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December 2 - 10, 2026

$

5595

Per Person/Double Occupancy
$1850 Additional/Single Occupancy

Imperial Danube: Christmas Markets of Europe 2026

Includes a four-night Danube river cruise

Celebrate the season surrounded by imperial charm, festive music, and old-world magic. This thoughtfully curated journey features a Danube river cruise and guided visits to Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets, with time to savor sweet treats, local traditions, and unforgettable scenes worthy of a holiday postcard.
Reserve This Tour Fitness to Participate
Fitness to Participate To make the most of your travels and comfortably enjoy the experience with your group, a moderate level of physical fitness is essential on our tours. Below are the general physical requirements you can expect: • Ability to walk for several hours at a relaxed, steady pace • Comfort using combined shower/bath facilities (walk-in showers cannot be guaranteed) • Participation in guided walking tours lasting 1–2 hours, which may include stairs, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces • Standing for extended periods during visits to museums and historical sites • Boarding and exiting coaches, trains, and other transportation independently • Managing your own luggage throughout the tour Each destination may have unique demands. If you’re unsure whether a specific trip is right for you, we’re happy to discuss the details and help you determine the best fit.

Locations

VIENNA

BUDAPEST

BRATISLAVA

SALZBURG

NUREMBERG

Sail through the heart of Europe and stroll the twinkle-lit markets of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and beyond on this unforgettable holiday adventure.

This Tour Includes

TAPESTRY Series

Small groups, big experiences, independent spirit.

8 Nights

Hotel accommodations, including baggage handling

16 Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Admissions

Guided sightseeing, visits, and admissions as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary

Airfare & Transfers

Roundtrip international airfare (Central Gateway), group transfer upon arrival and for departure is included.

Tour Manager

Full-time, English speaking

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Hand-Selected Hotels

Vienna
DoubleTree by Hilton Vienna Schonbrun
Croisi Europe
MS Vivaldi
Salzburg
Raddison Blu Hotel Altstadt
Nuremberg
Novotel Nuremberg Centerville

Top-Rated Highlights

  • Four-night Danube River Cruise
  • Christmas Markets in
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Bratislava
  • Salzburg
  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
  • Exclusive Visit to Das Handarbeitsgeschaeft Quilt Shop
  • Spanish Riding School†
  • Guided City Tours of
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Bratislava
  • Salzburg
  • Old Town Salzburg
  • Munich Stopover
  • Visit Marienplatz
  • The Glockenspiel
  • Hofbräuhaus
  • Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt
  • Customary Farewell Dinner
  • † subject to availability

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Visits, admissions, and special features are shown in bold.
Print this Itinerary
Map View
Full Itinerary

Tour Begins: Vienna, Austria

|

Tour Ends: Nuremberg, Germany

Scroll to See Full Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Vienna

Your festive adventure begins in Vienna, the imperial heart of Austria and one of Europe’s most dazzling holiday destinations. Upon arrival, transfer to your charming hotel and take some time to settle in. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm Welcome Meeting—an opportunity to connect with your Tour Manager and new friends who share your love of seasonal sparkle and cultural discovery. Afterward, you may wish to explore your first Christmas market: the one nestled at the foot of the Schönbrunn Palace, where baroque architecture meets twinkling lights, local crafts, and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the winter air.

Day 2 Spanish Stallions & Stitches Breakfast, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast (included daily), begin your day with a visit to the legendary Spanish Riding School† to observe the Lipizzaner stallions during their morning exercise—an elegant tradition dating back centuries. From there, enjoy a special stop at Das Handarbeitsgeschaeft, Vienna’s most cherished quilt shop, beloved for its curated selection of fabric, notions, and old-world charm. This afternoon, board your luxurious river cruise ship and settle into your stateroom. As you meet the crew over a festive Welcome Cocktail, prepare for an unforgettable voyage down the fabled Danube. Tonight’s Austrian-inspired dinner sets the tone for the delicious experiences ahead. B, D

