Christmas Market Magic
Central Europe
- 11 days
- 9 nights
- 17 meals
Departures: Nov 30, 2026, Dec 05, 2026
Price from $5,999
Eastern and Central EuropeBlack Sea to Blue Danube
Sail into history on an unforgettable journey through Eastern and Central Europe. Majestic castles, ornate churches, and stunning scenery await on the banks of the Danube. Explore Romania, then embark for a river cruise and explore through some of the most beautiful sites in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary and Austria. A host of excursions are included, curated so you can admire the region’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures.
Cities on itinerary:
Bucharest, Brașov, Sighișoara, Giurgiu, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Belgrade, Vukovar, Budapest, Vienna
- Fast
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Superb landscapes on the way through the Iron Gates
- Tour of Bran Castle
- Tour of the medieval Baba Vida fortress
- Sightseeing in the historic city of Pécs
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montréal – Bucharest
Fly to Bucharest.
- Day 2: Bucharest
Arrive at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check in. Hotel Marmorosch Bucharest 5*
- Day 3: Bucharest
In the morning, take a guided walking tour of Bucharest, dubbed the “Little Paris of the East” for its grand boulevards and its triumphal arch. Free time in the afternoon and evening. (B)
- Day 4: Bucharest – Bran – Braşov (195km)
Head to Braşov with a stop in the town of Sinaia to see the castle of Peleş, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful castles. This Neo-Renaissance–style masterpiece houses 160 rooms full of European art. Continue on to Braşov for a guided walking tour. Hotel QOSMO Braşov 5* (PD)
- Day 5: Braşov – Sighişoara – Braşov (215km)
For a visit sure to delight all Dracula fans, travel to Sighişoara, birthplace of Prince Vlad Tepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. Take a guided walking tour of the city to see the Clock Tower, Dracula’s house, the covered wooden Scholars’ Stairce, the evangelical church, and old town. Explore the town at your own pace in the afternoon, then return to Braşov. (B)
- Day 6: Braşov – Bran – Giurgiu (290km)
Depart in the morning for the city of Bran to tour legendary Bran Castle, a Transylvanian treasure linked to the legend of Dracula. In the afternoon, continue on to Giurgiu to board MS AmaVerde. (B-D)
- Day 7: Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo – Ruse (220km)
In the morning, travel by coach to Veliko Tarnovo, former capital of Bulgaria known for its 19th and 20th century Neo-Baroque architecture. Have lunch at a local restaurant followed by a guided tour of the city. Then enjoy some free time to explore the ancient fortifications. Return to the ship by coach. (B-L-D)
- Day 8: Vidin
Explore the city of Vidin and visit Bulgaria’s best-preserved medieval fortress, Baba Vida. (B-L-D)
- Day 9: Vidin – Iron Gates
Spend the day cruising through the Iron Gates, a series of breathtaking gorges. Visit Golubac Fortress, which dates back to the 14th century and offers spectacular views of the Danube. Sample local wines paired with Serbian cheeses and breads, then continue on to Belgrade. (B-L-D)
- Day 10: Belgrade
Take a guided tour of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, including the Nikola Tesla Museum, Kalemegdan Fortress, and the Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. (B-L-D)
- Day 11: Belgrade – Vukovar
Set sail in the morning. In the afternoon, dock in Vukovar and explore the city’s sights, including Eltz Manor. (B-L-D)
- Day 12: Vukovar – Mohács
Tour the city of Pécs, founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. See the early Christian necropolis listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the basilica, catacombs, Széchenyi Square, and the Mosque of Gázi Kászim Pasha, an iconic symbol of the city. (B-L-D)
- Day 13: Budapest – Vienna
Disembark in the morning and take a guided tour of the city of Budapest including the Buda Castle district, Fishermen’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Chain Bridge. Sail to Vienna. Grand Hotel Wien 5* (B)
- Day 14: Vienna
Take a guided tour of Vienna to see the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, and the historic city centre. (B)
- Day 15: Vienna – Montréal
Transfer to the Vienna airport and fly back to Montréal. (B)
Inclusions
Montréal – Bucharest and Vienna – Montréal flights
Transportation by tour bus
6 nights in 5* accommodations
7 night cruise in Category E stateroom
Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages with meal aboard the ship
Onboard activities and entertainment with 20 passengers
Free internet access aboad the ship
Travel guidebook
Handling of one suitcase per person
Applicable taxes
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
Activities and shows on board the ship
1 before-dinner cocktail per day during the cruise
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance
Take off with peace of mind thanks to protections tailored to your needs and budget. As a member, you enjoy up to 20% off your premium.
Host
Wim Bless
“I travel the world with great enthusiasm, still as fascinated as ever by the discovery of other peoples and cultures.”
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For personalized assistance, call 1-844-869-2439 or email us.
Other organized tours that may interest you
Our explore pledge: Travelling differently together
Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, according to the stateroom category indicated. Other stateroom categories are available. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. A minimum number of guests is required to ensure the presence of a CAA-Quebec Travel host. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.