mixes with the sound of Christmas carols to turn Bratislava's historic Old Town into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The medieval Bratislava Castle overlooks light-festooned streets that give the city a fairytale glow. Vendors in Hlavné Námestíe Square display authentic artisanal handicrafts, and a specially decorated Christmas tram adds to the holiday atmosphere as it transports visitors to the different fairs spread out around the city.

  4. Day 4
    Vienna
    Sat, Dec 05, 2026

    The yuletide season transforms Vienna's beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Schönbrunn market, set in front of the baroque Hapsburg summer palace, and Freyung market, nestled in the city center, are the perfect destinations for unique handmade decorations. Seasonal music and choral singing provide a merry ambience to holiday festivities in Am Hof Square, while the market at Belvedere Square mixes excellent shopping opportunities with views of the stately palace and adjacent lake to create a fairytale atmosphere.

  5. Day 5
    Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley
    Sun, Dec 06, 2026

    Sail through a scenic tapestry of hillside vineyards, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria's Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through idyllic countryside hamlets. Gaze upon the hibernating, wine-producing villages-the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.

  6. Day 6
    Linz
    Mon, Dec 07, 2026

    Linz is today's provincial capital of Upper Austria. The city's famous Linzer Torte, the jam-filled cake topped with almonds, hails from here and can be found in any number of cafés and the stalls of the city's Christmas markets. In the Old Town, the baroque architecture of the main square provides a stunning backdrop for its Christmas market as the scent of gingerbread fills the air. At the Volksgarten, a nativity scene provides an atmospheric feature with the sounds of classical music and moving figurines that tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

  7. Day 7
    Passau
    Tue, Dec 08, 2026

    Centered around the beautiful St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest pipe organ, the romantic market stalls of the Christkindlmarkt are a delight to explore. An array of handmade goods, from tasty treats to ornaments, offer a wealth of opportunity to take home a unique artisan gifts created by local craftsmen. Periodically throughout the festive season, the cathedral hosts yuletide concerts; the sound of choirs singing can be heard as their voices echo through the courtyard and the town's narrow streets.

  8. Day 8
    Passau
    Wed, Dec 09, 2026

    Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

Countries Visited

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

8 Days 6 Guided Tours / 4 Countries

Daily Shore Excursions: 6 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires

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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
4.3
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
3.9

Ratings based off 34 reviews - currently showing 8 reviews with comments only

Travelers to Europe in the fall should be aware of the fact that low water does happen on the rivers and be prepared to have to swap ships or have their trip adjusted or changed depending on the company. We made 2 ship swaps on Viking and it was seamless and did not affect our itinerary, but other cruise lines were not so lucky on the Danube.

We have done lots of ocean cruises and one other river cruise before this trip. We had friends and others that told us that Viking was absolutely the best line for River Cruises, so we decided to find out for ourselves. We can honestly say that we enjoyed every aspect of our Viking experience, but honestly have to say based on our other cruise trips, that they are comparable in their accommodations, food and great service, but we wouldn't go so far as to say they are the best as we feel they are over-priced compared to other cruise companies.

Viking gives exceptional service -- all the way from the on board room cleaning to the organization of the local tours. Remember to tell clients they can use their shipboard credit to pay gratuities! We made out own air reservations in order to get more leg room on flights, and Viking, of course, did not pay for our travel into the city after our arrival, but did include us in the trips to the airport to catch our flights home.

This was my first Viking River Cruise and it exceeded my expectations. I have heard such excellent feedback from friends who have cruised with Viking, that I was concerned I would be disappointed - I was not!

This trip was superb! What a joy it was to be aboard a Viking River Cruise ! The attention given to every detail was excellent . Viking ranks excellent in my opinion and Shannon at Affordable Tours carefully and kindly took care of all our requests.

Cindy has always been very professional with great recommendations. If I can I will always work with her.

Viking ship crew was excellent across the board. We were informed of any daily schedule changes and staff did their best to keep to itinerary we expected.

The river cruise was fantastic. The crew does a great job pampering you everyday and all the excursions were handled excellently by the director. The weather was perfect which I can't take credit for, but made the scenery along the river even more magnificent. I really liked that it was a smaller ship that accommodated only 180 passengers. We met so many more people this way and enjoyed the open seating for dining. I would highly recommend this cruise. Our cruise consultant was very informative and made the arrangements getting ready for the cruise a breeze.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Viking. 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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