Christmas & New Year on the Danube
Flights from London→Vienna → Salzburg → Melk → Weissenkirchen → Esztergom → Budapest → Esztergom → Danube Bend → Bratislava → Slovakia → Vienna → Wachau Valley → Melk→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £6295
per person
Overview
For those seeking a memorable escape over the festive period, we highly recommend Noble Caledonia’s Christmas and New Year river cruise along the Danube aboard the 100-passenger MS River Crown. Guests will travel through the very heart of Europe in great comfort, exploring a wonderful mix of the region’s historic and cultural diversity, witnessing stunning scenery, and visiting picturesque towns and villages, each boasting its own unique history and adorned with festive decorations.
Christmas in Central Europe is a special time, and nowhere is this more evident than in the cities, towns, and villages of the Danube. Noble Caledonia has planned this cruise to include the Christmas markets in Vienna, a ‘Mozart tour’ in Salzburg, and a day in the lovely Wachau Valley with a visit to the village of Weissenkirchen, where the traditional joys of Christmas can be best enjoyed. For those who wish to attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Noble Caledonia has made arrangements for a visit to the magnificent Melk Abbey.
Highlights
- Experience an exclusive private concert featuring the works of Mozart and Strauss on board the MS River Crown in Vienna.
- Enjoy a choice of curated excursions including Vienna's historic Ringstrasse, St Stephen’s Cathedral, or the iconic Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens.
- Take a dedicated full-day excursion to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, complete with a special musical performance.
- Immerse yourself in regional traditions with a guided tour of the Baroque Melk Abbey and an evening of gluhwein and Schrammel music in Weissenkirchen.
- Celebrate Christmas Day with festive dining and onboard entertainment as you sail the picturesque Danube.
- Explore the cultural history of Hungary with guided visits to the magnificent Esztergom Cathedral and the historic Palace of Godollo.
- Discover the heritage of Eger, featuring the Basilica of St John the Apostle, Eger Castle, and an authentic tasting of the famous Bull’s Blood wine.
- Experience a guided walking tour of Bratislava’s historic old quarter, Baroque palaces, and ancient city gates.
- Ring in the New Year in style with a grand concert in a prestigious Vienna venue followed by vibrant onboard celebrations.
- Uncover the history of Durnstein, the site of King Richard the Lionheart’s imprisonment, and enjoy a farewell dinner as your cruise concludes.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Vienna, Austria.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown and embark. After dinner this evening enjoy a concert on board featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Moor overnight in Vienna.
- 2
Day 2 Vienna.
This morning there will be a choice of tours. Join a city sightseeing tour of Vienna, driving around the ‘Ring' and visiting the Old Quarter including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Christmas market outside the City Hall. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens which has its own Christmas market. Return to the ship for lunch in Tulln and sail.
- 3
Day 3 Linz for Salzburg.
After breakfast today there will be an opportunity to join a full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our guided excursion will concentrate on Mozart's family and his musical contemporaries. Following lunch in a local restaurant we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg's most famous son. Return to the ship in the late afternoon. Alternatively, take a morning tour of Linz and after lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
- 4
Day 4 Melk & Weissenkirchen.
This morning we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor under the shadow of the great Baroque abbey which is situated on a cliff high above the Danube. After a guided tour of the abbey we will drive to the charming town of Weissenkirchen for some seasonal gluhwein and traditional Schrammel music. This evening there will be the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the magnificent setting of Melk Abbey.
- 5
Day 5 Christmas Day on the Danube.
A relaxing day as we enjoy the good food and festivities of Christmas Day on board.
- 6
Day 6 Esztergom to Budapest, Hungary.
On this morning's excursion, we visit Hungary's second city, Esztergom, and its magnificent cathedral. Continue outside the city to the villages and towns of the scenic Danube Bend. We re-join the vessel in Budapest and enjoy a late lunch on board and an afternoon and evening at leisure to relax or explore independently. This evening we hope to arrange an optional evening of music ashore (subject to schedules and availability).
- 7
Day 7 Budapest.
Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter and the Fishermen's Bastion, for fine views of the city. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon, depart on a tour to the Palace of Godollo, built in 1740 and the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Josef.
- 8
Day 8 Budapest.
Today we will visit the famous city of Eger, situated east of Budapest on the southern slopes of the Bukk Mountains. On arrival you will see the Basilica of St John the Apostle, built in 1831, and the second largest Cathedral in Hungary. Also see Eger Castle, revered among Hungarians as the fortress where a brave band of warriors halted the progress of an army of 80,000 Turks. Our tour will end with lunch in a local restaurant where we will also have the chance to taste the famous Bull´s Blood wine. Return to the ship for some time to relax before enjoying drinks on board and music by a local Gypsy Orchestra prior to dinner this evening. Moor overnight.
- 9
Day 9 Budapest.
A morning city tour will include the highlights of the former twin cities of Buda and Pest. See the ornate Houses of Parliament, the beautiful Matthias Church and admire the view from the top of the Fisherman's Bastion. In the afternoon, drive out of Budapest to Godollo, a small Baroque town where we visit the 18th century palace. This evening we hope to arrange an optional evening of music ashore (subject to schedules and availability).
- 10
Day 10 Esztergom & the Danube Bend.
Today you have the choice of staying on board as the MS River Crown cruises from Budapest to Esztergom. Alternatively, you may join the overland tour which will include the scenic and cultural highlights on Hungary's Danube Bend and second city of Esztergom with its cathedral. This evening we continue cruising towards Slovakia.
- 11
Day 11 Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna, Austria.
This morning there will be a guided walking tour of the pretty city of Bratislava, formerly known as Pressburg and a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. This afternoon, whilst cruising to Vienna, we will be joined by musicians who will provide entertainment into the evening for our New Year's Eve celebrations.
- 12
Day 12 Vienna.
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to one of Vienna's grand music venues for a New Year's concert. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon a city tour of Austria's elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen's Cathedral.
- 13
Day 13 Vienna.
Today there will be a choice of included tours from Vienna. Join a tour to the beautiful Vienna Woods, including the Roman City of Baden with its thermal springs, and Heiligenkreuz where the Medieval cloister houses the remains of the last Babenberger. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace.
- 14
Day 14 The Wachau Valley.
Today we reach the Wachau Valley, arriving in the morning in the picturesque town of Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Enjoy some free time ashore to explore and perhaps sample some of the town's delicious Marillenschnaps or strudel. We then continue our short sail on to Melk, where on arrival we will see the great Baroque Abbey situated high above the Danube, and after lunch on board, our afternoon excursion will take us to this imposing abbey including the Imperial Staircase, the Marble Hall and the abbey church. In the evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
- 15
Day 15 Vienna to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski graduated in History from Cambridge, before obtaining his doctorate from Oxford. He taught European history at Oxford and Queen's University Belfast before moving to the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, where he has been Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History since 2013. He is also Principal Historian of the Polish History Museum in Warsaw. Richard's academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, especially in the eighteenth century. An admirer of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart's operas. He has published four single-authored books, four edited books, and many articles in scholarly periodicals and collections, and is in frequent demand as a speaker at international conferences.
The Ship
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2026. The vessel offers the luxury of space and the public areas feature panoramic windows providing marvellous views of the passing landscapes. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. The friendly onboard crew will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Deck plan
Life aboard River Crown
The MS River Crown is an elegant, 100-passenger vessel offering a friendly, informal atmosphere with an English-speaking environment. With spacious public areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, it is perfectly designed for those who appreciate scenic river cruising in comfort.
Quick facts
Passengers
100
Year Built
2008
Refurbished
2026
Length
135 metres
Suites
Accommodations range from standard single cabins to spacious Queen Suites, all featuring en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Premium and Deluxe categories offer additional space, while higher-tier cabins benefit from French balconies or private seating areas.
- •Standard Single Cabins (12m²) on Main Deck feature single beds and non-opening portholes.
- •Premium Cabins (15.5m²) feature French balconies and beds configurable as twin or double.
- •Deluxe Cabins (22m²) include a fixed double bed, seating area, and marble bathroom.
- •Queen Suites (30m²) offer both French and private balconies, living area, and bathroom with bath and shower.
- •All cabins include TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, and telephone.
Life on board
The vessel features an elegant lounge and bar, a library, and The Club for quiet relaxation. The expansive Sun Deck provides a putting green, giant chess board, and loungers for enjoying the passing landscape.
- •Wellness area includes a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and hairdresser.
- •Sun Deck may close during low bridge transit or evening hours.
- •A lift services the Upper and Middle decks.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though service may be intermittent in rural areas.
- •24-hour tea and coffee available in the Atrium Lobby.
Dining
Dining is provided in an open-seating restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views. The culinary programme includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, followed by a served four-course dinner.
- •Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner.
- •Early riser tea, coffee, and pastries available from 06:30.
- •Afternoon tea with cakes and late-evening snacks served in the lounge.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified to Reservations; some requests may not be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates a cash-free system, with all onboard accounts settled in Euros at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are included in the holiday price, and the atmosphere remains smart-casual throughout the voyage.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated Sun Deck areas.
- •Dress code is comfortable and casual by day, smart-casual for evenings.
- •Voltage is 220V with European-style two-pin sockets.
- •Laundry service is available; dry cleaning is not provided.
- •Emergency alarms and safety procedures are detailed on cabin doors.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 21 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £6595 | £6295 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £6995 | £6695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7195 | £6895 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | — | — |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | — | — |
| Standard Single with porthole | — | — |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £8595 | £8295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC211226C
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes
Not Included:
Here is the information organized for your cruise options:
Christmas & New Year on the Danube (7-Night Cruises)
- Option 1: Christmas on the Danube
- Dates: 21st December – 28th December 2026
- Option 2: New Year on the Danube
- Dates: 28th December 2026 – 4th January 2027
Additional Notes
- Travel Insurance: Required/Recommended
- Optional Activity: Evening music event in Budapest available
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787