† subject to availability
Day 3 Vienna’s Holiday Charm & Setting Sail Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, embark on a guided tour that introduces you to Vienna’s rich imperial past, from the Ringstrasse to the grand Hofburg Palace. Highlights include a visit to the magical Christkindlmarkt at City Hall—one of Europe’s most beloved holiday markets, framed by twinkling trees and cozy market stalls. Sip a steaming mug of Glühwein, browse hand-blown ornaments, and try local delicacies like Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes). Later in the day, return to the ship and watch Vienna fade into the distance as we sail eastward toward Budapest.  B, L, D

Day 4 Budapest: Two Cities, One Magical Market Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Hungary’s grand capital, where Buda and Pest sit proudly on either side of the Danube. A guided city tour will take you past the majestic Parliament, Heroes’s Square, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking views over the river. The entire city is dressed for the season, and the famous Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is a highlight—filled with traditional crafts, music, and the scent of cinnamon pastries. After some free time to explore on your own, return to the ship for dinner and begin our overnight cruise to Slovakia. B, L, D

Day 5 Bratislava’s Old World Glow Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a peaceful morning watching snow-dusted villages and frosted riverbanks drift by. This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia’s picturesque capital. A guided walking tour leads you through charming cobblestone streets and past 18th-century pastel-colored buildings. Then, immerse yourself in the Christmas market, nestled in the main square. From hand-knitted mittens to wooden toys and gingerbread hearts, it’s a feast for the senses. Tonight, enjoy a festive gala dinner aboard the ship as we return to Vienna under a canopy of stars. B, L, D

Day 6 Alpine Beauty & Salzburg Lights Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in Vienna and journey through the wintry Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and home to one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have free time to refresh or explore. This afternoon, stroll through Salzburg’s main square, where festive stalls gather in the shadow of the cathedral, selling ornaments, sweets, and handmade treasures. You may also choose to visit the Mozart Museum or enjoy dinner at a cozy tavern during your evening at leisure. B

Day 7 Munich Merriment & Onward to Nuremberg Breakfast

After breakfast, head west to Munich, the cosmopolitan capital of Bavaria. A brief city stop includes the famous Glockenspiel at Marienplatz and a chance to visit the Hofbräuhaus for a traditional Bavarian pub experience. Don’t miss the Munich Christmas Market—one of Germany’s oldest—where handmade Bavarian gifts and sweet roasted nuts await. Later, continue on to Nuremberg, home of the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, for a two-night stay. B

Day 8 Nuremberg’s Holiday Traditions Breakfast, Dinner

Today, experience Nuremberg’s Old Town by miniature train—an enchanting way to see its half-timbered houses and medieval walls. The rest of the day is yours to dive into the city’s legendary Christmas market. Sample spiced Lebkuchen, sip a warming Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with rum and caramelized sugar), and pick up keepsakes from the artisans’ stalls. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a joyful Farewell Dinner to celebrate the season—and the friendships you’ve made. B, D

Day 9 Auf Wiedersehen Breakfast

After a final breakfast, bid farewell to Imperial Europe and your wonderful traveling companions. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home—carrying the glow of candlelit markets, the taste of holiday treats, and the warmth of memories stitched together across Europe’s most regal cities. B

Day 1
Welcome to Vienna

Your festive adventure begins in Vienna, the imperial heart of Austria and one of Europe’s most dazzling holiday destinations. Upon arrival, transfer to your charming hotel and take some time to settle in. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm Welcome Meeting—an opportunity to connect with your Tour Manager and new friends who share your love of seasonal sparkle and cultural discovery. Afterward, you may wish to explore your first Christmas market: the one nestled at the foot of the Schönbrunn Palace, where baroque architecture meets twinkling lights, local crafts, and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the winter air.

Day 2
Spanish Stallions & Stitches
Breakfast, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast (included daily), begin your day with a visit to the legendary Spanish Riding School† to observe the Lipizzaner stallions during their morning exercise—an elegant tradition dating back centuries. From there, enjoy a special stop at Das Handarbeitsgeschaeft, Vienna’s most cherished quilt shop, beloved for its curated selection of fabric, notions, and old-world charm. This afternoon, board your luxurious river cruise ship and settle into your stateroom. As you meet the crew over a festive Welcome Cocktail, prepare for an unforgettable voyage down the fabled Danube. Tonight’s Austrian-inspired dinner sets the tone for the delicious experiences ahead. B, D

