viking cruises christmas on the danube

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Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets Along the Danube

There’s a charm during the holiday season in Europe unlike any other place I've experienced, which I saw through the lens of a Viking Christmas River Cruise. A magical ambiance fills the region with smiling and laughing patrons, enjoying glühwein and each other’s company in historic squares and small streets in old villages.

During one such season, I was lucky enough to board a Viking ship on a river cruise that sailed along the Danube River . It stopped at charming cities of all sizes with dazzling Christmas markets.

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Table of Contents

A Winter River Cruise in the Spirit of Christmas

Cruising in Europe during winter may sound like an oxymoron. But Viking proved that cruising isn't just for laying out on the top deck with tropical destinations on an itinerary. (There are benefits to cruising in any season, and winter provides beautiful holiday sparkle wherever you go.)

There’s one thing you get in December in Europe that you can’t get any other time in any other place: European Christmas Markets. And they are amazing!

Christmas River Cruise Route along the Danube

The route we took was called the Romantic Danube, and included stops in the following places:

• Budapest, Hungary
• Vienna, Austria
• Krems, Austria
• Passau, Germany
• Regensburg, Germany
• Nuremberg, Germany

I met my friend Julie Deily, of The Little Kitchen, in Budapest to board the Viking Atla river cruise ship.

We started in Budapest, which is a gorgeous place to begin. The lights on their parliament building are particularly spectacular at night; it was great the scene from on the Danube River , aboard the Viking cruise ship.

Our River Cruise Viking Ship: Atla

The Viking Atla was our vessel for our Christmas River Cruise. Don't forget that the sun sets significantly earlier during December in Europe than during the summer months, like July and August. About three to four hours earlier.

So by the time we got back to the ship the first day – after dropping our luggage off in the morning, touring around the city and returning for dinner – it was already dark. Our next day was really the first day I was able to see the ship in sunlight and view its beauty.

We arrived to the warmth and glow of the lights inside the ship; isn't it romantic to see the ship this way with string lights twinkling atop reflecting in the river? It was especially nice to see limited yet tasteful holiday decorations – like wreaths with red bows and green garland – adorning the inside of the ship.

Don't forget to pack European outlet converters for your cabin aboard the ship!

We appreciated its clean Scandinavian design, from our stateroom to the river cruise ship's grand staircase, and common areas.

The top of the staircase looked towards a warm, cozy common area. Some board games were stashed there for guests that were great to play during the evenings.

There were more games at the top of the ship: a little golf putting green and shuffleboard.

Christmas River Cruise Start: Budapest, Hungary

The cruise begins in Budapest. You're able to fly into the city, of course, but I extended the trip beforehand in Munich and Stuttgart, Germany. (Since I had to leave the cruise early I wanted to make the most of my time in Europe.) I flew to Budapest from Munich to start the Christmas river cruise.

Arriving to Budapest Early

I spent the two nights before I was able to board the Viking Atla at an Air BnB on the river (coincidentally, not far from where the ship was docked) and touring Budapest.

It was great to see the city's sites and incredible markets. They were all around and very easy to walk to from the ship. My Christmas market favorites were consistently the beautifully illuminated concession stands. I loved the lights, the decorations, and the holiday colors.

The Budapest Christmas markets sold things like marzipan sweets made from almond paste, strudel cakes (from cherry to peach, apple, and strawberry), to smoked salmon slow-cooked for hours, and Hungarian goulash in bread bowls. There were also plenty of wooden toys and craft keepsakes to purchase.

Seeing the Sites in Budapest

We were able to visit several sites in Budapest including the famous Parliament building on the “Pest” side of the river the day the cruise started. And we toured the area around the famous Buda Castle on the “Buda” side of the river as well.

Before we left Hungary and sailed for Vienna we were able to go to the Great Market Hall. It's also known as Central Market Hall , and is a huge food market in Budapest that was built in the 1890s. ( We love a good food market .)

