Danube Christmas Magic

Arriving in the European capital of music, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you straight from the airport to the Handelskai pier.

Boarding on MS "Fidelio" begins at 16:00 at the river port in the Nussdorf area.Settle into your cabin, join fellow travelers for a Welcome Cocktail, the perfect start to a journey along one of Europe's most storied rivers.

The ship stays moored in Vienna overnight, so there's no rush — just relax, unwind, and let the adventure begin.

After breakfast, step into the elegance of Austria's capital dressed in its finest holiday sparkle and join a panoramic guided tour. Discover the world-renowned Opera House, glowing against the winter sky, and admire the grand Town Hall, whose square becomes a festive wonderland of twinkling lights during the season. Pass the imposing Parliament building and the historic Burgtheater, then marvel at the splendid Imperial Hofburg Palace, where centuries of imperial grandeur come alive in the magic of a Viennese Christmas. Along the way, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifts through the air, so be sure to warm up with a cup before you return to the ship.

In the evening, Fidelio quietly slips away from the Austrian capital, sailing toward the romantic Wachau Valley.

This morning we arrive in Melk, a small town at the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Melk is famous worldwide for its Benedictine Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece perched on a rocky outcrop high above the Danube. Its golden façade is one of the most memorable sights on the entire river.

At noon, we cast off and continue our journey through the heart of the Wachau.

After lunch, we arrive in Dürnstein, a charming village tucked into the winding curves of the Wachau Valley beneath a ruined medieval castle. Step straight off the pier into the historic center, passing through ancient town gates to Pranger Square, where sweeping views open up over the castle ruins — legend has it Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner here. Don't miss the chance to taste the region's celebrated Wachau wines, grown on terraced hillsides along the riverbank.

In the afternoon, relax on deck as terraced vineyards, hilltop villages and ancient monasteries drift past on the cruise toward Budapest.

At dinner time we arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. After your meal, step ashore for an evening stroll as the city's bridges, domes and riverfront palaces light up over the Danube.

The ship stays in port overnight.

After breakfast, arrive in Budapest — split by the mighty Danube into stately "Buda" and buzzing "Pest." A guided tour takes you along grand boulevards to the show-stopping Parliament building, the Opera House, Heroes' Square, the bustling Central Market, and the historic Chain Bridge, before ending at Fisherman's Bastion with its spectacular views over the rooftops. But Budapest saves its best trick for after dark — when the city's bridges and monuments light up, it's simply magical.

Spend a final evening in the Hungarian capital before another night on board.

Please note: the ship repositions between 23:00 and 01:00 and departs for Esztergom at 04:00.

Early in the morning, we arrive in Esztergom, a small town that served as Hungary's royal capital from the 10th to the 13th century. Crowning the hilltop above the Danube is the magnificent Basilica, the largest in the country and a truly unforgettable sight as the ship glides toward the shore. Step inside its vast, light-filled interior, then take in the sweeping views over the river and across to Slovakia on the opposite bank.

In the early afternoon, we set sail for Bratislava.

Discover Slovakia's charming capital on the optional guided tour of its compact old town. Along the way you'll see the National Theatre and St. Martin's Cathedral, where Hungarian kings were once crowned. You'll also pass through Michael's Gate, the last surviving gate of the medieval fortifications, visit the Old Town Hall, and take in the impressive castle watching over the river from its hilltop.

In the afternoon, we cruise back toward Vienna. As evening falls, celebrate a wonderful journey at the Captain's Dinner.

After breakfast, disembark at the Handelskai pier, where a private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the airport for your flight home.