2026: Magic of Advent on the Danube

Your wintery Advent cruise begins in Vienna, where, after embarking, you can explore your AMADEUS ship and join the cruise director for a Welcome Cocktail in the Panorama Bar. This is followed by a Welcome Dinner. Your ship remains in Vienna overnight.

Enjoy exploring wintery Vienna today! A morning city sightseeing tour in a comfortable bus takes you past the most beautiful sights of the Austrian capital. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to view the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, as well as to visit the traditional, romantic Christmas market in front of the palace. Here, the pervasive pre-Christmas atmosphere and the aromas of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and roasted almonds combine in an unforgettable, authentic Advent experience. 

In the evening, we recommend that music lovers attend the atmospheric “Sound of Vienna” concert, which will present a kaleidoscope of Viennese classical music. 

In the morning, your floating premium hotel reaches the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau. Your ship docks in Melk/Emmersdorf, where you can join an excursion to Melk Abbey or to  Dürnstein. At the end of the excursion, defy the weather and join us for a mug of warming glühwein (mulled wine) on board.

The rest of the day is spent on board, where you will have a wonderful view of the passing winter landscapes as your cruise ship travels towards Passau.

During breakfast, arrive in Passau, also known as the “City of Three Rivers”, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. In the morning, enjoy the romantic old town with its historic buildings during the course of an optional guided walk. The afternoon is a perfect time to visit the traditional Passau Christmas market. Early this evening your ship will depart this lovely city and head towards Regensburg.

A full day is spent in festively adorned, historic Regensburg. This magical destination where time seems to stand still, is best explored during a morning optional guided sightseeing walk.

After lunch, explore on your own or opt to join an excursion to the Christmas market in the royal Thurn and Taxis Castle. Revel in the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere filled with the aroma of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and roasted almonds, and stalls filled with local handicrafts. 

After lunch, you arrive in the Bavarian town of Roth, where the city tour of Nuremberg starts. The tour will take you to the most significant monuments and sights in picturesque Nuremberg. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the romantic Christmas market and taste the world-famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread) before returning to your ship, which will be waiting for you in the Nuremberg harbor. 

The captain invites you to join him at an elegant Gala Dinner onboard while your ship remains here overnight.

Enjoy another generous breakfast on board before starting your homeward journey. The entire AMADEUS crew wishes you a pleasant journey and a happy festive season. We hope to welcome you again soon!