We were lucky enough to try a local favorite, called Hungarian Langos. It is fried dough that is covered with toppings of your choosing, most traditionally sour cream and cheese, which is exactly how I had it. (I still crave it! And I haven't had it since because I haven't found it anywhere in the United States.)

I had some leftover local currency that I wanted to spend before we left the country. So I bought some Hungarian Paprika, a spice they're known for. (And I ended up buying it again when we returned for a Danube River Cruise with Emerald Cruises in late October.)

Currency in Hungary is different than the currency you'll need for Austria and Germany. Hungarian Forints are needed in Hungary, and then you'll need Euros for the remainder of the cruise. Credit cards work almost anywhere, especially after the pandemic prompted more cash-only businesses to start accepting cards. But it's always best to keep some cash on hand too.

I used it a ton after the trip, constantly making my favorite Hungarian mushroom soup recipe , which I specifically discovered to use the paprika. (The word, “paprika,” is Hungarian.)

Next Stop on the Danube River: Vienna, Austria

Vienna was a city I'd been looking forward to visiting for many years. Yet, I admit, we only saw a limited amount of it because it was so frigidly cold we could barely stand being outside!

We hopped between indoor and outdoor spaces hoping the wind would subside so we could enjoy the outdoor Christmas markets yet have our body temperature stay warm.

Luckily there were great options to explore indoors too. We were outside, then went inside, then outside, then back inside, repeat, repeat… Luckily the wind eventually died down.

After being outdoors for a bit to walk around Schönbrunn Palace and a nearby park, we switched to see the inside of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral . We warmed up afterwards with hot cappuccinos and cookies at a beautiful coffee shop called Konditorei Demel .

Visting a Candy Maker in Vienna

One of my favorite stops of the entire trip was visiting a candy shop that had me in awe of its bite-size creations. It's worth a stop at Zuckerl Werkstatt ; they still create their beautiful hard candies by hand. I felt like I was in a room at Willy Wonka's home!

It was really neat to see a candy maker expertly work a pile of yellow tinted hot sugar over and over again, and watch it turn to solid white in front of our eyes. We learned the air helps change its color.

I even bought a candy souvenir for Dan. It was one of my first gifts for him, as it was early on in our relationship. (Later on I'd learn that sweets aren't really his thing! Haha.)

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Exploring the Christmas markets of Vienna most near the city center, with mugs of hot glühwein, was in order when we left the candy store. We nestled around new friends we met on the cruise and talked about the day. By this time the holiday lights were starting to turn on as daytime turned to night.

It's entertaining to see the different mug designs each European Christmas market has. They're all different. You pay a small fee for the mug that is given back to you if you return the mug to the vendors. Or, you can collect the mugs as souvenirs.

I was pleased to venture to visit another holiday market in front of their city hall, or Rathaus , before we headed back to the ship.

I just love “maroni” on a winter day in Europe. Maroni is simply chestnuts , for us westerners…roasting on an open fire, as the holiday song goes. You can buy a bag of chestnuts for just a few euros, which is all you need.

Warm alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages flow at the markets and the sounds of holiday choirs and music fill the air.

There are food vendors selling bratwurst (a personal favorite) and pretzels, craftsmen selling wooden nativity scenes and ornaments, and tables casually scattered about the streets and sidewalks between kiosks for patrons to use to converse with friends, relax and people watch.

Vienna has so many different pockets of Christmas markets. But the two I visited were a delightful look into their culture during the holidays and left me with a reason to go back one day: to explore more of the Vienna Christmas markets and explore the city more entirely.

Viking Events Coordination in Vienna

Viking had scheduled a cooking class for us, creating traditional Viennese crepes with a berry reduction to go with it during the afternoon. It was the perfect indoor activity for us to warm up and have a sweet little Viennese snack.

Later that night, I enjoyed a performance showcasing Mozart and Strauss, arranged specifically for guests of the Viking cruise that evening. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was there, live, and their singers were of the highest caliber.

