Christmas Market Magic
Central Europe
- 11 days
- 9 nights
- 17 meals
Departures: Nov 30, 2026, Dec 05, 2026
Price from $5,999
Central EuropeMelodies of the Danube
From castles to palaces, let the mythical Danube take you back in time and into the history of the Old World. Get to know Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” and Salzburg, made famous by The Sound of Music. Discover Prague the inimitable and Vienna the imperial, a paradise for music lovers and art nouveau devotees. Fall in love with the rustic charm of Bavaria. This cruise is beyond romantic!
Port of departure:
Budapest
Cities on itinerary:
Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Grein, Linz, Salzburg, Passau, Vilshofen, Český Krumlov
- Moderate
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Wachau Valley
- Cesky Krumlov
- Day trip to Salzburg
- 3-night stay in Prague
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montreal – Budapest
Flight to Budapest
- Day 2: Budapest
Arrive at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and check in. Dorothea Autograph Collection Hotel 5* (June 2026 and 2027 departures) / Budapest Marriott Hotel 5* (Sept 2026)
- Day 3 : Budapest
Guided tour of Buda, a historic part of the city on the right bank of the Danube. Visit the Buda Castle District including Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, known for its impressive tower and mosaic roof. Board the ship in the late afternoon. Enjoy a welcome dinner. (B-D)
- Day 4: Budapest
In the morning, guided tour of the modern Pest side of the city and see the Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, and the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. Free time in the afternoon to explore the city.(B-L-D)
- Day 5: Bratislava
Guided walking tour of Bratislava in Slovakia to see the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic beauty. Free time then return to the ship. (B-L-D)
- Day 6: Vienna
Sightseeing tour along Vienna’s Ring Road to view the buildings dripping with character, including the Opera House, the Parliament, the neo-Gothic City Hall, and the Hofburg, the old Habsburg palace. Next stroll the pedestrian-only area where you’ll glimpse the gorgeous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B-L-D)
- Day 7 : Dürnstein – Melk – Grein
Walking tour of Dürnstein, the picturesque village where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Afternoon tour of Melk Abbey, the greatest specimen of Baroque art in Austria. Wrap up the day in Grein with a tour of the castle and a folk performance. (B-L-D)
- Day 8 : Linz – Salzbourg
Full-day excursion to Salzburg, where Mozart was born and The Sound of Music was set. Guided tour covering the historical city centre, the popular shopping street Getreidegasse, Mirabell Gardens, and the Old Market. On your way back to the ship, stop in Mondsee to visit the famous Basilika St. Michael. Dinner onboard. (B-D)
- Day 9 : Passau – Vilshofen
Tour of Passau, the “City of Three Rivers” in Bavaria. Its cathedral is home to the largest organ in the world. In the evening, arrive in Vilshofen and enjoy a musical welcome. Experience a little bit of Oktoberfest with a stein of local beer. (B-L-D)
- Day 10 : Vilshofen – Cesky Krumlov – Prague (310km)
Disembark and travel to Cesky Krumlov, one of South Bohemia’s most beautiful towns, to see the imposing Renaissance-era castle and take a guided city tour. Continue on to the capital of the Czech Republic. Grand Hôtel Bohemia Prague 5* (June 2026) / Carlos IV Hotel 5* (Sept 3rd, 2026) / Prague Marriott Hotel 5* (Sept, 17th, 2026) / Fairmont Golden Hotel Prague 5* (2027 departures) (B)
- Day 11 : Prague
Guided tour of Prague’s magical Old Town. Afternoon free to sample the cultural offerings: concerts, puppet shows, black light theatre, operas, the Museum of Communism, and more. Farewell dinner. (B-D)
- Day 12: Prague
Free day. (B)
- Day 13 : Prague – Montreal
Transfer to airport for return flight to Montreal. (B)
Inclusions
Montreal - Budapest and Prague - Montreal flights
Transportation by tour bus
4 nights in 5* accommodations
7 night cruise in Category E stateroom
French-speaking CAA-Quebec host and guides
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages with meal aboard the ship
1 before-dinner cocktail per day during the cruise
Free internet access aboad the ship
Activities and shows on board the ship
Handling of one suitcase per person
Onboard activities and entertainment with 20 passengers
Travel guidebook
Applicable taxes
Visas and electronic travel authorization
Tourist taxes
Departure and/or arrival tax for certain cities or countries
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
Claudie Beauvais
“After visiting more than 60 countries and spending many years travelling around the world with groups, I can say that I have truly found my calling.”
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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.