European Christmas Markets
Enjoy this magical time of year as Europe’s countries hold steadfastly to Old World holiday tradition and transform into fairy-tale Christmas settings. The sights and sensations of the holiday season are everywhere: locals and guests savor the tastes of chocolate covered Lebkuchen (gingerbread), sizzling grilled sausages, and spiced hot “Glühwein” (mulled wine).  Delight in the festively decorated markets and shopping for ornaments, crafts, candles, nutcrackers, winter hats, roasted nuts, and other traditional items.

To Europe
Transfer by Home Pick-up to your airport.  Depart today on your overnight flight for Europe.

Welcome to Prague
Arrive in Prague, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel. Your evening is at leisure.

Prague / Christmas Market
Enjoy a Prague City Tour and visit the Prague Castle, a castle complex from the 9th century. The castle has been a seat of power for Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and Presidents of Czechoslovakia. Also see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George Basilica, and the Golden Lane. Continue across the Vltava River via the famous and historic Charles Bridge, which dates back to 1357. Visit the Old Town Square to see the medieval Astronomical Clock installed in 1410. This afternoon, visit one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets in Prague.

Brno / Christmas Market / Board Ship
Motorcoach south to Brno, Czechia. Located at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka Rivers, Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. Visit the Brno Christmas Market, a vibrant celebration of Czech traditions, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and festive shopping. Later arrive in Budapest and board your ship, the Riviera Radiance. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner onboard tonight

Budapest
Your Budapest sightseeing tour presents you with a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with Hungary’s beautiful capital. Enjoy a photo stop at Gellert Hill, see historic Buda Castle, 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion and the marvelous Royal Palace. This afternoon, cruise the Danube Bend on the way to Bratislava.

Bratislava / Chrstimas Market
Enjoy a Bratislava Walking Tour. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop, and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. Traverse the restored old town, from Michael’s Gate, and admire the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, former coronation cathedral for Hungarian Kings. Visit the wonderful Christmas Market before an afternoon at leisure in town.

Vienna / Christmas Market
Enjoy an included Vienna City Tour. See the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, and the majestic Ringstrasse. The capital is also known as the “City of Music” for having once been the home of composers such as Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart and Johann Strauss. Visit the Vienna Christmas Market before free time in the city. Maybe visit the Schoenbrunn Palace on your own. This evening enjoy your Farewell Dinner and a String Quartet Concert onboard the ship.

Budapest / Christmas Market
Cruise the Danube this morning and enjoy a Christmas Bread Making Demo onboard the ship. “Stollen” is a traditional German Christmas bread with a sweet dough, nuts, spices, and topped with powdered sugar. Arrive in Budapest with free time to explore the Budapest Christmas Market before your final night onboard.

Fly Home
Transfer to the Budapest Airport and fly home to the USA.

The Ship - Riviera Radiance
Cruise the Danube River on the newly built (2025), beautifully crafted MS Riviera Radiance, a luxurious boutique hotel and the perfect place to unwind between onshore adventures.  This state-of-the-art ship provides a first-class experience to each and every guest with cabins and amenities on four decks.  Whether you are getting some fresh air on the Sun Deck, enjoying a drink with your fellow travellers in the lounge or curling up for a good night’s sleep in your spacious and well-furnished cabin, everything has been meticulously designed for your comfort.  The Sun Deck has a small pool, lounge chairs and great scenery.  The Upper Deck features the Panorama bar/lounge & a specialty restaurant while the Main Restaurant is on the Middle Deck. The fitness center & spa are located on the Lower Deck.  The ship has a small elevator that travels between the Upper, Middle & Lower Decks.  The beauty of river cruising is that the most interesting destinations come to you.

All Meals Included Onboard
Get ready for the day’s adventure with a buffet breakfast in the main dining room with hot and cold options. Onboard MS Riviera Radiance you have three dining options for lunch and dinner on most days. The main restaurant offers a buffet lunch and a four-course à la carte dinner. The Riverview Kitchen, available at no extra charge, takes its inspiration from a traditional grill restaurant and the Mosaic Restaurant where each course features a number of elements inspired by the rivers of Europe, paired with the perfect wine and selected by our sommelier. *The Superior Drinks Package includes four Wines, Beer, Soft Drinks, Mineral Water, Coffee and Tea during lunch.  From 6 pm to midnight, the above Drinks are included plus House Spirits, cocktail of the day, Port/Brandy & a special recommended wine with dinner.

Comfortable & Innovative Staterooms
After boarding, unpack only once. All staterooms offer river views and are bright & modern, and give you a little space of your own with the amenities and pleasant touches of a hotel.  Staterooms are on three Decks  - Upper, Middle & Lower.  The 12 Suites are on both the Middle (4-SS) & Upper Decks (4-GS & 4-SS). Staterooms & Suites feature TV, phone, private bathroom with shower, Nespresso machine, safe, mini-fridge, climate control, European Type C plugs & Wi-Fi.

Click here for a deck plan