Sailing on the Danube River

One of the great things about sailing on the Danube between Hungary and Germany is you get to see fairy tale scenes like the image below, of a random castle on the side of the river.

We saw a lot of industrial scenery aboard our Emerald River Cruise in The Netherlands , which was great in its own way. But the views along the Danube River are, indeed, very romantic. As is the stargazing in the evening on the top deck. (Don't forget to download a stargazing app for the cruise on your phone before you leave for your trip!)

We learned we were experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Wachau, when we sailed the stretch of the Danube River between Melk and Krems, Austria.

This valley is noteworthy for its medieval landscape along the river, which is historically significant for its agriculture, architecture, and settlements.

Romantic Danube River Stop at Krems, Austria

Krems, Austria is a charming European area filled with rolling hills of vineyards. Grapes for some wines served onboard Viking were from this area, perhaps not coincidentally.

The most famous attraction here was Benediktinerstift Göttweig , an abbey run by a few dozen monks situated on top of the hill. Needless to say the view from there is spectacular, especially at night. The abbey fresco, staircase and bookcases are not to miss.

We were there just before sunset so we were able to see it with some natural sun and then with sparkling lights in the town below as we exited after dark.

Charming Holiday Markets in Passau, Germany on Our Christmas River Cruise

When we woke up in Germany we had just docked in Passau. The view was one of a misty morning, with the city's colorful buildings lining the Danube. It perfectly reflected on the water.

This was one of my favorite scenes of the trip.

I immediately left the ship to begin exploring the small, quaint European town. (I couldn't have known at the time that a couple of years later I would photograph a groom from Passau, in his New York wedding. He was shocked I had previously been to his Bavarian town, all thanks to a Viking River Cruise.)

The city center is just steps from where the ship docks, watched over by St. Stephen's Cathedral . The baroque building towers above the town square, where the Christmas markets are.

Inside the cathedral is an ornate and beautiful interior filled with frescoes and interesting architectural details.

After I exited St. Stephen's, I walked around the town a bit. Passau is also known as the “City of Three Rivers,” because it's where 3 rivers converge. It was fun to wander around to see many waterfront scenes in the city.

By the time I was back in the town center, the market vendors were opening for business. I opted for an early bratwurst sandwich for lunch before I sadly had to leave the cruise to go to the airport.

The ship continued on to Regensburg, Germany and the Christmas market river cruise ended in Nuremberg.

What to Pack if You're Sailing with Viking During Christmas

That's just the tip of the iceberg and the appeal of cruising with Viking for a Christmas river cruise. Late November and December are a lovely time to experience the holiday spirit through the Christmas Markets set up in Europe. It's a joy to participate in the festivities at each port.

You'll gain memories at each destination along your river cruise, along with the warmth and love that the holiday season brings. And that is something you can't get on any other sailing besides a Christmas time river cruise.

Gone is the need to “look good in a bathing suit” for a winter cruise! You can eat all the yummy, delicious foods you want because you're in sweaters and a heavy winter jacket anyway. Haha!

But don't forget to pack gloves, a warm hat, scarf and a heavy coat. You'll need it! We also recommend bringing quality lotion to keep your skin moisturized since the air is very dry in Europe in December, and Chapstick too.

You may also want to pack an expandable bag as well because you may buy a bunch of amazingly unique, local items at the holiday markets. And you'll need a way to bring them back home on the plane!

Going on a river cruise? Also check out:

• 26 Helpful Things to Know your First Time on a River Cruise
• Quick-Reference Guide to Cruising on the Danube River (including Prices)
• River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?

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• River Cruising

Viking Egil Christmas Markets Danube River cruise Review with Lots of Photos and Menus

By MVPinBoynton , December 30, 2022 in River Cruising

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MVPinBoynton

I have just posted a review to my website with lots of photos of a recently completed Christmas markets Danube River cruise on the Viking Egil from Budapest to Regensburg.    

We had a great time on an awesome ship.     This was my first time on Viking, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with the ship, crew, food and great service throughout.     It was my second Danube River cruise.     My first one was in 2009 during much warmer weather.     This one was quite different.     Below are a few photos from the cruise.

