Christmas on the Danube River: Riverside Luxury Cruise with All-Inclusive Dining, Drinks & Excursions
Setting the standard for river cruising, this Luxury Escapes exclusive seven-night Riverside Luxury Cruises voyage is sure to be the highlight of your holidays. Sailing either November or December 2025, you’ll unlock the festive magic of central Europe in opulence above and beyond your wildest dreams.
Be spoilt for choice with carefully curated winter-themed excursions, tours and tastings – discover Christmas cheer aplenty as you taste gingerbread in Vienna, trace Linz’s storied squares and take in the Bavarian charm of Passau, visiting the many holiday markets in each city along the way. Experience it all in unparalleled comfort with Riverside Luxury Cruises’ signature brand of personalised hospitality.
Your journey takes you to: Vienna, Austria – Krems, Austria – Linz, Austria – Passau, Germany – Linz, Austria – Melk, Austria – Vienna, Austria.
Day 1: Vienna
Arrive in Vienna, an enchanting city that comes alive with Christmas cheer over the festive season. On arrival to Vienna International Airport (VIE), you will be greeted by a Riverside Luxury Cruises representative and transferred to the ship. Acquaint yourself with your cabin and freshen up after your journey, then set out to explore this magical city as you wish.
As the afternoon drifts away, spend your free time wandering the many Viennese holiday markets – including the beloved Christkindlmarkt of Rathausplatz – sipping on spiced mulled wine as you shop for Christmas presents and decorations. Return to the ship to enjoy the remainder of the evening onboard acquainting yourself with the opulent Riverside Mozart. Sit down to a gourmet meal at Waterside Restaurant and settle in for your first night on board.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 2: Vienna – Krems
This morning, sail to Krems, where your adventure may take an artistic turn. Begin in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through the idyllic village, covered in vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. You may like to walk the world-renowned Art Mile, wandering through the museums and galleries home to a vast collection of fine art from classical modern artists to the more contemporary.
Alternatively, stay near the banks of the river on a visit to Stein, a historic port city that dresses up for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights and forest green wreaths. As you explore, learn the history and traditions of the city, while you look on in wonder at architectural wonders such as the Gottweigerhof church and town hall.
Nature lovers will perhaps choose to relish a visit to Kittenberger Erlebnisgarten, where over 50 themed gardens sprawl with Advent-themed decorations at this time of year.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 3: Linz
Today, arrive in 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. Stroll through the baroque-styled Main Square and let the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere – donned with red bows, mistletoe and Christmas lights – capture your heart. Wander through the winding streets of the Old Town and discover hidden treasures around every corner, from cosy cafes to stylish boutiques. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at the Schlossmuseum, where you’ll be awed by the stories of the royal family and their legacy before visiting the magnificent Mariendom (New Cathedral), a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture that can hold up to 20,000 worshippers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 4: Linz, Austria – Passau, Germany
Arrive in the morning to make the most of Passau, Germany’s cookie-cutter city set on the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This access meant the city was utilized 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. Constructed in the early 1200s, its architecture is a reminder of bygone grandeur while now serving as a museum dedicated to the tales of Passau’s history.
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 5: Passau
Your second day in Passau is entirely yours to create holiday magic. Make your own way to the Veste Oberhaus castle, or immerse yourself in the infectious Christmas cheer as you explore the enchanting markets in Saint Stephen’s Cathedral Square.
Return to the Riverside Mozart for dinner and an early evening departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 6: Linz, Austria
Return to enchanting Linz for another full day of spirited holiday celebrations among its beautiful, Baroque architecture. You may choose to spend three hours on a walking tour of the city, discovering its most treasured Christmas scenes and markets, or immerse yourself in history by exploring nearby Salzburg, Mozart’s city of birth. Alternatively, take a drive north to the Czechia castle of Cesky Krumlov, a 13th-century residence presiding over a colourful array of snowcapped homes and a market in the town’s main square.
You’ll depart late this evening. Enjoy plenty of time to discover Linz on your own before returning to Riverside Mozart in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 7: Linz – Melk
This morning, watch the riverside scenery pass by as you turn southwest towards Melk. Make the most of this gorgeous town by watching the twinkle of Christmas lights that deck the stalls of its holiday market in Old Town. Here, you can visit the historic Melk Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage-recognised monastery, home to Benedictine monks who dedicate their lives to culture and education, sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 8: Vienna
As this is your final morning onboard, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before being transferred to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey. Alternatively, you may like to journey to Schonbrunn Palace and its lovely Christmas markets. Set up in the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised gardens of the palace, this festive scene is finest when veiled in a fresh coat of crisp white snow. Navigate the lavishly decorated halls of the former imperial family’s residence, before spending your time wandering the market stalls, savouring the last moments of your holiday adventure, and making memories to last you through the last few nights before Christmas.
Meals: Breakfast