Iconic Christmas Markets 2025 Start Budapest, End Nuremberg

Begin your iconic Christmas Markets cruise in the majestic city of Budapest. Board your ship and settle in, preparing for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard as you anticipate the adventures to come.

Explore Budapest's iconic sights, starting with a tour of the historic Buda Castle, offering splendid views of the city. Visit the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Heroes' Square. Later, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the city's popular Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can opt for an active exploration, hiking to Castle Hill and taking in the city's iconic sites.

Discover the 'City of Waltzes', Vienna, with a tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Visit the city's historic center and its vibrant Christmas Markets. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube River. In the afternoon, experience the festive atmosphere at the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and the Town Hall Christmas Market.

Visit the Melk Abbey, one of Europe's most revered Baroque monasteries, now housing a museum and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided bike ride around Melk. In the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley.

Explore the 2,000-year-old city of Passau, known for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Visit the Christmas Market for Bavarian-style crafts. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour along the Danube or travel to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. In Salzburg, enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, and its Christmas Markets, including the romantic Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market.

Discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Visit the Old Town Christmas market or sample some of Bavaria's specialties. For a more festive mood, spend the afternoon at Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis.

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, introducing you to bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen. Later, visit Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas markets.

Disembark the ship in Nuremberg as your memorable journey comes to an end. Prepare for your flight home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of Europe's iconic Christmas markets and historic cities.