Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Munich on a three-hour walking tour. As you navigate the old town, you could see landmarks like Marienplatz, the city’s central square, where a large mechanical clock, the Glockenspiel, animates its figures to depict Bavarian history. Nearby is the imposing Frauenkirche, Munich’s most famous church with its distinctive twin spires, and the grand Residenz – a former royal palace.
In the afternoon, experience the festive atmosphere of Munich’s famous Christmas markets as you weave your way through stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, twinkling lights and the aromas of roasted nuts and mulled wine.
As evening falls, experience Bavarian hospitality with a welcome dinner at the 16th-century beer hall, Hofbräuhaus, for a three-course meal paired with a classic German beer.
Christmas market visit
After breakfast, set out for Salzburg nestled along the Salzach River and framed by the snow-capped Alps. Glimpse into the city’s past on a walking tour, passing landmarks like Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse, where the famed composer spent his early years. You might also glimpse the DomQuartier, Saint Peter’s Abbey and the Mirabell Gardens, made famous by The Sound of Music.
In the afternoon, soak up the festive atmosphere at Salzburg’s Christmas markets. The historic Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz and Domplatz is one of the oldest in Europe, where wooden stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, spiced nuts and steaming cups of glühwein.
For those seeking an evening of culture, an optional Mozart concert and dinner (surcharges apply) offers the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal set to the sounds of Salzburg’s most famous composer.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes
Christmas market visit
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before a full day’s exploration of the Salzkammergut region, a landscape of pristine lakes, dramatic mountains and villages that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
As you travel through this scenic area, see the glacial waters of Wolfgangsee, the charming town of Saint Gilgen and the towering peaks that frame the region. In Hallstatt, a lakeside village often called one of the most beautiful in the world, see pastel-coloured houses set on a hillside, a historic salt mine that dates back thousands of years and the reflections of the Alps on Hallstätter See.
Returning to Salzburg in the afternoon, where you may enjoy another visit to the Christmas markets to pick up holiday gifts or indulge in seasonal treats like Kaiserschmarrn.
Christmas market visit
After breakfast, travel to Innsbruck, a city set against the Alps. On a tour of this wintry city, enjoy views of the towering Nordkette mountain range as you weave past sights like the Golden Roof, a late-medieval balcony decorated with over 2,600 gilded tiles built for Emperor Maximilian I.
In the afternoon, explore Innsbruck’s Christmas markets full of festive stalls against an Alpine backdrop. Traditional wooden chalets offer seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts and warm drinks, making it an ideal place to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Set off on a scenic drive after breakfast to Freiburg im Breisgau, stopping at the small principality of Liechtenstein. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, this landlocked country is only 25 kilometres long and is known for its medieval heritage and alpine landscapes.
Arrive in Freiburg im Breisgau in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Fuel up with breakfast and enjoy a full day at your leisure in Freiburg. Perhaps stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or uncover its history and culture at the Augustiner Museum, showcasing medieval art in a former monastery (at own expense). With the Swiss riverside town of Basel within a 40-minute train ride (at own expense), you may like to explore this medieval town and its world-class art museums.
After breakfast, travel to Strasbourg with a stop in Colmar, a town known for its half-timbered houses, winding canals and winemaking traditions. In the Alsace region, embark on a vineyard tour and wine tasting to learn about the area’s centuries-old viticulture and sample its renowned white wines. As you explore the vineyards, enjoy views of villages and the Vosges mountains in the distance.
Arriving in Strasbourg in the evening, take in the festive atmosphere of the Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, is set against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s medieval cathedral and historic squares.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour
Alsace region wine tasting
Christmas market visit
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to Strasbourg’s train station, where you’ll board a first-class train to Paris. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the French countryside passes by.
Upon arrival in Paris, another private transfer will take you directly to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – perhaps take a stroll along the Seine, visit a nearby cafe for a classic French pastry or simply relax and settle into your surroundings.
Travel time: Train – approx. 2.5 hours
Begin your day with breakfast before enjoying a leisurely day in Paris. With no set schedule, you can explore at your own pace – perhaps wandering through the historic streets of the Marais, browsing the boutiques along the Champs-Élysées or visiting one of the city’s world-class museums.
In the evening, mark the end of your journey with a farewell dinner aboard a Seine River cruise, gliding past the illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre.
After breakfast, bid a fond au revoir to Paris as you take a private transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your included flight to Vienna International Airport (VIE). Arrive in Vienna and make your own way to your hotel for check-in and a day spent at your leisure.
Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering Vienna’s grand boulevards, where twinkling Christmas markets fill the squares, or enjoying an evening of relaxation in preparation for your cruise tomorrow.
This morning, you’ll have time to soak up Vienna’s Baroque streetscapes, perhaps enjoying a coffee at one of its cafes. From the majestic Ringstrasse to the quiet elegance of cobbled courtyards, the city invites exploration.
Check out of your hotel and make your own way to the cruise terminal in the afternoon for check-in to your Riverside Luxury Cruise from 2pm. In the evening, gaze out at the city lights from the Riverside Mozart, your home for the next 13 nights. As the glow of Vienna fills the air, guests can raise a glass – premium drinks flow freely onboard – during a refined dinner in one of the ship’s elegant restaurants to toast an all-inclusive journey through the festive heart of Europe.
Please note:
- Port transfers are not included, guests must make their own way from the airport to the cruise terminal for cruise embarkation.
- Requests for Riverside Suite or Penthouse Suite upgrades must be selected at checkout for booking purposes.
With another full day in festive Vienna, there’s ample time to soak up the enchanting atmosphere. Today you’ll have the chance to join an excursion, included in your cruise package, to explore the city’s Yuletide festivities or historic wonders.
You may wish to begin the day exploring Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets, where stalls brim with handmade ornaments, mulled wine and festive treats beneath the Gothic spires of the city. Alternatively, delve into imperial grandeur with a guided visit to the Hofburg Palace and its glittering treasury, home to the crown jewels of the Habsburgs. In the afternoon, you can stroll the elegant halls of Schönbrunn Palace before browsing the charming market set against its Baroque facade.
Return to the ship to enjoy the remainder of the evening onboard the opulent Riverside Mozart. Sit down to a gourmet meal at Waterside Restaurant and settle in for a relaxing night.
The Riverside Mozart will glide along the Danube today, drifting away from charming Vienna this morning and arriving in Krems in the early afternoon, where your adventure may take an artistic turn.
In the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, stroll through the idyllic village after lunch, covered in vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. Discover its winemaking tradition on a wine tasting trail, making your way through eight stations of renowned wines of Wachau before watching a 4D film on the region’s winemaking and ecosystems.
Your visit concludes with a tasting session and a visit to the local Krems Christmas Market, immersing yourself in tradition before heading back to the ship, watching the riverside scenery pass by.
Arrive in Mauthausen today, with time to delve into the region’s wartime history if you wish. Visit its former concentration camp and memorial for a deeply moving reflection on its past, viewing its preserved stone quarry and thoughtful exhibits.
This afternoon brings you to Linz, a city of unparalleled beauty and festive winter charm. As you step into the heart of this magical destination, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of the Habsburg dynasty. Wander through the winding streets of the Old Town and discover hidden treasures around every corner, from cosy cafes to stylish boutiques. Later, continue to the Linz Christmas Market to delight in some mulled wine, freshly baked goods and candied nuts as you take in the festivities.
Tonight, join your fellow travellers at 7.30pm if you wish to partake in a special event at the Lentos Art Museum with a glass of champagne and plenty of time to explore the collection of masterpieces.
On this wintry Christmas Eve morning, choose to travel by coach to Salzburg, a city that comes alive during Advent with festive lights, Alpine charm and a rich musical legacy.
Explore landmarks such as Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart once played the organ, and the elegant Getreidegasse, a narrow, centuries-old street lined with wrought-iron signs and Mozart’s birthplace. Afterwards, soak in the atmosphere of the Christmas Market in the historic Old Market Square, sampling sweet local delicacies like Salzburger Nockerl and browsing stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats.
Later, spend a peaceful afternoon in the riverside village of Engelhartszell, where quiet streets lead to the striking Cistercian abbey, famed for its liqueurs and Trappist beer. Nearby, the sleek Schütz Art Museum offers a contemporary contrast, housing bold modern works in a serene natural setting.
Glide into Passau later this evening, Germany’s cookie-cutter city set on the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This access meant the city was utilised as an important military base for many years. Now, the city stands as a place of culture and history, with the mighty fortress Veste Oberhaus overlooking the cobblestoned streets.
Spend your time exploring the city’s laneways, shopping in the boutique stores and wandering along the river’s edge. Return to the ship to unwind in the comfort and warmth of your cabin, before joining your fellow travellers for a festive meal.
Merry Christmas! Spend Christmas Day strolling through the cobbled lanes of Passau, as a guided walk reveals the city’s rich layers of history, from the Gothic Town Hall to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest church organs.
Soak up the festive spirit at the traditional Christkindlmarkt, where the scent of gingerbread and the sound of carols fill the air. With time to browse the market stalls, sip gluhwein and admire hand-carved decorations.
The Yuletide celebrations will continue this afternoon with a heartwarming excursion into Bavaria’s countryside, beginning with a wintry walk along the Ilz River. Learn about centuries-old seasonal customs from a local guide, before arriving at a picturesque farm near the ruins of Hals Castle. Here, in a magical riverside setting, enjoy a lively celebration with brass band music, a Christmas sing-along, mulled wine and local treats. The festivities end on a joyful note with a visit from a storybook guest bearing gifts.
Wind down with a nightcap onboard the Riverside Mozart, reminiscing on a day of Christmassy enchantment.
Depart Passau this morning for your return to Linz, where you’ll have ample time at your leisure. Spend your time exploring sights unseen before – walk along the Danube to the Ars Electronica Center, a futuristic museum where interactive exhibits explore the intersections of technology, art and society. Stop for lunch at one of the riverside cafés before riding the Postlingbergbahn, one of Europe’s steepest adhesion railways, up to the hilltop basilica for panoramic views over the city.
Back onboard the Riverside Mozart, a day of indulgence at a gentler pace awaits for those looking to unwind. Recline with a book in the library, enjoy a quiet moment in the Finnish sauna or book a spa treatment for a dose of relaxation. There’s time to linger over lunch at the Bistro or take in panoramic views from the Vista Grill & Bar. As evening approaches, fine wines await in the Vintage Room – perfect for a night of celebration on board.
The Riverside Mozart brings you west along the Danube this morning, departing Linz and travelling to Melk, a town of Baroque influences in the Wachau Valley.
Today brings another choice of enriching experiences – a visit to the magnificent Melk Abbey is a highlight, a gilded Baroque masterpiece perched at the river’s edge. Inside, the abbey’s grand library houses 16,000 volumes beneath a ceiling of frescoed splendour, and its famous spiral staircase and panoramic terrace boast panoramic river views. Afterward, wander through the festive Christmas market in the old town. Depending on your preference, you might join a hands-on gingerbread-making workshop, complete with tastings of warm, spice-rich treats, duck into a local roaster to sample freshly brewed coffee and learn about traditional Austrian roasting techniques or join a relaxed tasting of local wines.
Alternatively, take a short journey to Artstetten Castle, still home to descendants of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This lesser-known fortress-turned-palace dates to the 13th century and holds a compelling slice of European history. The tour reveals not only early modern conveniences like an elevator and pool but also the poignant Museum of Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked World War I.