The review is located on my website, which is linked to in my signature.     You can also just Google “Mike and Carol’s Cruise Reviews” to find a link to it.     I hope it is helpful for those of you that are planning to do a Danube River cruise; or that it brings back some fond memories to those of you who have already done one.

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@MVPinBoynton  well, your report on your site is exhaustive!

In the early bit you say you chose a table for 10 and were served last. As there were 4 in your party, perhaps the waiter was waiting for the other six seats to be filled?

A part of the report reads

Also in the square is the Soviet monument.  It was erected after WW2.  It is very controversial since some feel that it is a symbol of soviet oppression, while others view it as a sign of freedom from the soviets. 

Should the last word be Germans?  (This board doesn't allow my preferred word of which this is an anagram  - Nzais.)

Also a typo -   I stayed around long enough to see the lock fill up and the Egil begin to leave it.  After seeing it done once, there isn’t much reason to watch it again, since it does get old quickly.

I think get cold was meant.

I love river cruising and also Viking, and had an invitation from friends to join them on a Christmas markets cruise. Your report confirms my decision not to join them - too cold!!!

7 minutes ago, pontac said: @MVPinBoynton  well, your report on your site is exhaustive!   In the early bit you say you chose a table for 10 and were served last. As there were 4 in your party, perhaps the waiter was waiting for the other six seats to be filled?   A part of the report reads Also in the square is the Soviet monument.  It was erected after WW2.  It is very controversial since some feel that it is a symbol of soviet oppression, while others view it as a sign of freedom from the soviets.    Should the last word be Germans?  (This board doesn't allow my preferred word of which this is an anagram  - Nzais.)   Also a typo -   I stayed around long enough to see the lock fill up and the Egil begin to leave it.  After seeing it done once, there isn’t much reason to watch it again, since it does get old quickly.   I think get cold was meant.   I love river cruising and also Viking, and had an invitation from friends to join them on a Christmas markets cruise. Your report confirms my decision not to join them - too cold!!!

Thank you for your response.  We had pretty much the same 8-10 people at our table each night. They knew we were all there.   

it was the Soviet monument.  They were freed from Russia in 1989.   

I did mean that watching licks fill up does get old.  Maybe I have seen too many of them over the years.  

Thanks for the detailed review!   We are in the same route next year and appreciate the commentary on the excursions and the restaurant/bar menus

Canal archive

MV interesting review. I can well understand the non canal/river person feeling that more locks/licks get old unless your interested in the differences between locks or are a canal engineer, I find the sheer size of the European locks amazing. Loads of photographs did you have full permission?

3 hours ago, Canal archive said: MV interesting review. I can well understand the non canal/river person feeling that more locks/licks get old unless your interested in the differences between locks or are a canal engineer, I find the sheer size of the European locks amazing. Loads of photographs did you have full permission?

Locks are certainly most impressive.  I saw several on this cruise and many others on different cruises, so I don’t need to watch them all anymore.  

I only take photos where allowed. 

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Christmas on the Danube

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Christmas on the Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.

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Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop

River cruising is a popular way to get the ease and convenience of a cruise while enjoying a more intimate experience.

Viking River Cruises is one of the most recognized names in the industry, and we had the chance to take their eight-day Romantic Danube cruise in the wintertime. The cruise stops vary from year to year and season to season, but each version has stops in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

During our trip, we wanted to indulge in one of our favorite travel hobbies: visiting different European Christmas markets . Not only did we immerse ourselves in many memorable Christmas markets, but we also explored some charming, beautiful, and historically important towns.

Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube offers so many different ways to optimize your time. Our experience was absolutely magical, and we wanted to share some suggestions for how to make the most of every stop on this unforgettable itinerary.

We were guests of Viking River Cruises on their Romantic Danube itinerary. All opinions expressed are our own and are based on our experiences.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Romantic Danube itinerary varies, sometimes beginning in Hungary and other times in Germany. The stops may vary slightly as well. But wherever your specific journey takes you along this beautiful river route, you’ll find a lot to explore.