† subject to availability
Day 3
Vienna’s Holiday Charm & Setting Sail
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, embark on a guided tour that introduces you to Vienna’s rich imperial past, from the Ringstrasse to the grand Hofburg Palace. Highlights include a visit to the magical Christkindlmarkt at City Hall—one of Europe’s most beloved holiday markets, framed by twinkling trees and cozy market stalls. Sip a steaming mug of Glühwein, browse hand-blown ornaments, and try local delicacies like Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes). Later in the day, return to the ship and watch Vienna fade into the distance as we sail eastward toward Budapest.  B, L, D

Day 4
Budapest: Two Cities, One Magical Market
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Hungary’s grand capital, where Buda and Pest sit proudly on either side of the Danube. A guided city tour will take you past the majestic Parliament, Heroes’s Square, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking views over the river. The entire city is dressed for the season, and the famous Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is a highlight—filled with traditional crafts, music, and the scent of cinnamon pastries. After some free time to explore on your own, return to the ship for dinner and begin our overnight cruise to Slovakia. B, L, D

Day 5
Bratislava’s Old World Glow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a peaceful morning watching snow-dusted villages and frosted riverbanks drift by. This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia’s picturesque capital. A guided walking tour leads you through charming cobblestone streets and past 18th-century pastel-colored buildings. Then, immerse yourself in the Christmas market, nestled in the main square. From hand-knitted mittens to wooden toys and gingerbread hearts, it’s a feast for the senses. Tonight, enjoy a festive gala dinner aboard the ship as we return to Vienna under a canopy of stars. B, L, D

Day 6
Alpine Beauty & Salzburg Lights
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in Vienna and journey through the wintry Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and home to one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have free time to refresh or explore. This afternoon, stroll through Salzburg’s main square, where festive stalls gather in the shadow of the cathedral, selling ornaments, sweets, and handmade treasures. You may also choose to visit the Mozart Museum or enjoy dinner at a cozy tavern during your evening at leisure. B

Day 7
Munich Merriment & Onward to Nuremberg
Breakfast

After breakfast, head west to Munich, the cosmopolitan capital of Bavaria. A brief city stop includes the famous Glockenspiel at Marienplatz and a chance to visit the Hofbräuhaus for a traditional Bavarian pub experience. Don’t miss the Munich Christmas Market—one of Germany’s oldest—where handmade Bavarian gifts and sweet roasted nuts await. Later, continue on to Nuremberg, home of the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, for a two-night stay. B

Day 8
Nuremberg’s Holiday Traditions
Breakfast, Dinner

Today, experience Nuremberg’s Old Town by miniature train—an enchanting way to see its half-timbered houses and medieval walls. The rest of the day is yours to dive into the city’s legendary Christmas market. Sample spiced Lebkuchen, sip a warming Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with rum and caramelized sugar), and pick up keepsakes from the artisans’ stalls. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a joyful Farewell Dinner to celebrate the season—and the friendships you’ve made. B, D

Day 9
Auf Wiedersehen
Breakfast

After a final breakfast, bid farewell to Imperial Europe and your wonderful traveling companions. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home—carrying the glow of candlelit markets, the taste of holiday treats, and the warmth of memories stitched together across Europe’s most regal cities. B

Day 1
Welcome to Vienna

Your festive adventure begins in Vienna, the imperial heart of Austria and one of Europe’s most dazzling holiday destinations. Upon arrival, transfer to your charming hotel and take some time to settle in. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm Welcome Meeting—an opportunity to connect with your Tour Manager and new friends who share your love of seasonal sparkle and cultural discovery. Afterward, you may wish to explore your first Christmas market: the one nestled at the foot of the Schönbrunn Palace, where baroque architecture meets twinkling lights, local crafts, and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the winter air.

