Danube Christmas Markets

Get your Christmas off to a magical start on this wonderful A-ROSA river cruise along the Austrian stretch of the Danube. The Premium Inclusive A-ROSA experience is designed to offer choice, comfort and quality in a fun, casual-yet-stylish way. Enjoy buffet dining with live cooking stations, cocktails or other drinks from the bars on board and special prices on treatments at the on-board spa. There'll be festive specials and activities on offer and comfortable bathrobes available on request at reception.

Sail through the spectacular Wachau Valley to Vienna, where you'll find the elegant buildings and streets festooned with decorations and strung with festive lights. After an included city tour explore the many Christmas markets, from Spittelburg to the Freyung. The next day, spend the morning in Dürnstein's medieval old town, before continue to the charming town of Melk to browse the festive markets that surrounds its Benedictine monastery. Your final day is spent in cosmopolitan Linz. You'll spend the final afternoon and evening of your cruise here, giving you the chance to sample a slice or two of the city's namesake delicacy, the sweetly nutty and fruity Linzertorte, before beginning the final leg of your festive cruise.

Cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley

Shot of Vienna's gothic city hall which has one tall clock tower and four smaller towers, two on each side, all with pointy turrets. The building is a gold colour and is in front of a bright blue night sky. In front, is a Christmas Market, showing strips of cabin-like stalls and a variety of lit up Christmas decorations, one in the forefront reading 'Merry Christmas' in Austrian. People can be seen, although blurry as they are moving around.

Join an included city tour of festive Vienna

Explore Dürnstein with its medieval architecture

Stroll through the picturesque Christmas Market in Linz

After a morning cruising through the stunning scenery of the Wachau Valley and eastwards down the Danube, A-ROSA DONNA will arrive in Vienna. Discover the city's Baroque palaces, historic churches and museums, elegant shopping arcades and pleasant open spaces on an included tour, then head out to explore. Stroll streets adorned with festive lights, browse the stalls of the city's Christmas markets searching for that perfect gift, or settle into the elegant warmth of one of the many historic Viennese coffee houses.

One of the most famous markets is in the shadow of Schönbrunn Palace. This magnificent building was an Imperial summer home, and once echoed with the music of the young Mozart. In the run up to Christmas the great courtyard is home to a colourful Christkindlmarkt offering still more festive gifts and treats.

After breakfast this morning, spend a few hours exploring Dürnstein, one of the most popular destination in the Wachau region, known for its wine growing and medieval architecture. After having lunch back onboard the ship, you'll continue along the Danube to Melk.

Here, you can visit the town's famous Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site which transforms into a magical Advent market during the festive period.

A fountain with a white statue of three people sitting on a rock, on top of water, where its reflection can be seen. Behind it is Schönbrunn Palace, yellow and beige wide building, in front of a blue sky with small clouds.

Action shot of a horse drawn carriage outside a large, wide, beige-coloured historical building, which also has a black statue of a person outside the building. Cars can be seen parked to the left of the image, and some moving on the right. Everything in the image is covered in snow

Shot of a gothic city hall which has a tall clock tower in the middle and four smaller towers, two either side, all with spiky turrets. The building has long windows all over and is a gold colour. Below are the Vienna Christmas markets, with four vertical strips of stalls, the centre having a christmas tree at the far end. There are many people shopping, with lights and lit up signs above them.

People holding traditional Punch cups in Vienna Christmas Market

Four nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
Return travel from the UK (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
On-board activities and entertainment
Buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
London Heathrow	December 2026		from £1,587 pp	1 date available
Manchester	December 2026		from £1,663 pp	1 date available

The A-ROSA DONNA river cruise ship passing beneath historic bridges over the Danube River in Budapest

A-ROSA DONNA River CruiseEach of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.

A-ROSA is a German based river cruise company. You’ll find a European vibe on board, with a mix of international guests and crew along with a welcoming atmosphere. While many guests are German-speaking, English is widely spoken on board, all announcements will be done in both German and English, you’ll have everything you need to feel right at home. It’s a great way to explore Europe with a bit of local flavour.

Danube Christmas Markets

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