Published itinerary
Danube Christmas Delights
Budapest ↔ Passau · 7 nights / 8 days · Late Nov–Dec · select 2026–2028 departures
The sailing
Danube Christmas Delights
This seven-night Christmas cruise links Budapest and Passau, with calls in Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, and Linz. It does not visit Nuremberg. Viking's Danube Waltz is a separately named itinerary; use the Christmas Delights schedule when comparing this holiday route.
Route reference checked 2026-10-12. Ships, excursions, and direction can vary by departure.
Best for adults who want vienna and budapest rather than a nuremberg-focused itinerary.
Trip highlights
- Budapest and Bratislava
- Vienna's Christmas markets
- Krems and the Wachau Valley
- Linz and Passau
What's included
- One included excursion per port; optional tours cost extra
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with lunch/dinner
- Onboard meals
- Wi-Fi
Quick facts
- Route
- Budapest ↔ Passau
- Length
- 7 nights · 8 days
- Departures
- Late Nov–Dec · select 2026–2028 departures — ask us for current dates & availability
- Cruise line
- Viking River Cruises
- Ship
- Viking Longship
- River
- Danube
The ports of call
Market cities along the route
These guides cover selected ports, excursion cities, and endpoints—not a guaranteed market visit in every city. Check opening dates, transfers, excursion choices, and time ashore for your departure.
Hungary
Budapest
Budapest's Vörösmarty Square and Advent Basilica markets anchor a dramatic Danube finale, with the illuminated Parliament and riverfront adding a separate evening highlight.
Typical season: Mid-Nov – Jan 1
ExploreSlovakia
Bratislava
Bratislava's old town hosts three compact Christmas markets — Hlavné námestie, Hviezdoslavovo námestie, and the castle — between Vienna and Budapest.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 22
ExploreAustria
Vienna
Vienna hosts many distinct Christmas markets, from the large Rathausplatz and palace setting at Schönbrunn to the intimate lanes of Spittelberg.
Typical season: Mid-Nov – Dec 26
ExploreGermany
Passau
Passau, where three rivers meet, concentrates its Christmas market in Cathedral Square, with selected Advent organ programs nearby.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreMore from this line
Other Viking River Cruises sailings
More on the Danube
Other Danube sailings
Same river, different line or different dates — see how the operators compare.
Christmas Markets on the Danube
Budapest ↔ Vilshofen · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
Magna on the Danube — Christmas Markets
Budapest ↔ Vilshofen · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026–2028
Request pricing
quote on request
Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Nuremberg ↔ Vienna · 7n · Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027
Request pricing
quote on request
Festive Danube Capitals & Yuletide Traditions
Budapest → Vienna · 4n · Dec 2 or 16, 2026 · published dates, space on request
Request pricing
quote on request
Ready to plan this voyage?
Tell us your dates and group — we'll confirm live pricing, check whether a cabin hold is available, and walk you through the inclusions. No added VPC planning fee.