Day 2
Spanish Stallions & Stitches
Breakfast, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast (included daily), begin your day with a visit to the legendary Spanish Riding School† to observe the Lipizzaner stallions during their morning exercise—an elegant tradition dating back centuries. From there, enjoy a special stop at Das Handarbeitsgeschaeft, Vienna’s most cherished quilt shop, beloved for its curated selection of fabric, notions, and old-world charm. This afternoon, board your luxurious river cruise ship and settle into your stateroom. As you meet the crew over a festive Welcome Cocktail, prepare for an unforgettable voyage down the fabled Danube. Tonight’s Austrian-inspired dinner sets the tone for the delicious experiences ahead. B, D

† subject to availability
Day 3
Vienna’s Holiday Charm & Setting Sail
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, embark on a guided tour that introduces you to Vienna’s rich imperial past, from the Ringstrasse to the grand Hofburg Palace. Highlights include a visit to the magical Christkindlmarkt at City Hall—one of Europe’s most beloved holiday markets, framed by twinkling trees and cozy market stalls. Sip a steaming mug of Glühwein, browse hand-blown ornaments, and try local delicacies like Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes). Later in the day, return to the ship and watch Vienna fade into the distance as we sail eastward toward Budapest.  B, L, D

Day 4
Budapest: Two Cities, One Magical Market
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Hungary’s grand capital, where Buda and Pest sit proudly on either side of the Danube. A guided city tour will take you past the majestic Parliament, Heroes’s Square, and Fisherman’s Bastion, offering breathtaking views over the river. The entire city is dressed for the season, and the famous Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is a highlight—filled with traditional crafts, music, and the scent of cinnamon pastries. After some free time to explore on your own, return to the ship for dinner and begin our overnight cruise to Slovakia. B, L, D

Day 5
Bratislava’s Old World Glow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a peaceful morning watching snow-dusted villages and frosted riverbanks drift by. This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia’s picturesque capital. A guided walking tour leads you through charming cobblestone streets and past 18th-century pastel-colored buildings. Then, immerse yourself in the Christmas market, nestled in the main square. From hand-knitted mittens to wooden toys and gingerbread hearts, it’s a feast for the senses. Tonight, enjoy a festive gala dinner aboard the ship as we return to Vienna under a canopy of stars. B, L, D

Day 6
Alpine Beauty & Salzburg Lights
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark in Vienna and journey through the wintry Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and home to one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have free time to refresh or explore. This afternoon, stroll through Salzburg’s main square, where festive stalls gather in the shadow of the cathedral, selling ornaments, sweets, and handmade treasures. You may also choose to visit the Mozart Museum or enjoy dinner at a cozy tavern during your evening at leisure. B

Day 7
Munich Merriment & Onward to Nuremberg
Breakfast

After breakfast, head west to Munich, the cosmopolitan capital of Bavaria. A brief city stop includes the famous Glockenspiel at Marienplatz and a chance to visit the Hofbräuhaus for a traditional Bavarian pub experience. Don’t miss the Munich Christmas Market—one of Germany’s oldest—where handmade Bavarian gifts and sweet roasted nuts await. Later, continue on to Nuremberg, home of the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, for a two-night stay. B

Day 8
Nuremberg’s Holiday Traditions
Breakfast, Dinner

Today, experience Nuremberg’s Old Town by miniature train—an enchanting way to see its half-timbered houses and medieval walls. The rest of the day is yours to dive into the city’s legendary Christmas market. Sample spiced Lebkuchen, sip a warming Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with rum and caramelized sugar), and pick up keepsakes from the artisans’ stalls. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a joyful Farewell Dinner to celebrate the season—and the friendships you’ve made. B, D

Day 9
Auf Wiedersehen
Breakfast

After a final breakfast, bid farewell to Imperial Europe and your wonderful traveling companions. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home—carrying the glow of candlelit markets, the taste of holiday treats, and the warmth of memories stitched together across Europe’s most regal cities. B

Reserve This Tour
» Country Heritage Tours
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» Country Heritage Tours
#image_title
» Country Heritage Tours
#image_title

December 2 - 10, 2026

$

5595

Per Person/Double Occupancy

+$1850

Additional/Single Occupancy

Reserve Your Imperial Danube: Christmas Markets of Europe 2026 Tour

A non-refundable $200 deposit per person is required for booking. Before completing your reservation, be sure you read and understand our Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions.

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A non-refundable $200.00 deposit per person is required to make a reservation. Account balance is due 100 days prior to the departure date. The name and billing address provided must match the credit card that is used to purchase your tour.
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Imperial Danube: Christmas Markets of Europe 2026

Space for this tour is limited. Please contact us to discuss accommodation options and availability.

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