Name: Christmas on the Danube
Brand: Viking River Cruises

Overview

Cruise through Northern Europe and Baltic Sea for 7 nights with Viking River Cruises, departing Budapest aboard Viking Egil. Highlights include calls at Bratislava and Krems, with 1 leisurely sea days between ports as you cruise through the waters of Northern Europe and Baltic Sea. Few things rival waking up in a new port most mornings, and this 7-night itinerary serves up exactly that kind of variety. Prices for this cruise start from £2,595 per person.

Viking River Cruises

Viking is the largest river cruise line operators in the world, with a fleet of 76 ships running sailings across four continents on an army of award-winning ships. The river arm of Viking is just one of Viking's cruise options, the super-premium Norwegian ocean cruise line known for its superlative cruise experience, small ships with Scandi-chic interiors and fantastic destination and cultural enrichment programme.

On the river, Viking offers cruisers the chance to sail in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US, offering facilities like sundeck swimming pools, relaxing Aquavit terraces and well-stocked libraries. Continually making new additions and expanding, Viking has recently upped its Nile river cruise game with two new ships, and also sails the Mississippi river.

The cruise line also champions themed cruises, taking passengers to the likes of the Passion Play at Oberammergau and offering exclusive pre-and post-cruise land tours.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Budapest

Day 3

Bratislava

Known as 'the little big city', Bratislava is smaller than most other European capitals, but still has plenty to do. From castles and clock towers to cocktail bars and 'the UFO Bridge', it's full of mysteries you'll want to unravel.

Day 4

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 5

Krems

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Linz is a charming stop on a Danube cruise for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it's home to Austria's largest cathedral. Secondly, it has an impressive array of art and science museums. Last, but certainly not least, it's the home of the delicious Linzertorte, which is especially popular around Christmas.

Day 6

Linz

Days 7-8

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Days 1-2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Krems

Day 6

Linz

Days 7-8

Passau

190

Passengers

Crew

2016

Launched

5000t

Tonnage

135m

Length

29m

Width

15kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Viking Egil

Warrior Poet

Egil is one of the most memorable Vikings to appear in the Old Norse sagas. Combining courage and brawn with high intelligence, Egil embodied ethicality and composed intricately beautiful poetry.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Wonderful river cruise

First time on a Viking River cruise and we had a brilliant time. Stayed in a swan cabin and it was very comfortable. The underfloor heating in the bathroom was a lovely touch especially in the winter. The food and staff were excellent. We met some really nice people. Would certainly recommend. It was that good that book another river cruise and an ocean cruise.

Viking River Cruises Viking Vilhjalm

Reviews

Wonderful river cruise

First river cruise and it didn't disappoint. Had 2 days in Budapest arranged by Viking the hotel was brilliant. Transported to ship which was very efficient. We stayed in a swan cabin. Thought this might have felt small and a bit dark, but it was the opposite. It was bright and airy. The shelf by the swan window was great for putting stuff on. It also let in quite a bit of light. The cabin was very quite and the bed lovely and comfortable. I would certainly recommend a swan cabin for a winter cruise. We visited the Christmas markets which were great. Most of the excursions where good. There was only two walking tours that were a bit boring, but that was due to us as we had already took in most of the sights on our before joining the tour. Food and drink was very good.

Viking River Cruises Viking Vilhjalm

Reviews

Interesting number of countries

Very comfortable and food and cabin really good. Very intensive ports and if you love cathedrals etc you will be happy!

Viking River Cruises Viking Rinda

Reviews

Outstanding

My first Viking river cruise along the Danube and one that I’ll never forget. Perfect service, great stopovers and food and cabin fantastic. My only quibble was that most of the actual cruising was at night so missed much of the beautiful landscape, but a small price to pay for time in amazing places. I have become a Viking addict as a result of this magnificent holiday

Viking River Cruises Viking Embla

Reviews

Attentive always - a stress free holiday

Always great care & attention given to all passengers from the moment picked up from the destination airport. Coach transportation to the ship very comfortable. All crew made us feel very welcome. Cabins were more than comfortable, all facilities & amenities were always maintained to a very high standard. Extensive choice when dining - beverages various & food always plentiful. Crew attentive at all times. Willing to assist if necessary. Places to visit on the cruise - carefully planned for all passengers ability. Have been with Viking several times- a wonderful break away. Cannot fault anything. Will definitely go again.

Viking River Cruises Viking Beyla

Reviews

The tour guides are well versed in the knowledge of their cities.

The ship is an intimate group of travelers , all with the same goals of seeing another part of the world. The staff is impeccable the captain interacts with the guest . The food is absolutely our standing ! The chief is available for all thee meals to custom create them for you. The tour guides that Viking has hired are well versed in their cities . In the evening the cruise director has chosen fun activities and entertainment for our enjoyment.

Viking River Cruises Viking Atla

Reviews

Happy reunions

We enjoyed a quiet winters cruise from Passau to Budapest meeting old friends in Passau, Vienna and Budapest. We had a touch of overnight snow and a few drops of rain during the day in Passau but otherwise the weather was quite acceptable albeit chilly. We were upgraded to a veranda suite but had mixed views about the smaller bedroom versus the additional "sitting" room. We ate breakfasts in the Buffet as it was too cold to eat on the Aquavit Terrace. There, we enjoyed a personal service from a Romanian steward. For dinners we ate in the main restaurant and enjoyed a free silver service. We dined with different guests most days and enjoyed a good variety of discussions. The guides for our trips were well trained and we enjoyed all the free visits. It was an altogether enjoyable way to visit old haunts and meet old friends.

Viking River Cruises Viking Var

Reviews

Excellent Danube river cruise, especially with extension in Nuremberg

Excellent 8 day Danube river cruise, with a 2 day extension in Nuremberg. Visited medieval towns in Germany, faithfully reconstructed after World War 2. Travelled from Belfast to Budapest via London Heathrow. Enjoyed 2 days in Budapest, including a visit to the tragic memorial, of the shoes on the bank of the Danube. One 'bucket list' item achieved! The cruise included a part day visit to Vienna, Krems, Passau and Regensburg. Our two baggage cases had been delayed at London Heathrow on 11 July 2025. One of these cases had been found and delivered to Viking Tor at Regensburg on 17 July 2025! Our Danube cruise ended in Nuremburg, and we added a 2 day extension in Nuremberg, to experience the presentation of the Nuremberg trials after World War 2! A second 'bucket list' item fulfilled! We arrived home in Belfast on 20 July 2025, and our second baggage case was finally found and delivered to my house on 30 July 2025. In summary, a summer cruise holiday, never to be forgotten!

Viking River Cruises Viking Tor