Bavarian Advent

Bavarian Advent

About This Cruise

Experience the magic of the Advent season on an unforgettable river cruise along the Danube. Your journey begins in Vienna, where the festively decorated Christmas market in front of City Hall, the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts, and the festive music will transport you into a world of Christmas magic. The magnificent boulevards are aglow with lights, stirring a sense of anticipation for Christmas.

The journey continues to Dürnstein, a charming little town in the Wachau region, where the medieval alleyways and the ruins overlooking the Danube look especially romantic in the gentle snowfall. A visit to the impressive Melk Abbey, considered a jewel of Baroque architecture, brings you into contact with culture and history in a truly memorable way.

In Linz and Passau, you’ll experience the Danube decked out in lights: the artfully decorated Christmas markets invite you to stroll, marvel, and enjoy. Handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and musical performances create a warm, festive atmosphere.

The grand finale is a stay in Regensburg, where the UNESCO-protected Old Town shines in winter splendor. In particular, the romantic Christmas market in the courtyard of Thurn und Taxis Castle offers a fairy-tale backdrop. The festively decorated alleys, the scent of freshly baked cookies, and the soft strains of Christmas carols make this city seem like something out of a winter fairy tale.

This trip uniquely combines historic charm, cultural highlights, and the special atmosphere of the pre-Christmas season. Let yourself be enchanted by the tranquility of the river, the festive markets, and the snow-covered landscape—a contemplative getaway that touches the heart and the senses.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

VIVA ENJOY

Departure Date

16 December 2026

Cruise Line

VIVA Cruises

Duration

5 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Austria

Vienna

Austria’s capital is one of those cities that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime. Hardly any other city in the world offers such an enchanting combination of magnificent architecture, world-famous museums and theaters, and beautiful green spaces. It’s no wonder that Vienna’s entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vienna is known worldwide for its palaces of emperors, kings, and nobles, such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and the Hofburg. But the city’s many churches—especially St. Stephen’s Cathedral, its iconic landmark—are also well worth a visit. Museum lovers will certainly get their money’s worth at the city’s numerous world-class museums, such as the Albertina, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Leopold Museum.

Austria

Dürnstein

The small town belongs to the Lower Austrian cultural landscape Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by boat have a beautiful view of Dürnstein's two main attractions: the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle, towering high above the town, where Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and Dürnstein Abbey. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian canons, abolished at the end of the 18th century, and is known for its blue and white bell tower.

Austria

Melk

Melk has earned itself a lovely nickname: the gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching this historic town along the Danube will soon spot Melk Abbey, which towers high above the river. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth a visit in every season. This impressive Baroque complex has been cared for by monks of the Benedictine Order since 1089. Culture, faith, and scholarship come together in the monastery’s magnificent halls.

Austria

Linz

Linz is the capital of the state of Upper Austria. Around the central main square, churches, pretty facades, and charming shops invite you to take a stroll through the old town. Once you’re here, be sure to stop by one of the cozy coffeehouses and enjoy the world-famous Linzer Torte—it tastes best right where it comes from. A breathtaking panorama unfolds from the Pörstlingberg, which can be reached on foot or conveniently by mountain railway. From the observation deck and the Baroque pilgrimage church, we recommend a detour to the Grottenbahn, an enchanting fairy-tale world that makes not only children’s eyes light up.

Germany

Passau

Thanks to its unique geographical location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau is undoubtedly one of Germany’s most unique cities. But it’s not just the location of this “City of Three Rivers” that is extraordinary—Passau also offers its visitors numerous remarkable sights. Towering over the city is the Veste Oberhaus, an impressive 13th-century fortress. Passau’s Old Town is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, most notably St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its distinctive onion domes and the world’s largest cathedral organ, featuring nearly 18,000 pipes.

Germany

Regensburg

Regensburg is a truly special city: With over 1,000 historic buildings, the city at the northernmost point of the Danube is the only surviving medieval metropolis in Germany. Due to its beauty and historical significance, the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Regensburg’s landmark is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, which spans the Danube with 16 arches over a length of more than 300 meters. Another major attraction in the city is the 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its twin towers. Also well-known throughout Germany is the Walhalla, located just outside the city gates, a memorial honoring prominent figures.

Germany

Regensburg

Regensburg is a truly special city: With over 1,000 historic buildings, the city at the northernmost point of the Danube is the only surviving medieval metropolis in Germany. Due to its beauty and historical significance, the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Regensburg’s landmark is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, which spans the Danube with 16 arches over a length of more than 300 meters. Another major attraction in the city is the 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its twin towers. Also well-known throughout Germany is the Walhalla, located just outside the city gates, a memorial honoring prominent figures.

Overview

Experience the magic of the Advent season on an unforgettable river cruise along the Danube. Your journey begins in Vienna, where the festively decorated Christmas market in front of City Hall, the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts, and the festive music will transport you into a world of Christmas magic. The magnificent boulevards are aglow with lights, stirring a sense of anticipation for Christmas.

The journey continues to Dürnstein, a charming little town in the Wachau region, where the medieval alleyways and the ruins overlooking the Danube look especially romantic in the gentle snowfall. A visit to the impressive Melk Abbey, considered a jewel of Baroque architecture, brings you into contact with culture and history in a truly memorable way.

In Linz and Passau, you’ll experience the Danube decked out in lights: the artfully decorated Christmas markets invite you to stroll, marvel, and enjoy. Handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and musical performances create a warm, festive atmosphere.

The grand finale is a stay in Regensburg, where the UNESCO-protected Old Town shines in winter splendor. In particular, the romantic Christmas market in the courtyard of Thurn und Taxis Castle offers a fairy-tale backdrop. The festively decorated alleys, the scent of freshly baked cookies, and the soft strains of Christmas carols make this city seem like something out of a winter fairy tale.

This trip uniquely combines historic charm, cultural highlights, and the special atmosphere of the pre-Christmas season. Let yourself be enchanted by the tranquility of the river, the festive markets, and the snow-covered landscape—a contemplative getaway that touches the heart and the senses.

Suite

Suite | Diamond Deck

  • 24 m²

  • Diamond Deck
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin)
  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Lounge area
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • SPA bathrobe and slippers
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Location on the top passenger deck

Outside

Double Cabin | Ruby Deck

  • 15 m²
  • Ruby Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Outside

Double Cabin Aft | Ruby Deck

  • 16 m²
  • Ruby Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Outside

Double Cabin | Diamond Deck

  • 16 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Location on the top passenger deck

Outside

Double Cabin | Emerald Deck

  • 15 m²

  • Emerald Deck
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

classic

RIVERSIDE Restaurant

The RIVERSIDE restaurant is the main restaurant at VIVA ENJOY. And a place where we spoil you with international gourmet cuisine and - depending on where we are - also with regional dishes. For lunch and dinner, we offer you a choice of multi-course menus.

fine

MOMENTS Restaurant

A culinary journey through Italy awaits you at MOMENTS! MOMENTS is the perfect place to experience the diverse flavors of Italian cuisine. Immerse yourself in a world of taste and pleasure as you travel along picturesque river landscapes.

seafood

VIVA's Bistro

"VIVA's Bistro" at the stern of the VIVA ENJOY as an alternative to the main restaurant with classic dishes for dinner:

The bistro offers an interplay of two worlds: On some evenings we spoil you with Asian creations, then again we whisk you away to Italian-Mediterranean worlds. A culinary duo where, despite all the variety, "discover and indulge" is always on the menu.

Bar, Lounge

Panorama Salon

The Panorama Salon can be found on the Diamond Deck.

Bar

Bar

The Bar can be found on the Diamond Deck.

Reception

Reception

During your river cruise, the reception is open around the clock for you and the staff is always happy to assist you with any concerns or requests.

Spa, Wellness

Wellness Area

Yoga and massage area.

Gym

Fitness Centre

Fitness center with treadmill, bicycle, rowing machine and dumbbells.

Pool

Pool

Pool on the sun deck.