Christmas on the Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers

On arrival the dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel.  

Your eyes will be wide with wonder as you take in the fabulous décor, with garlands adorning the staircases, lights as far as the eye can see and of course the majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise, especially at Christmas time and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the seasonal delights ahead. 

Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.  

The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century. Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the sounds of choir, particularly enchanting at this special time of the year; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times.  

As you enjoy your first lunch on board, we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other. Spend Christmas Eve wrapped up in your winter best and take to the deck to enjoy the wonderful kaleidoscope of Christmas card scenery drifting by in the frosty air, then return to the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge.

Later this afternoon, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional Stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cosy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of Christmas on the Danube.  

After sailing through the night, we wake on Christmas morning and draw back the curtains to find a soft veil of early‑morning mist rising over Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. After a delicious breakfast, we begin the day with a fascinating guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town.  

Equally impressive is the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube. Christmas in Bratislava is an enchanting experience, with Hviezdoslav Square now dressed up for the special season, complete with a lit-up tram with cosy interior and joyous carols.  

You’ll also have free time to explore the cobble-stoned streets of this captivating city – so what’s it to be? Why not head to the regal Primatial Palace?  Built in the late 1700s in a classical style, the once home to the archbishop of Esztergom now holds a rare collection of tapestry works from the 17th-century.  

Take the opportunity to view the traditional Christmas cribs in some of the churches or maybe wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations, until you reach the main square.  For a seasonal treat try the medovníky, these delicious honey and ginger biscuits are traditionally eaten at Christmas time in Slovakia.  

This afternoon we cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. Head to the convivial atmosphere of the ship’s well stocked bar for your favourite aperitif before another excellent dinner is served.  

You’re in for a truly magical evening tonight. As the ship glides along the wintry waters of the Danube, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers in the beautifully decorated onboard restaurant for a special Christmas Gala Dinner. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal cheer, exquisite cuisine prepared by our talented chefs, and the joy of celebrating this most wonderful time of year in unforgettable surroundings. 

After a night filled with festive cheer, we awake amidst the enchanting surroundings of the Wachau Valley where the landscape is blanketed with vineyards and dotted with ornamental villages. After breakfast you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside and perhaps even more atmospheric at Christmas time.  

Originally built as a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since. The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library. 

Later we re-join the ship for lunch and the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, an inspiration to poets and also immortalised in the music of Wagner.  

This evening enjoy tonight’s superb dinner, expertly served by your attentive crew before further celebrations with newly made friends in the convivial bar.  

Reaching Linz, you will have the choice of two included excursions. You can stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring the charming, decorated streets of the Baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst.

There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now embellished in seasonal splendour. With locals spending time with loved ones in this period, the markets, shops, cafés and attractions may not be open.

Alternatively, join our included tour to Salzburg. Dominating the skyline of Salzburg is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls, church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace.

This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who wrote his first opera when he was 11!

Celebrate the day by the magnificent Christmas tree in Cathedral Square and perhaps reflect on the hauntingly beautiful lyrics of Silent Night. This carol was written by Joseph Mohr who was also born in Salzburg.

As evening settles over Linz, return to the comfort of your ship and watch as the city’s lights fade gently into the distance. Casting off before dinner, we begin our serene journey along the Danube towards Vienna. Relax over a delicious meal as the river scenery drifts by, then find a cosy spot in the lounge to unwind with a drink. With the ship gliding through the night and festive reflections shimmering on the water, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the day’s discoveries and look forward to tomorrow’s adventures in Austria’s elegant capital.

During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in twinkling Vienna.

After breakfast, we have a guided panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town, seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Or explore independently, and if you prefer you can retreat to the refined, yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for an indulgent Sachertorte. You can also enjoy the Winter Market at the Riesenradplatz in the Prater, open beyond Christmas and known for its live music, funfair energy and the iconic Ferris wheel standing tall above the scene. It’s a lively contrast to the more traditional imperial setting of Schönbrunn - and a great way to experience another side of Vienna’s winter celebrations. 

Vienna glows with a wonderfully cosy festive atmosphere, and one of the best places to experience it is at the Culture & Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace, which we visit after lunch on board. The palace transforms into a delightful New Year’s market after Christmas Day - here, the elegant imperial façades shimmer under warm lights, classical melodies drift through the crisp winter air, and stalls offer seasonal crafts alongside the comforting aromas of roasted chestnuts and sweet treats. It’s a magical setting that captures all the charm of Vienna in winter without feeling overly festive. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. 

This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after tonight's Chef's dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes, we’ll enjoy a Christmas classical recital in the comfort of our luxury ship, presenting well-known festive melodies - a wonderful finale to the day. 

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing!

For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view.

Straddling both banks of the Danube, Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets.

This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District with its winding streets and panoramic views. There’s free time to explore under your own steam and wander the markets. Soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!

This evening, your final splendid dinner is followed by a Hungarian Christmas Folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on this very magical festive cruise.