Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas Markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany; Regensburg’s Artisan Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas Markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
Pass through Europe’s most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine, admire the Wachau Valley’s beauty and explore Central European cities. Take part in European holiday traditions and experience the region’s renowned Christmas markets. Breathe in the scents of traditional fare and admire the handiwork of local artisans—perfect for bringing home to your family and friends.
Austria, Germany, and Hungary, and Solvakia are all known for their beautiful Christmas markets, which are a popular tourist attraction during the winter months. The markets are typically held in the town squares and feature stalls selling a variety of handicrafts, food, and drinks. Some of the most popular items include glühwein (mulled wine), gingerbread cookies, and roasted chestnuts.
I added the Viking cruise with the departure date of December 17th because that was the only one that I found that would put you in Vienna on a weekend!
The world-famous performances by the Lipizzans – the Ballet of the White Stallions – take place in the baroque Winter Riding School at Hofburg Palace, built under Charles VI. in 1729 to 1735 - the most beautiful riding hall in the world.
These performances are the result of years of training for the riders and their Lipizzans. From the young, boisterous stallions to the fully trained School Stallions, they enchant the audience with their performance in the School Quadrille, in the Schools on and above the ground and on the Long Rein.
This atmosphere and the accompanying classical Viennese music make the wonderful presentation by the rider and their Lipizzans even more enjoyable.
Offered Saturdays and Sundays