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.
On Christmas Eve we stop in Bratislava. The traces of the Austrian-Hungarian dual monarchy are omnipresent in the old town. A leisurely life between baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Enjoy your day individually in christmassy Bratislava.
On the morning of Christmas Day we leave Bratislava and make our way to Vienna.
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
Christmas in Vienna is all about magic and a sense of calm and peace. The Austrian capital boasts numerous Christmas markets throughout the city. The most popular market is located on Rathausplatz and is a must-see on any visit. The intricate Christmas light display in the city centre also makes Christmas shopping in Vienna a special experience. And of course, you cannot miss the typical Christmas pastries: From gingerbread and Christmas cookies to stollen, there is something for everyone.
How did Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, Emperor Franz Joseph and Maria Theresa actually live back then? Once a summer residence, later the year-round residence of the emperor, Schönbrunn Palace is an integral part of Vienna's history. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and holds valuable insights for you.
€ 69 per person
approx. 3.5 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
It will be an evening of superlatives! The Kursalon, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance in the 19th century by Johann Garben, is one of central Vienna's most beautiful concert halls. Once the location for musical events such as the Strauss brothers’ famous Promenadenkonzerte or creations by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The Salon's own orchestra Alt Wien, one of Vienna's most well-known classical music ensembles, will doubtlessly provide you with a veritable musical firework, comprising the best works of Johann Strauss and the most well-known arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Virtuoso musicians, excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists make for a truly unforgettable evening of highest artistic quality. A night to remember!
€ 79 per person
approx. 3.5 h
Bus and walking
Easy
Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board
It will be an evening of superlatives! The Kursalon, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance in the 19th century by Johann Garben, is one of central Vienna's most beautiful concert halls. Once the location for musical events such as the Strauss brothers’ famous Promenadenkonzerte or creations by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The Salon's own orchestra Alt Wien, one of Vienna's most well-known classical music ensembles, will doubtlessly provide you with a veritable musical firework, comprising the best works of Johann Strauss and the most well-known arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Virtuoso musicians, excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists make for a truly unforgettable evening of highest artistic quality. A night to remember!
€ 65 per person
approx. 3.5 h
Bus and walking
Easy
Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board
"Gateway to the Wachau": Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the Danube valley from above. The town of Melk with its impressive Benedictine monastery sits majestically enthroned on a hill and offers you a breathtaking view. A perfect blend between city and nature.
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 Danube cruise, you will be docking back in Engelhartszell (Passau) today. You will return home from the Queen of the Rivers with so many beautiful and memorable impressions. And if you don't want to leave us quite yet, why not explore the town and region on your last day? You can also extend your cruise in one of our partner hotels. See you soon and ahoy!
Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive.
Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA.
³Guests receive an extra voucher, valid for day of embarkation or disembarkation in Cologne and Engelhartszell. The transfer in Paris and Lyon is only included when booking the train tickets through A-ROSA.
⁴ The transfer is included when booking the flight through A-ROSA. You will receive an extra voucher with your travel documents.
⁵A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
