The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies in the Danube valley and enchants you with its beautiful landscapes. And of course, a visit to the landmark of the Wachau, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, should not be missed. Cities and nature have a special interplay here.
Vienna has many wonderful places. On probably each sparkles another Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere, and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively excitement: time to just let yourself drift.
Everyone has a different way of relaxation: in their cabin, in the sauna, on the sun deck, reading, walking or admiring the views. What can you do, except trying it all!
This is the starting point for your Danube cruise. Our recommendation: To ensure you have a comfortable journey, simply arrive the day before and stay overnight in one of our partner hotels. You can then experience the region around Passau before embarking on your Danube cruise.
Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not to be missed on your Christmas cruise.
The alleys of Dürnstein’s historic centre are cosy and car-free. Your relaxed stroll leads you to the Collegiate Church with its blue and white spire. With its colourful painting, the precious reliefs and the four obelisks, it is one of the most beautiful baroque towers in Austria. The English King Richard the Lionheart is inseparably connected with the history of Dürnstein. He was imprisoned in the castle of Dürnstein before he was released for a ransom. The ruins of the former Kuenringer castle lie above the town and dominate the image of the little town.
€ 25 per person
approx. 2 h
walking
Moderate
Vienna has many wonderful places. On probably each sparkles another Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere, and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively excitement: time to just let yourself drift.
From mid-November to Christmas, some of Vienna’s loveliest plazas are transformed into magical Christmas markets. The fragrance of festive biscuits and hot punch never fails to put visitors in a festive mood. After a drive around the Ringstrasse – the city’s grand circular boulevard where you’ll see many of the best sights – you’ll take a stroll through Vienna’s centre and explore the Christmas markets. You’ll find one of the most attractive ones – the Christkindlmarkt – on the square in front of the Town Hall. There’ll be plenty of time to wander through the narrow passageways between the stalls and look for souvenirs and stocking-fillers before the bus takes you back to the ship.
€ 55 per person
approx. 3.5 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
In Bratislava, keep an eye out for the Christmas Express: not only do the houses and streets boast extravagant decorations, but a beautifully adorned Christmas tram also travels through the city, enchanting passersby with delightful Christmas carols. Indulge in the warmth of a delightful mulled wine or punch at any of the numerous Christmas markets available.
Taking you directly to the most beautiful view, the Bratislava City Express will deliver you to the Bratislavský Hrad (Bratislava Castle). From the 85-metre-high plateau, you can see far over the Danube. The city owes its name to Duke Wratislaw, who built the complex in the middle of the 17th century. Maria Theresia decided to reconstruct the castle a century later as you'll see on your visit today. After the castle, you will explore the historical centre with its Renaissance houses and baroque palaces by foot.
€ 39 per person
approx. 2 h
City Express and walking
Moderate
The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies in the Danube valley and enchants you with its beautiful landscapes. And of course, a visit to the landmark of the Wachau, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, should not be missed. Cities and nature have a special interplay here. A beautiful 2nd day of Christmas on your Danube Christmas trip.
The Benedictine Abbey Melk is not only the landmark of the Wachau, but also one of faith and Austrian history. Since its founding in 1089, it has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine monks. It is regarded as a masterpiece of fusion of art, culture and nature, of faith and science. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Wachau from the 60-metre-high Melk Abbey, before taking a look at the imposing interior with its many baroque rooms.
€ 65 per person
approx. 2 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
After an exciting and thrilling Christmas cruise, you will dock back in Engelhartszell (Passau) today just before the turn of the year. With so many wonderful experiences and enjoyable moments you return home from the Queen of Rivers. Enjoy the last hours on board and in the city of Passau before heading back home. See you soon and Ahoy and a happy new year!
The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.
The hotel is located in the ‘Innstadt‘, which is part of the newly developed district ‘InnViertel‘ of Passau. The hotel offers two and three-room appartments. You can reach within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) the pedestrian area and the old town with the university and Stephen’s cathedral. A parking lot in the underground car park can be booked additionally for a surcharge per night. Each appartments is equipped with the following facilities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, kitchenette, spacious bathroom with underfloor heating, towel dryer, shower (some rooms with a bathtub), hairdryer, make-up mirror, toilet. The hotel has also a lift.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
Double occupancy
€ 109 pp
3-person occupancy
€ 79 pp
4-person occupancy
€ 69 pp
Hotel Residenz stands out with one of Passau’s top locations: right by the Danube, in the heart of Passau’s old town. All attractions are within easy walking distance. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the “Comfort” category and above have air conditioning. The hotel has five exclusive Suites or Junior Suites that are designed very differently. For prices and availability, please enquire when making your reservation. Soak up the hotel’s calm atmosphere by either relaxing in the small but comfortable sauna or listening to classical music with a glass of wine in the hotel’s very well-stocked library.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
FRI - SAT
Double occupancy
€ 79 pp
SUN - THU
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
FRI - SAT
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
SUN - THU
Single occupancy
€ 129 pp
FRI - SAT
Single occupancy
€ 119 pp
SUN - THU
Double occupancy
€ 109 pp
FRI - SAT
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
SUN - THU
The Hotel Spitzberg is ideally located just 500 metres from the main railway station and the centre of Passau. The historic part of the house was built in the 19th century and has rooms with art nouveau stucco ceilings. In 2010, the hotel was reopened with completely new furnishings, new bathrooms, new reception, hotel bar and breakfast room to 4-star standard. The rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower/WC, satellite TV, minibar, safe and free WLAN.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 79 pp
Single occupancy
€ 109 pp
Triple occupancy
€ 69 pp
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
Single occupancy
€ 119 pp
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
Single occupancy
€ 129 pp
This modern hotel in Passau is located in quiet green surroundings just 200 m from the Danube and 500 m from the town centre on the other side of the river. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival in the light-filled lobby, by the palms on the terrace or in your comfortable hotel room. The hotel bar is open in the evenings. Alternatively, you can enjoy complete relaxation in the spa, which offers a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and an infrared sauna. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 79 pp
Single occupancy
€ 69 pp
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
Single occupancy
€ 119 pp
Triple occupancy
€ 69 pp
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
Single occupancy
€ 129 pp
Located in a historical building dating back to the 14th century, Hotel Passauer Wolf has a very special atmosphere. Yet the hotel also meets state-of-the-art standards from extensive refurbishment in 2009. The fantastic location in the middle of the old town, right between the cathedral and the pedestrian zone, makes the hotel a perfect starting point for sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy your complimentary welcome drink at the bar or in your comfortably furnished room. Then relax in the hotel spa’s whirlpool and sauna. Use of the spa is included in the booking price. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 79 pp
Single occupancy
€ 109 pp
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
Single occupancy
€ 119 pp
Triple occupancy
€ 79 pp
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
Single occupancy
€ 129 pp
Hotel Wesenufer is located right by the Danube in Wesenufer, which is near Engelhartszell (7 km) and Waldkirchen am Wesen (4 km). The nearest train station is Passau (37 km). The hotel building itself is more than 300 years old and was carefully renovated in 2008 and 2013. All rooms feature a modern interior design to make you feel at ease. The rooms – some of which have a balcony or terrace looking on to the Danube – are equipped with a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, a phone, a safe, a minibar and a bathroom with a shower, toilet and hairdryer. The hotel also has three wheelchair-accessible rooms. Enjoy the view of the Danube from your terrace, the seasonal and regional meals in the Schloss restaurant, and the sauna and steam bath in the spa. Free parking is available on request. Guest and luggage transfer to and from the ship is available for a fee payable at the hotel. When booking, please inform the hotel of your requirements.
Information on opening hours:
Opening hours of the castle restaurant Summer (May, 1st to September, 30th)
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kitchen opening times:
Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Opening hours of the castle restaurant Winter (October, 1st to April, 30th)
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kitchen opening times:
Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 89 pp
Single occupancy
€ 109 pp
Double occupancy
€ 99 pp
Single occupancy
€ 119 pp
Double occupancy
€ 109 pp
Single occupancy
€ 129 pp
