We Love —
- Embarking on a journey along the scenic banks of the Danube, where medieval castles and charming villages meet iconic cities, all illuminated by the enchanting magic of Christmas markets and festive spirits.
- Indulging in local pastries like kürtőskalács, known as chimney cake, and relishing the delightful aromas of cinnamon wafting through the air.
- Marvelling at Vienna's imperial architecture, majestic palaces and thriving art scene, and discovering the best of Budapest with its thermal baths and pretty architecture.
Customer reviews —
Your cruise at a glance —
Set sail on a magical cruise through the heart of the Danube’s grand capitals, where Europe’s most enchanting and authentic Christmas markets await.
As you glide along the Danube, immerse yourself in the festive spirit that fills the air. Picture yourself strolling through Vienna’s most beautiful squares, transformed into twinkling wonderlands of Christmas markets. The irresistible scent of warm punch and freshly baked holiday cookies will envelop you, setting the tone for a cosy, joyful celebration. You’ll also explore the captivating markets of Bratislava, where its baroque Old Town and Art Nouveau charm create a mesmerising holiday backdrop, and Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, with its enchanting Christmas market full of local treasures.
This stunning cruise seamlessly blends culture and the magic of the Advent season, offering you an unforgettable journey filled with festive lights, rich traditions, and the warmth of local holiday celebrations. Each stop will leave you spellbound, whether wandering through Vienna’s glowing streets, soaking in the artistic charm of Bratislava, or discovering Budapest's vibrant market.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Vienna
- Day 2: Vienna – Budapest
- Day 3: Budapest
- Day 4: Bratislava
- Day 5: Vienna – Departure
Throughout this magical voyage, every moment is designed to immerse you in the joy and wonder of the holiday season, offering a perfect balance of cultural richness and festive cheer.
Please note that for your safety, the cruise line and captain may adjust the itinerary as needed.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Vienna
Embark on your enchanting journey in the heart of Vienna, where the evening begins with a warm welcome from the crew and a delightful cocktail. As night falls, savour a themed Austrian dinner aboard, setting the stage for the magical days ahead.
- Boarding at 6 PM
- Welcome cocktail and crew presentation
- Austrian-themed dinner onboard
DAY 2: VIENNA - BUDAPEST
Awake to the charm of Vienna, and embark on an optional excursion to discover its iconic Christmas market. Stroll along the renowned Ring Boulevard, adorned with twinkling lights and festive scents. After exploring the enchanting city, sail towards Budapest while enjoying an evening of dancing on board.
- Optional excursion: Vienna and its Christmas market
- Panoramic tour of the Ring Boulevard
- Free time at the Christmas market in the town hall square
- Evening sailing towards Budapest with a dance party on board
Day 3: Budapest
Delight in the splendour of Budapest with an optional excursion showcasing its stunning architecture and festive markets. Admire the Danube's beauty as you explore the vibrant Vörösmarty Square, filled with artisan crafts and seasonal treats. After a day of discovery, return to the ship for a serene night sail to Bratislava.
- Optional excursion: Budapest and its Christmas market
- Panoramic tour of Budapest
- Free afternoon in Budapest
- Night sailing to Bratislava
DAY 4: BRATISLAVA
Set sail in the morning and glide past stunning landscapes before arriving in Bratislava. Explore this charming city on an optional excursion, with highlights including the impressive Bratislava Castle and the delightful Christmas market in the old town, where the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. Conclude your day with a gala evening aboard.
- Morning navigation along the Danube
- Optional excursion: Bratislava and its Christmas market
- Panoramic tour and walking tour of the old town
- Evening gala aboard the ship
- Night sailing back to Vienna
DAY 5: VIENNA - DEPARTURE
Arrive in Vienna early in the morning, where you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast on board before disembarking, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your magical river cruise.
- Early morning arrival in Vienna
- Buffet breakfast onboard
- Disembarkation at 9 AM
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Welcome on board! —
Let yourself be swept away aboard the MS Vivaldi, named after one of the greatest virtuosos in the history of music! This stunning, recently renovated ship offers spacious cabins with large windows on the upper deck, a restaurant with panoramic views, and an outdoor area perfect for relaxation.
Your cabin
Enjoy a stay in a Category C cabin on the Upper, Lower, or Main Deck.
Main Deck Cabin
Bathed in light, your Category C cabin on the main deck features elegant furnishings and exquisite artistic touches, inviting you to embark on a cruise filled with comfort and wonder.
Maximum room capacity
Upper Deck Cabin
Your Category C cabin, located on the upper deck, offers enchanting panoramic views of the river landscape. You’ll enjoy a tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for fully embracing your cruise experience.
Maximum room capacity
Lower Deck Cabin
With breathtaking views of the Danube's banks, your Category C cabin on the lower deck will be a cherished retreat for admiring the scenery. Thoughtfully designed with attention to detail, your comfortable space will allow you to recharge after a day of exploration.
Maximum room capacity
Your dining choices
This is a full board stay. Your breakfast, lunch and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
All meals are served in the restaurant on the main deck throughout your cruise. With its large panoramic windows, you’ll never miss the breathtaking landscapes passing by as you dine. On this deck, you’ll also find the elegant and refined lounge bar, complete with a dance floor, where games, dance parties, and other delightful events take place. On the upper deck, a panoramic bar invites you into a cosy, serene atmosphere. Unwind with a cocktail as you enjoy the soothing sounds of the piano...
Life on board
Tastefully and elegantly furnished, the lounge bar is located at the bow of the boat, offering stunning panoramic views of the landscape. Here, you can enjoy aperitifs, dance evenings, and a variety of entertainment to keep you engaged throughout your stay.
The solarium is an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the scenery, featuring comfortable loungers and chairs. At any time of day, you can relax on the sun deck, maximizing your time on the water. For those looking to start their day with energy, a morning fitness session in the fitness area awaits, ensuring a refreshing way to awaken your senses.
Your optional extras —
eSIM with 1GB or 3GB internet
Enjoy easy access to the internet with a handy 1GB or 3GB eSIM, bookable at the next stage of the booking process. Install your eSIM in just a few clicks before departure, and travel with complete peace of mind.
Please note: ensure your phone is compatible with eSIM cards to enjoy this service during your trip.
Your journey to Vienna —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Vienna
Vienna is a vibrant city with a rich history, intriguing cultural scene, and fabulous café life. Transport yourself to this former Imperial City and be scooped up by its grandeur as you walk through its majestic streets. Known as the City of Music, the city has been home to Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and Johann Strauss (both father and son) to name but a few - there could be no better place to watch a classical music performance than in the lavish Staatsoper.
Start your day by tracing the story of Vienna from its Roman origins to the modern-day with a visit to the Wien Museum and connect the stories behind the various landmarks, places and historic personalities of Vienna. Alternatively, visit any one of the breathtaking palaces in the city: Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Imperial Palace, or The Belvedere, and immerse yourself in their grand architecture and beauty. After sightseeing, explore the city's café culture, sampling delicious handmade cakes and pastries at one of the many bakeries.
Budapest
Formed through the unification of the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873, Budapest is the perfect place for a varied city break where you can enjoy cosmopolitan shopping, quirky bars and restaurants, and grand architecture. Sitting on the Buda Hills, Budapest is famed for its thermal baths, the most iconic of which is the ornate, Yellow-fronted Széchenyi - no trip to the city would be complete without bathing in its naturally-heated waters.
On the other side of the Danube, in historic Buda, the skyline is dominated by Buda Castle, which houses a collection of Hungarian art, and the iconic attraction of Fisherman’s Bastion. From here, you can witness unforgettable views of the Danube and the grandiose Hungarian Parliament Building. Another way to experience this elegant river is to take a cruise - hop on at the Elizabeth Bridge and head north to the lazy riverside town of Szentendre for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.
The inner city is the perfect place to get a flavour of Budapest’s modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee in the opulent surroundings of the New York Café, or wander the close streets of the historic Jewish Quarter. Here, the ruin bars are the perfect place to taste the ubiquitous Hungarian spirit pálinka - Szimpla Kert is the largest of them all, a maze of ruined rooms and eccentric art.
Bratislava
Slovakia’s capital lies on the border between three countries, just a couple of kilometres from the Austrian border on the other side of the Danube.
Its rich and illustrious past is borne out in the Gothic old town, and Baroque palaces established by Hungarian nobles. Bratislava’s picture-perfect Renaissance castle backs onto pretty landscaped gardens, and the gorgeous Art Deco ‘Blue Church’ with its curving arches and pastel-toned interiors is a delight for any design-lover.
Framed by the Little Carpathian mountains and surrounded by vineyards, sample the Slovak version of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir in one of the lively cafés in the eighteenth-century old town.