5Nights

Danube Enchanting Christmas 2024

Weihnachtsmarkt in Wien
Opernhaus Wien
Weihnachtsmarkt in Wien
Opernhaus Wien

Highlights of the Danube XMAS Cruise

The perfect accompaniment to Christmas: A poetic journey.

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Melk, Vienna, Bratislava and Cruising Day to Engelhartszell (Passau).

Plenty of time to enjoy a pampering manicure or massage in the SPA-ROSA – this is how our guests prepare for Christmas dinner. It’s not exactly stressful. The Christmas Day programme leaves nothing to be desired: the splendour of Melk Abbey followed by the frost-covered landscape of the charming Wachau valley. Then, to mark the occasion, opulent wine. Danube Baroque and imperial grandeur wrapped in sparkling lights. There’s a wealth of delicacies for the taste buds. Gourmet buffets and the Christmas Day menu vie with each other to impress you. Live Christmas music on the streets below Bratislava Castle. The Slovaks certainly know how to party.

Donaukreuzfahrten durch die Wachau

Wachau

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.

Wien in der Weihnachtszeit

Vienna

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.

A-ROSA Kreuzfahrten nach Bratislava

Bratislava

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.

Itinerary

A-ROSA Route Danube Enchanting Christmas eng Desktop
A-ROSA Route Danube Enchanting Christmas eng mobil

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.

A-ROSA Städtetrip nach Engelhartszell

Melk

Arr 07:00 am Dep 12:00 pm

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.

Melk entdecken mit A-ROSA

Trips

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.

price:

€ 65 per person

duration:

approx. 2 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Melk entdecken mit A-ROSA

Vienna

Arr 08:00 pm

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.

Flussreise Wien

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.

Flussreise Wien

Trips

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.

price:

€ 59 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Städtetrip nach Wien mit A-ROSA

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.

Flussreise auf der Donau nach Bratislava

Trips

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.

price:

€ 39 per person

duration:

approx. 2 h

transport:

City Express and walking

level:

Moderate

Bratislava Städtedtrip mit A-ROSA

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.

A-ROSA Wellness Flusskreuzfahrten

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!

A-ROSA Städtetrip nach Engelhartszell

A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive

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.

  • Full Board Plus: extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, additional embarkation snack and tea and coffee hour. On many cruises, seasonal supplements such as a midnight snack
  • High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
  • Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 31 October 2024
  • A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
  • Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1.¹
  • Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure.
  • Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
  • Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management.
  • Destination Scouts will help you make the most of every city experience with insider tips and recommendations.
  • Complimentary room service in every cabin category.²
  • Free use of the on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise.
  • Transfer between railway station³ or airport and ship⁴
  • 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration⁵
  • Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
  • Bathroom amenities and bathrobe in the cabin
  • On-board entertainment
  • Port charges

 

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.

Book now your trip with the Premium All-Inclusive package until 31 October 2024 and you will benefit from our attractive Super Early Booking Discount (limited contingent).

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

Arrival & hotel

A-ROSA RAIL & CRUISE

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Passau.

Train from € 179 per person (Return / 2nd Class).

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Vienna.

Train from € 189 per person (Return / 2nd Class).

ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN - AND PARK SAFELY!

If you plan your arrival individually, we offer you a parking space in a guarded car park for the length of your cruise.

Price from € 54 per car (Passau)
Price from € 54 per car (Engelhartszell)

OUTBOUND & RETURN FLIGHT; E.G. WITH LUFTHANSA, AIR FRANCE, SWISS

From various German airports and Zurich to Vienna, incl. transfer Airport – Ship – Airport (incl. taxes).

Flights from € 339 per person

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

Appartementhotel Rivers

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

 

Aussenansicht Spitzbergam Tag

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

Hotel Atrium Garni

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

Hotel Passauer Wolf Garni

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

Hotelzimmer Wesenufer

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Single occupancy

€ 109 pp

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

Double occupancy

€ 109 pp

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA BELLA

Donaukreuzfahrten durch die Wachau

A-ROSA RIVA

A-ROSA Donau