Our itinerary began in the German city of Nuremberg . Steeped in World War II history, it witnessed the rise and fall of the Third Reich. History buffs can visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds , the Nazi Documentation Center , and other historical sites.

But as the second-largest city in Bavaria (after Munich ), Nuremberg also has lots more to offer. The Old Town features beautiful half-timbered houses along with the medieval Imperial Castle . Art lovers can visit the home of German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer , explore the Germanisches Nationalmuseum , and enjoy numerous art galleries around town.

The food is incredible in Nuremberg, so we recommend having at least one meal or hearty snack ashore. Don’t miss the city’s skinny German sausages served three to a roll or on a plate with sauerkraut or potato salad. Paired with a frosty local beer, it’s a perfect meal.

Stop by the open-air Hauptmarket in the city center for a colorful look at local produce, flowers, handmade gifts, and delicious food specialties. If you happen to be there during the holiday season , you’ll see the transformation of the Old Town into a winter wonderland where over 180 vendors make up the Christkindlesmarkt . Stalls display art, local products, handcrafted goods, and treats of the season. Glittering lights and fresh greenery enhance the festive atmosphere.

Regensburg, Germany

A well-preserved medieval city on the northern portion of the Danube River, Regensburg boasts some of the most interesting historic buildings in Bavaria.

The Altes Rathaus is a bright yellow building dating to the 1200s. The Thurn und Taxis Palace is the impressive residence of an aristocratic family that had amassed a fortune from postal operations in the early 1800s. During the holiday season, a Christmas market springs up on the castle grounds. The Porta Praetoria comprises the ruins of a gateway made of rough stone blocks dating to the 13th century. Neupfarrplatz, a Roman fortress built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, was later home to one of the first Jewish communities in Germany. The ornate German Gothic Saint Peter’s Cathedral is worth seeing, too. Walk across the Old Stone Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over the Danube, and then turn to see the colorful clock tower.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , Regensburg also has great food. The Historische Wurstkuchl , or Historic Sausage Kitchen, is 1,000 years old and the oldest sausage kitchen in Europe, maybe even in the world. If you have time, sit a while at the Weltenburger am Dom , a restaurant and brewery right next to the cathedral. Try the amazing schnitzel with a beer from Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery brewery in the world.

Passau, Germany

Right on the Germany-Austria border, Passau is a picturesque city. It’s known as the City of Three Rivers, since it’s where the Danube, Ilz, and Inn Rivers come together. Something you won’t find in many other places is a wasserstand , a chart depicting high water marks from floods in the city center. It’s drawn on a wall of the old town hall as a reminder that while being at the confluence of three rivers may be beautiful, it is not without risks.

Art is important to Passau, with the city’s modern art museum and a unique glass museum containing more than 30,000 European pieces of art glass. Check out the fun Artists’ Alley, where cobblestones painted in bright colors line the streets and darling boutiques hold plenty of unique souvenirs.

Passau is home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, with almost 18,000 pipes. It resides in the gorgeous baroque Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. If the timing is right, you could catch a concert for an unforgettable experience.

Modern pleasures in Passau include the Klostergarten, a contemporary park that is home to farmers markets and gardens. It lights up at night with dramatic lighting, water features, and choreographed fountain displays, perfect for enjoying on an evening stroll.

Melk, Austria

As the Romantic Danube cruise moves into Austria, you’ll spot the Melk Abbey standing grandly atop a hill overlooking the Danube. More than just an abbey, it’s a complex comprising seven courtyards, a beautiful church, and a library with over 90,000 volumes and rare manuscripts.

Melk is located in the Wachau Valley , where small towns and monasteries flourished during the Renaissance. The scenery is stunning. Several castles — including Schloss Schallaburg , Schloss Artstetten , and Schloss Schonbuhel — beg to be explored, and the ruins of other castles dot the landscape.

If you’re interested in local food and beverages like we are, the Wachau Valley is renowned for its apricots and wine. In addition to excellent wines made from grapes such as riesling and gruner veltliner, apricot wine, apricot dumplings, apricot cake, and some unique items made with saffron are also local specialties.

Krems is the town at the other end of the valley and is sometimes part of the Romantic Danube itinerary.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are so many things to see, do, and eat that you will not want to waste a moment of your time there.

We have to put the Viennese culinary culture at the top of our list. Famous desserts like sacher torte and apple strudel, gorgeous coffeehouses, incredible farmers markets, delicious street food, and a wide range of restaurants provide many opportunities to sample local delights. Most people don’t know that Vienna is also home to its own wine regions, making the local wine a great option to try.

Music is another highlight of Viennese culture. The City of Music has many venues from which to choose. The Musikverein , Vienna State Opera , Wiener Konzerthaus , and Schonbrunn Palace offer concerts featuring everything from the classical music of Mozart and Strauss to jazz, pop, and rock. There are also cafés, bars, and nightclubs offering food, drinks, and music in a more intimate setting.

World-renowned palaces like Schonbrunn and the Hofburg as well as sacred spaces like Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and Karlskirche impress with their magnificence.

Of course, Vienna also offers gorgeous Christmas markets in stunning venues like the City Hall, Belvedere Palace, Maria Theresien Square, and Schonbrunn Palace, among others.

Animal lovers can check out the elegant Lipizzaner stallions performing at the Spanish Riding School or visit Vienna’s Tiergarten , the oldest zoo in the world.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is actually three different cities: Buda and Obuda on the west side of the Danube  River and Pest on the east side. That only adds to the intrigue of this unique destination.

The quieter Buda side has hills and a funicular, which you can ride to the top for a panoramic view of the Pest side. The City Park is a lovely place to stroll, with botanical gardens, a municipal zoo, the Budapest circus, and a museum of agriculture. There’s also a huge timer containing sand that takes a year to go from the top to the bottom. It’s started all over again every New Year.

The Great Market Hall features three floors of local produce, prepared delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs. If you like to shop, be sure to stroll along Vaci and Kiraly Streets, pedestrian roads full of touristy joints as well as fun local shops and cafés.

Budapest has several spas and thermal baths in which you can relax while also getting your history fix; many of these structures have been around since Ottoman times.

Budapest also boasts several phenomenal holiday markets, including the Advent Feast at the Basilica , considered among the best Christmas markets in Europe.

The folks at Viking River Cruises know that the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building is a vision at night. They generally provide an opportunity to see it while you’re on the water and make a picture-perfect memory to last a lifetime.

What To Know Before You Go

Viking River Cruises offers several excursions as well as a variety of add-ons. Be sure to take time before your departure to explore what interests you and book anything extra well in advance because space is often limited. While the ship is comfy, the service delightful, and the onboard activities lots of fun, be sure to get out and explore at every stop. There is so much awaiting you on your Romantic Danube journey.

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Christmas on the Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Budapest

From $799 | 2 Nights

Pre: Budapest Premium

From $1,749 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague

From $1,199 | 3 Nights

Post: Prague Premium

From $1,599 | 3 Nights

Post: Prague & Nuremberg

From $1,349 | 4 Nights

Post: Nuremberg

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• Great Lakes
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4-Day Spring Sale

• Save $500-$800 per couple
• $25 Deposit
• Up to free International Airfare

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Special Offers
• Budapest to Regensburg
• Regensburg to Budapest

Christmas on the Danube

• From £2,795
• 6 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest

Christmas on the Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.

SAVE £650 PER PERSON

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Budapest

From £499 | 2 Nights

Pre: Budapest Premium

From £1,049 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague

From £699 | 3 Nights

Post: Prague Premium

From £899 | 3 Nights

Post: Prague & Nuremberg

From £799 | 4 Nights

Post: Nuremberg

Sign up to receive updates from viking.

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Media Center
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises