Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Taste of Christmas) (Vienna to Budapest)

EMBARKATION – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Board the ship for your Majestic Capitals of the Danube cruise.

VIENNA. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas Markets. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese café to experience a true Vienna specialty, the Sacher Torte, and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese Coffee. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. Spend your evening at the “Vienna by Night” Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.

VIENNA — BRATISLAVA. Visit the UNESCO-designated Schönbrunn Palace for a visit to its magnificent Christmas Market, with a giant Christmas tree surrounded by stalls selling a great variety artisanal handicrafts, providing a spectacular festive atmosphere with the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. Enjoy a scenic cruise in Vienna before sailing to Bratislava. In the evening, end your day with an exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate’s Palace, a striking neoclassical building heart of the old town.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA — BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city or enjoy a guided biking tour. Take in the magnificent view as we glide along the Danube River into Budapest.

BUDAPEST. Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas Markets in Budapest, where you can shop for one-of-kind handcrafted gifts. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join our “Hidden Budapest” tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.