Take the time to explore as you wish before returning to the warmth of your cabin onboard for a relaxing evening.
With a full day docked in Vienna, you’ll have the freedom to explore the city on your own terms or join an included excursion you may not have taken earlier in the journey. It’s a second chance to visit grand landmarks like the Hofburg Palace or take in the festive charm of its Christkindlmarkt.
Alternatively, spend the day exploring Vienna’s quieter charms and stroll through the Naschmarkt, browsing the art nouveau pavilions of the Karlsplatz, or visit the Secession Building, home to Klimt’s striking ‘Beethoven Frieze’.
For those who prefer to unwind, the Riverside Mozart offers a day of indulgence at a gentler pace. Recline with a book in the library, enjoy a quiet moment in the Finnish sauna or book a spa treatment for a dose of relaxation. There’s time to linger over lunch at the Bistro or take in panoramic views from the Vista Grill & Bar. As evening approaches, fine wines await in the Vintage Room – perfect for a night of celebration on board.
Glide into Budapest today, with its twin cities of Buda and Pest straddling the river, Hungary’s capital offers a full day of discovery – whether you choose to take in Budapest’s grandest sights on a panoramic coach tour or chart your own path through the city’s layered streets and grand architecture. Should you opt for the tour, you’ll work your way from the tree-lined elegance of Andrássy Boulevard to Heroes’ Square, the Great Synagogue and the stately Hungarian Parliament.
Back on board, make the most of the Riverside Mozart’s facilities – whether that’s a quiet moment in the spa, a drink on the sun deck or a leisurely evening meal.
With another day docked in Budapest, you’re free to explore at your own pace or join an optional shore excursion. Enjoy a panoramic introduction to Budapest on a coach tour that takes in both sides of the Danube. Cruise down grand Andrássy Boulevard, stop at Heroes’ Square and take in landmarks like the Great Synagogue and Parliament. Get a deeper look inside the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe’s most impressive legislative halls, on a guided tour.
Take a walking tour through the Buda Castle District and climb Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping views over the Danube. Soak up the festive atmosphere at the Buda Castle Christmas Market, where wooden stalls brim with handmade gifts and steaming food. Alternatively, venture just outside the city to Godollo Palace, once Empress Elisabeth’s favourite royal retreat.
Arrive in Bratislava today, Slovakia’s pedestrian-friendly capital, on your way back to Vienna. This city is among the youngest capitals in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2,000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town centre lined with festive decorations, visit the Gothic Saint Martin’s Cathedral – the coronation site of Hungarian kings from 1563 to 1830 – and stroll past the Old Town Hall, dating back to the 13th century beginnings of the town.
Here, you’re free to create your own adventure. Learn the traditions of Slovakian winemaking, which precede the Roman Empire by four centuries, and tour local vineyards. Check out the Danubiana Museum’s collection of modern art, or discover the town’s festive traditions with a visit to an authentic Slovak Christmas market in Old Bratislava.
Back onboard, an array of lavish facilities and the comfort of your cabin are there to help you unwind. Ring in the New Year this evening with a celebratory champagne with your fellow travellers – the all-inclusive drinks are flowing, and an attentive crew is there to cater to your every need.
The Riverside Mozart makes it way back east along the Danube to Vienna, stopping in the Austrian capital for one final day of discovery.
To round out your holiday adventure, you may wish to explore Vienna’s musical history by listening to some music in its famed Opera House, visit one of the hundreds of museums scattered around the city, take in its ornate palaces or watch the Lipizzaner horses trot around the Spanish Riding School.
Be sure to make the most of the all-inclusive benefits onboard the Riverside Mozart – savour a farewell tipple with your fellow travellers with your premium free-flowing drinks, treat yourself to a fine-dining meal at one of its exquisite restaurants or simply soak up the atmosphere of the Danube from the deck.
As this is your final morning on board, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before disembarking around 9am and making your own way to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey.