The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies christmassy 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. The valley is lined with steep hills on which some of the best grape varieties in Europe grow. In between you will discover a castle, a palace or a romantic ruin on the hills, which testify to past times. With such an enchanted landscape, it is no wonder that numerous legends have been passed down from the Wachau, dealing with mythical phenomena or even real events such as the Napoleonic Wars.
Sisi is always on TV at Christmas. Even better: go to Sisi yourself. The Danube cruise carries you solemnly through castles and monasteries standing trellis in the most beautiful landscape. Vienna is tailor-made to evoke a festive mood. Advent glows from the high windows of the magnificent old buildings, and imperial palaces, baroque churches and opulent squares with glittering Christmas markets and skating rinks seem to have sprung from a fairy tale.
Directly at the border triangle with Austria and Hungary, on the southwestern border of Slovakia, lies the capital Bratislava, the largest city in the country. 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.
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.
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.
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
Wien besitzt viele traumhafte Plätze. Und jetzt kommt’s: Auf wohl jedem funkelt ein anderer Weihnachtsmarkt und lockt mit dem Duft von Zimt, Punsch und lauter süßen Spezialitäten! Überall erklingt Weihnachtsmusik, und traditionelles Kunsthandwerk verführt zum Shoppen vor imperialer Kulisse. Und zwischen all der quirligen Vorfreude: Zeit, sich einfach mal treiben zu lassen.
Experience on Christmas Eve the enchanting Vienna with all its dreamlike places. On probably each sparkles a different Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and loud sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively Christmas atmosphere: time to just let yourself drift.
On this tour, you will get to know Vienna's most historically significant sights. We will begin with a drive along the Ringstrasse with its magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera, the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History, the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament Building, the city hall, the university, the stock exchange and past numerous palaces and monuments to famous composers, poets and artists. We will then continue to travel along the Prater with its famous Ferris Wheel to the Hundertwasser house, to St. Charles's Church and the Viennese Music Association. One of Vienna’s landmarks can only be reached by foot due to its location – St. Stephen's Cathedral. After a brief tour of the outside, you will be taken back to your cruise ship.
€ 59 per person
approx. 3.5 h
Bus and walking
Moderate
On Christmas Day 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.
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
Enjoy Boxing Day on board with a dreamy view of the passing landscape and look forward to relaxation. Tip: In the SPA-ROSA you can really spoil yourself.
After an exciting and thrilling Christmas cruise, you will dock back in Engelhartszell (Passau) today just a few days before the turn of the year. With so many wonderful experiences and enjoyable moments you will 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, Ahoy and a happy new year!
The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:
