The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets River Cruise

Budapest – 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 morning 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.This morning you have a couple of choices:  If you choose the panoramic coach tour, you’ll drive past some of Budapest’s famous sites, including the Opera House, Gellert Baths, chain bridge, Parliament building, and more, and stop for photos and some time to explore at Hero’s Square and Buda castle.Alternatively, you can choose our active tour, where you’ll take a coach to the castle district. From here, you’ll take lifts up to the castle terraces to begin a guided walking tour around the castle area and Fisherman’s bastion. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to the coach for the transfer to the ship. This tour involves uneven grounds and a lot of walking so we only recommend it for customers who are comfortable with a moderate activity level.Back on board for lunch, excitement mounts as we slip our mooring, and our adventure begins; just sit back and relax as the fairytale landscape glides by through the ship’s panoramic windows. This afternoon we witness a cruising highlight as we navigate the Danube Bend, where the river spectacularly winds its way through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by high mountains and snow-covered hillsides.The ship pauses for a planned stop along the Danube, giving you time to step ashore or soak up the views from the ship. Later head to the convivial atmosphere of the ship’s well-stocked bar for your favourite aperitif, before another excellent dinner is served. 

Bratislava – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. There’s ample time to relax on board and enjoy the ship's five-star facilities – wrap up and take to the Sun Deck to enjoy this wonderful kaleidoscope of Christmas card scenery drifting by in the frosty air, then return to the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge and catch up on some reading or write those final Christmas cards.After lunch on board, we arrive in the capital of Slovakia. Its communist past now firmly confined to the history books, the city has rediscovered its imperial heritage in its beautifully restored baroque old town whilst the grand white fortress, former seat of the rulers, enjoys commanding views over the river. This afternoon we will discover more about the city’s interesting history, seeing the fortress and discovering the main sights of the old town, the only preserved gate of the city’s fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, St. Martin’s Cathedral – a Gothic structure from the 15th century and former coronation site – along with the Classicist Primate’s Palace.After the tour wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations until you reach the main square and the market with its cosy atmosphere; the sweet fragrance of cinnamon wafts on the air and hundreds of fairy lights twinkle amongst the branches of the Christmas trees.Stalls offer some local delicacies, such as potato pancakes or poppy-seed strudel, but try not to spoil your appetite – it won’t be long until dinner is served back on board as we continue our journey towards Vienna. 

Vienna – During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in Vienna. There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than here – where the elegant imperial facades, their decorations glittering in the glow from a thousand Christmas lights, the sound of classical carols floating on the crisp air and the irresistible smell of candyfloss and roasted chestnuts is truly reminiscent of Christmas from a bygone age.There has been a Christmas market here since the Middle Ages and today there are more than 20 markets held over the festive period selling a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Vienna’s City Hall provides a splendid backdrop for one of the most popular, its windows a giant advent calendar, reflecting the myriad of lights glistening in the trees below. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace also hosts a superb market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys.After breakfast, we'll explore its symphony of history, culture, and beauty on a guided tour as our local guide offers insights into why Vienna is one of Europe's great capitals. After a panoramic coach tour 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 or explore independently. After lunch on board there’s plenty of time to explore some more of the markets, while the brass band plays its Christmas repertoire, and the sweet aroma of nutmeg fills the air. When things turn chilly, retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and watch the last daylight fade away.Return to the ship in time for tonight’s superb Chef’s Dinner, expertly served by your attentive crew.Afterwards we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day. 

Budapest – We have sailed overnight and on waking, draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle 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?Later this morning, 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 this festive season.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 spiced 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. This afternoon you are at leisure so perhaps visit the Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square in the very heart of Pest, where the rustic cottage-style wooden stalls groan under the weight of their treasure troves of unique Christmas gifts. The scent of traditional honey cookies and mulled wine pervades the air as you browse the stalls, enjoying the friendly festive ambience or perhaps indulging in a slice of traditional chimney cake.Tonight, after another delicious dinner on board, enjoy one last evening amongst newly made friends in the convivial bar, recounting stories from a very magical cruise.

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