Four countries-Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany-await your arrival for one unique festive party after another. From the large Christmas Markets of Vienna to the more intimate Christmas Markets of Bratislava, Passau and Salzburg-each combines timeless traditions with elegant pageantry.

A joyous start to your holiday festivities

Many of our holiday traditions and customs-Christmas trees, Silent Night, gingerbread, nutcrackers, St. Nick, candy canes-come to us from Germany and Austria. Warm your hands and your spirits with a mug of gluhwein as you walk the Holiday Markets looking for unique treasures to adorn your Christmas tree. Discover the heart and soul of Slovakia as you tour beautiful Bratislava and enjoy its Christmas Market. While Bratislava's Christmas Market was only established in 1993, you will see how it has quickly embraced the holiday traditions of its Austrian and Hungarian neighbors.

Embrace the glory and magic of this holiday season

Celebrate Mozart's musical genius in one of Vienna's well-known concert halls. Participate in a gingerbread baking demonstration in Passau. Listen to the sweet sounding voices of a children's choir in Salzburg. And cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you sail along the Danube during the holiday season.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Music aficionados will especially take pleasure in the "sounds of the season" from the classical vibes of Vienna to an organ recital in Krems to carolers and choral groups singing in Christmas markets. And collectors of handicrafts and ornaments will find one-of-a-kind pieces in any of the numerous Christmas markets we explore on this unique cruise.