Itinerary in Budapest, Hungary (Danube Christmas Markets River)

[English page]

ITINERARY

The holiday spirit thrives in Central Europe, where Christkindlmarkt—or Christmas markets—turn grand city squares and baroque palaces into magical winter wonderlands. The banks of the Danube play host to some of the continent’s oldest and most treasured Christmas traditions. Immerse yourself in vibrant markets and holiday cheer alongside a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photography Expert as you cruise from Budapest to Vienna to Austria’s Wachau Valley to Passau. Browse charming huts filled with handmade ornaments, gingerbread, and wooden soldiers, as choral music and the aroma of mulled wine fill the air. Visit historic palaces that have been transformed into Christmas villages. With a variety of daily excursions to choose from, you can tailor the trip to fit your Christmas wishes

.Arrive in Budapest and settle into your cabin this afternoon. If you wish, get your first taste of holiday cheer with a visit to one of Budapest’s Christmas markets. After the captain’s welcome reception and dinner, enjoy entertainment on the ship.

Straddling the Danube, Hungary’s capital is a tale of two cities: Buda, set on quaint cobbled streets, and Pest, a grand cityscape of wide boulevards and majestic buildings. Set out on a morning tour to discover Buda’s Castle Hill, home to Matthias Church, where Habsburg royalty held coronations and weddings. Take in sweeping views of the city from Fisherman’s Bastion. Then head to Pest to see Heroes’ Square and venture into the spice-scented stalls of the city’s renowned Christmas markets. Meet the ship in Esztergom and take to the Danube this afternoon. As we cruise, gather for a talk with our expert and take part in Eastern European traditions—including a “pickle hunt”—while decorating the ship’s Christmas tree. Sit down to dinner as we follow the Danube along the border with Slovakia toward the Gabčíkovo Lock.