Fly from London Heathrow to Vienna, its historic centre a UNESCO World Heritage site; its parks and promenades lining the omnipresent Danube; and its regal façades and historic courtyards creating a picture-perfect city. Transfer to the centre for time to explore the Christmas markets before transfer mooring to embark on the MS Vivaldi for the four-night cruise, and enjoy a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew.
(D)
Christmas Markets on the Danube
Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
4 nights 1 Departure Available
View All Dates & BookA short break during the weeks of Advent, this tour combines the history of the Habsburg Empire with the traditions of the Christmas Markets, cruising the Danube to a trio of riverside capitals, from elegant Vienna to beautiful Budapest and medieval Bratislava
Overview
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Overview
Enjoy the contemporary elegance of the MS Vivaldi as you sail to the capitals of Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, cruising mostly overnight to maximise your time ashore. A leisurely passage through past and present, this delightful Danube journey highlights the Habsburg blend of Austro, Slav, and Magyar culture, from magnificent palaces to medieval streets; and adds the atmosphere of the cities’ Christmas Markets, a feast for the senses, with artisan crafts, nativity scenes, twinkling lights and warming wines. Vienna showcases the grandeur of royal architecture, and holds its atmospheric market in front of the striking City Hall façade, where stallholders feed the Christmas spirit with strudel, hot chestnuts, and fruity punch. The Danube divides Budapest, the bastions of Buda’s fortress crowning the west bank; Pest hemming the east with boulevards, and home to the Vörösmarty Square venue of their festive market, focused on a huge fir tree, and famed as one of Europe’s best. Bratislava’s Main Square tells its history with Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau buildings circling a Renaissance fountain; and hosts the cosy, authentic market with its soundtrack of folk songs and scents of sweet pancakes and honey wine.
Highlights
- Cruise during festive Advent season
- See the market at Vienna Town Hall
- Time to explore Christmas Markets
- Explore Vienna
- Discover Budapest
- Wander through Bratislava
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Vienna and enjoy a welcome drink
Day 2 - Explore Vienna before cruising to Budapest
A morning tour shows you landmarks along the avenues of The Ring, encircling the city centre; viewing the Renaissance Revival façade of the Vienna State Opera, the epic scale of the Natural History Museum, and gloriously grand Hofburg Palace, its 13th-century origins extended by every Habsburg emperor to form the sprawling edifice it is today. The tour allows free time at the traditional Christmas Market by the City Hall. Sail for Budapest this afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 - Enjoy a morning tour of Budapest before sailing to Bratislava
A morning tour of Hungary’s captivating capital takes you to Buda’s castle district, to see the majestic Matthias Church, where Hungarian kings were crowned, and enjoy the fabulous views from Fisherman’s Bastion; then crosses the river to the boulevards of Pest to view the splendid Parliament Building; St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s tallest structure; and Heroes’ Square, with statues of the Seven Magyar Chieftains. Time at leisure to explore the festive market at Vörösmarty Square. Cruise overnight to Bratislava.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 - Discover Bratislava on an afternoon tour with a Gala dinner
Straddling the Danube and the centuries, Bratislava’s heart and soul is the characterful labyrinth of its Staré Mesto (old town). An afternoon tour includes Michael’s Gate, the only city gate surviving from the Middle Ages; and the 14th-century Old Town Hall; and you have time to stroll and shop in the Christmas Market. Enjoy a Gala Dinner aboard this evening. Cruise back to Vienna overnight.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 - Fly home from Vienna
Disembark the MS Vivaldi and transfer to the airport for the return flight.
(B)
Notes:
Beer, house wine, fruit juice, tea, coffee and water are included during lunch and dinner on board.
Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Reviews
Vessels
MS Vivaldi
A Premium vessel launched in 2009, MS Vivaldi is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope established over 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. Enjoy International and French cuisine in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service. The vessel does sail at night. Reception, lounge bar with small dance floor, sun deck, lift and WiFi (free/limited). 88 air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 41 twin/double cabins with picture windows and French balcony (145 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck, 21 twin/double cabins with picture windows (145 sq. ft.) on the Middle Deck And 26 twin/double cabins with porthole (145 sq. ft.) on the Main Deck.
Optional Extras
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Extension Options
Spend more time in the magnificent Austria's capital to explore the imperial heritage which is housed in a fine array of museums and palaces. Stay at the Lindner Hotel am Belvedere (2025 - Hotel Regina). Breakfast daily.
- Travel Guides -
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
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Dates & Prices
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
London Heathrow Airport from £ 1560
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Nov 25 (4 nights) | £1560pp £1595pp | £1875pp £1910pp | Book now |
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, transfers, 4-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, Jules Verne Representative, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Extension Options
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Vienna Extension
Spend more time in the magnificent Austria's capital to explore the imperial heritage which is housed in a fine array of museums and palaces. Stay at the Lindner Hotel am Belvedere (2025 - Hotel Regina). Breakfast daily.
Austria
2 nights
Price
- £365
Single Supplement
- £235
Itinerary
Day 1 - Spend more time in magnificent Vienna
Spend more time in the magnificent Austria's capital to explore the imperial heritage which is housed in a fine array of museums and palaces. Stay at the Lindner Hotel am Belvedere (2025 - Hotel Regina).
(B)
Day 2 - Spend the day at leisure
At leisure.
(B)
Day 3 - Travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK
Return flight.
(B)
Stay Extra Nights...
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.