Travel Bucket List Series- Christmas Time on the Danube River

Welcome back to my Travel Bucket List Series. I hope you have enjoyed the destinations I have highlighted throughout the year. Today my series continues with a river cruise down the Danube River during the holiday season. The European Christmas Markets have been high on my list, and what better way to see them than on a river cruise with AmaWaterways luxury cruise line. I was delighted to see the cruise line had partnered with Adventures by Disney for a few of these sailings. We cruised with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney last fall when we toured the Rhine River. It was a spectacular vacation, and I look forward to this sailing soon.

Where does the Adventure Begin?

Ariel View of Budapest- Photo Credit-Dreamstime

Before the start of the cruise, we plan on spending a few days exploring Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the ninth-largest city in the European Union. The city is split in half by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest’s central area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. We want to be close to the cruise terminal, so we plan to stay at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel. It is near the river and the downtown area. The hotel has 357 rooms and suites, most with a stunning view of the river.

View from the Sofitel Hotel of the Chain Bridge and the city of Budapest- Photo Credit-Dreamstime

First, a walking tour of the Buda, the western part of the city. The must-sees are

  • Buda Castle- the Royal Palace
  • Matthias Church-Catholic Roman church built in 1015 A.D.
  • Fisherman’s Bastion- Built in the 19the century as a look-out tower.
  • Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a railway that links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above.
Buda Castle – photo credit- Dreamstime
Matthias Roman Catholic Church- photo credit-Dreamstime
Fishermen’s Bastion- photo credit- Dreamstime
Budapest Castle Hill Funicular- photo credit-Dreamstime

Next on the list, a Tuk Tuk tour of the eastern part of the city, Pest. I look forward to seeing

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica-A Roman Catholic basilica named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose mummified right hand—Hungary’s most sacred treasure—is housed in the shrine.
  • Vajdahunyad Castle- considered the most romantic castle in Budapest.
  • Hero’s Square- noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes.
  • Shoes on the Danube’s Bank-A memorial to honor the Jews massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during World War II.
  • Hungarian State Opera House
St. Stephen’s Basilica – photo credit -Dreamstime
Vajdahunyad Castle- photo credit- Dreamstime
Hero’s Square- photo credit-Dreamstime
Shoes on the Danube-photo credit- Dreamstime

After a whirlwind couple of days in Budapest, we board our home for the next week on one of AmaWaterway’s beautiful ships and set sail to beautiful Vienna, Austria.

Vienna, Austria-photo credit-Dreamstime

Vienna is home to 20 or so Christmas Markets. One of the biggest is at Marie-Theresien Platz. There are 70 booths full of handicrafts, gift ideas, and food. In addition to all the shopping, there are children’s rides, live music, and more.

Christmas Market in Vienna- photo credit Dreamstime

Another must-do, visit a Heurige. A Heurige is a traditional wine tavern. I love authentic experiences like this.

Other points of interest in the city of Vienna:

  • Panoramic tour of the city.
  • Schonbrunn Palace- main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.
  • Strudel Making at the Palace
  • Visit Naschmarkt – large outdoor market
  • Ice Skating in Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace- photo credit -Dreamstime
Naschmarkt- photo credit-Dreamstime

After two days in Vienna, it is time to move on to the town of Durnstein. Durnstein is famous for ruins and wine taverns.

Durnstein-photo credit -Dreamstime

A tour of Dürnstein includes the famous ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein. There are incredible views from the castle of the river, vineyards, and villages. Then it is back on the ship to enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley. I am sure this will be just as spectacular as sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.

Sailing along the Danube- photo credits- Dreamstime

After a beautiful sail along the river, the next stop is Melk, Austria. Our visit to Melk will include:

  • Melk Benedictine Abbey- contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.
  • Marmalade making
  • Dance lessons
  • Wine tasting
Benedictine Abbey- photo credit-Dreamstime

Salzburg

The last stop in Austria is Salzburg. Here we will explore the Salzburg Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and Old Town, as well as the hidden alleys and shops that line Getreidegasse in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown. Oh, how do a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other significant sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music sound?

Salzburg- photo credit -Dreamstime


The Salt Mines of Hallein is among the oldest mines in the world that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria’s “white gold.”

Salt Mines – photo credit-Dreamstime

Passau, Germany

Our cruise takes us into Germany to the city of Passau. How does a tour led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing sound?. Then, experience a marzipan-making activity that will satisfy your sweet tooth—with enough yummy delights made to take some home!


Vilshofen, Germany

Our trip wraps up in Vilshofen. Vilshofen has a unique Christmas market in that it is a floating market along the Danube. Before heading to Munich to catch our flight, I plan on spending at least one day here exploring the market. It looks too beautiful to pass up.

So, what about you? Are you ready to add the Danube River cruise to your bucket list of destinations? Or perhaps a trip to Greece or Ireland is on your list? Wherever you choose, I hope you have the adventure of a lifetime.

About The Author

Heather

35 COMMENTS

  1. Alexis Farmer | 7th Dec 20

    I’m down for a Danube River trip! So much gorgeous architecture 😍

  2. Tricia Snow | 7th Dec 20

    Wow! What gorgeous photos! I love the architecture … the shoes always get me!

    • Heather | 8th Dec 20

      Yes, the shoes really make one think.

  3. Angela | 7th Dec 20

    I absolutely loved visiting Budapest and honestly we had some amazing food there too. The Bastion and Funicular day was our favorite and we finished with an amazing sour paprika pork stew that had a puff pastry lid – so dang good.

    • Heather | 8th Dec 20

      Oh that sounds delicious!

  4. Sabrina DeWalt | 7th Dec 20

    Sounds exciting. I hope you are able to get there next year.

  5. Roselyn Franke | 7th Dec 20

    I’ve been to the first three cities mentioned in your article, but not the others as I’ve not been on a river cruise yet – it’s been my dream and on my bucket list for some time now. When do you get to start your cruise?

    • Heather | 8th Dec 20

      We don’t have a date yet. I am waiting to see when this craziness is over.

  6. Lisa | 7th Dec 20

    I want to go on this trip! I love Salzburg!

  7. kmf | 7th Dec 20

    Yes! I would love to add the Danube River Cruise to my bucket list! Austria is at the top of my list when we can roam freely again so this river cruise would be perfect to see all the sights.

    • Heather | 8th Dec 20

      I thought of you when I was researching Austria.

  8. Barbara | 8th Dec 20

    This sounds so amazing to explore! WOW! I would love this adventure!

  9. Kristen W Allred | 8th Dec 20

    I loved looking at these pics of what I would get to see on a Danube River Cruise. I would enjoy going to the Christmas markets, exploring the ruins, and wine tasting. And, of course, the food!

    • Heather | 10th Dec 20

      I worry there won’t be enough time to do everything!

  10. Leeanne Miller | 8th Dec 20

    This trip down the Danube River looks amazing. I have been to Budapest and Vienna and I loved both of these cities. I’m sure you will have a great time on this cruise.

  11. Elaina | 8th Dec 20

    It’s like stepping back in time. I would love to visit their farmers market one day.

    • Heather | 10th Dec 20

      That is what I love about Europe. Everything is so much older than here in the states. It is so amazing.

  12. Ashley Pacheco | 8th Dec 20

    I think you’ve convinced me to do a Danube cruise, that is gorgeous!

  13. Julie Gazdecki | 9th Dec 20

    For sure an ultimate bucket list trip. I cannot even imagine how beautiful this would be in person.

  14. Taquia | 10th Dec 20

    I would love to go on a Dunbar River Cruise! Budapest is place I really want to see.

    • Heather | 10th Dec 20

      It certainly looks like an incredible city for sure.

  15. Stacey Billingsley | 10th Dec 20

    What an amazing trip! I would love to go. I’ve always dreamed of exploring Europe. This would be such a fun way to do it!

    • Heather | 22nd Dec 20

      Yes, it is a fantastic way to see Europe.

  16. Pam | 11th Dec 20

    I have always wanted to do one of these cruises! Fingers crossed soon.

  17. Missy | 11th Dec 20

    Yes, I am ready to go on a Danube River cruise!

    • Heather | 22nd Dec 20

      I am ready to go anywhere! LOL

  18. Cindy | 13th Dec 20

    I’d love to take that cruise down the Danube! It all looks so beautiful.

    • Heather | 22nd Dec 20

      Doesn’t it? I can’t wait to travel again.

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