Riverside: Christmas Atmosphere on the Danube
October is the month when thoughts turn to Christmas holidays, and choosing the perfect destination is undoubtedly the hardest part, as many cities are worth visiting during the magical Christmas season. So, what better opportunity than a river cruise with Riverside Luxury Cruises through the heart of Europe’s most beautiful cities dressed in their Christmas finery?
With the itinerary “Dreaming of Christmas on the Danube: Vienna to Passau,” guests can enjoy a 5-night cruise from Vienna to Passau, exploring the cities of Germany and Austria amid Christmas markets, decorated squares, sparkling lights, and the scent of gingerbread in the air.
Riverside itinerary
The cruise begins in Vienna, where you can follow in the footsteps of famous composers like Mozart or Strauss, visit one of the more than a hundred museums, admire the palaces, enjoy great music at the famous Vienna State Opera, or watch the Lipizzaner horses being trained at the Spanish Riding School. The journey continues with a stop in Krems, a city rich in museums, historic buildings such as churches and abbeys, shops, restaurants, and especially wine, as Krems is surrounded by vineyards and produces some of Austria’s finest wines.
Next, the cruise heads to Mauthausen, where visitors can tour the concentration camp, a site of remembrance and historical education, or explore the Austrian countryside with a visit to Steyr or St. Florian. The following stop is Linz, where two days are dedicated to discovering Austria’s third-largest city, famous for its Baroque-style main square, stunning historic center, shops, Castle Museum, and Mariendom, which can accommodate 20,000 worshippers.
Vienna
Krems
Linz
Passau
The cruise concludes in Passau, a city situated at the confluence of three rivers, which once held military significance. Its fortress, Veste Oberhaus, now houses a museum, while the cathedral boasts a large organ. This cruise, starting from late November, offers extended stays in each city, allowing guests to fully experience not only the historical and cultural richness but also the Christmas atmosphere.
Whether you wish to visit traditional Christmas markets, big and small, savor a cup of hot Glühwein (mulled wine), taste a freshly grilled sausage, immerse yourself in historic buildings, or combine all these experiences, this is the perfect cruise!
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