5Nights

Danube Christmas 2024

Weihnachtsatmosphäre in Europa genießen
Winterliches Wien

Highlights of the Danube XMAS Cruise

A gift with the dark blue ribbon of the Danube.

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Bratislava, Vienna and Melk to Engelhartszell (Passau).

It’s just one day before Christmas, and yet you have time to take a leisurely visit to a picturesque village and afterwards enjoy a long spa treatment? An A-ROSA river cruise lets you forget the stress of Christmas and concentrate on your own personal wish list. Here a light blue abbey tower, there the picturesque landscape of the Wachau valley decked in a white frost. Through to festive Vienna, where you can decide what will best get you in the Christmas spirit: a carriage ride to the palace, white Lipizzan horses or Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral? And finally, to put the icing on the very successful Danube Christmas cake, a visit to the divine Melk Abbey.

Melk

Melk

The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies in the Danube valley and enchants you with its beautiful landscapes. And of course, a visit to the landmark of the Wachau, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, should not be missed. Cities and nature have a special interplay here.

Vienna

Vienna

Vienna has many wonderful places. On probably each sparkles another Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere, and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively excitement: time to just let yourself drift.

A-ROSA Wellness Flusskreuzfahrten

SPA-ROSA

Everyone has a different way of relaxation: in their cabin, in the sauna, on the sun deck, reading, walking or admiring the views. What can you do, except trying it all!

Itinerary

Map: Danube Christmas 2024
A-ROSA Route Danube Christmas eng mobil

This is the departure point for your Danube cruise. Our tip: to ensure that you get off to a relaxed start, travel the day before the cruise begins and spend the night at one of our partner hotels. This will allow you to explore the region around Passau, too. And when your ship sets sail for an exciting Danube cruise, you will have already enjoyed your first few adventures.

Engelhartszell (Passau)

On Christmas Eve we stop in Bratislava. The traces of the Austrian-Hungarian dual monarchy are omnipresent in the old town. A leisurely life between baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Enjoy your day individually in christmassy Bratislava.

Flussreise auf der Donau nach Bratislava

Bratislava

Dep pm

On the morning of Christmas Day we leave Bratislava and make our way to Vienna.

Flussreise auf der Donau nach Bratislava

Vienna

Arr pm

Vienna has many wonderful places. On probably each sparkles another Christmas market and entices with the smell of cinnamon, punch and sweet specialties! Christmas music plays everywhere, and traditional handicrafts tempt you to store against an imperial backdrop. And between all the lively excitement: time to just let yourself drift.

Karlskirche in Wien besuchen

Trips

From mid-November to Christmas, some of Vienna’s loveliest plazas are transformed into magical Christmas markets. The fragrance of festive biscuits and hot punch never fails to put visitors in a festive mood. After a drive around the Ringstrasse – the city’s grand circular boulevard where you’ll see many of the best sights – you’ll take a stroll through Vienna’s centre and explore the Christmas markets. You’ll find one of the most attractive ones – the Christkindlmarkt – on the square in front of the Town Hall. There’ll be plenty of time to wander through the narrow passageways between the stalls and look for souvenirs and stocking-fillers before the bus takes you back to the ship.

price:

€ 55 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderat

Christmas magic in Vienna

Christmas in Vienna is all about magic and a sense of calm and peace. The Austrian capital boasts numerous Christmas markets throughout the city. The most popular market is located on Rathausplatz and is a must-see on any visit. The intricate Christmas light display in the city centre also makes Christmas shopping in Vienna a special experience. And of course, you cannot miss the typical Christmas pastries: From gingerbread and Christmas cookies to stollen, there is something for everyone.

Karlskirche in Wien besuchen

Trips

How did Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, Emperor Franz Joseph and Maria Theresa actually live back then? Once a summer residence, later the year-round residence of the emperor, Schönbrunn Palace is an integral part of Vienna's history. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and holds valuable insights for you.

price:

€ 69 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderat

A visit to Schönbrunn Palace

It will be an evening of superlatives! The Kursalon, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance in the 19th century by Johann Garben, is one of central Vienna's most beautiful concert halls. Once the location for musical events such as the Strauss brothers’ famous Promenadenkonzerte or creations by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The Salon's own orchestra Alt Wien, one of Vienna's most well-known classical music ensembles, will doubtlessly provide you with a veritable musical firework, comprising the best works of Johann Strauss and the most well-known arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Virtuoso musicians, excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists make for a truly unforgettable evening of highest artistic quality. A night to remember!

price:

€ 79 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Leicht

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Städtereise nach Wien mit A-ROSA genießen

It will be an evening of superlatives! The Kursalon, built in the style of the Italian Renaissance in the 19th century by Johann Garben, is one of central Vienna's most beautiful concert halls. Once the location for musical events such as the Strauss brothers’ famous Promenadenkonzerte or creations by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The Salon's own orchestra Alt Wien, one of Vienna's most well-known classical music ensembles, will doubtlessly provide you with a veritable musical firework, comprising the best works of Johann Strauss and the most well-known arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Virtuoso musicians, excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists make for a truly unforgettable evening of highest artistic quality. A night to remember!

price:

€ 65 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Leicht

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Städtereise nach Wien mit A-ROSA genießen

A visit to Melk, the ‘Gateway to the Wachau’, brings you to the Danube Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can marvel at glorious landscapes. And no trip to the Wachau would be complete without a trip to Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery. This is a region where towns and landscapes appear to exist in perfect harmony.

Melk

Trips

The Benedictine Abbey Melk is not only the landmark of the Wachau, but also one of faith and Austrian history. Since its founding in 1089, it has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine monks. It is regarded as a masterpiece of fusion of art, culture and nature, of faith and science. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Wachau from the 60-metre-high Melk Abbey, before taking a look at the imposing interior with its many baroque rooms.

price:

€ 65 per person

duration:

approx. 2 h

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderat

Melk Abbey - The landmark of the Wachau

This is the departure point for your Danube cruise. Our tip: to ensure that you get off to a relaxed start, travel the day before the cruise begins and spend the night at one of our partner hotels. This will allow you to explore the region around Passau, too. And when your ship sets sail for an exciting Danube cruise, you will have already enjoyed your first few adventures.

Engelhartszell (Passau)

A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium All-Inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus all transfers and many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Full Board Plus: extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, additional embarkation snack and tea and coffee hour. On many cruises, seasonal supplements such as a midnight snack
  • High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine and a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks. Also besides the lunch and dinner hours. Exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges and champagne.
  • Super Early Booking Discount for bookings made until 30 April 2024; Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 29 February 2024 or 31 August 2024.
  • A-ROSA travel cancellation insurance (booking until 30 November 2023)
  • Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge on Deck 1.¹
  • Change booking one time free of charge up to 30 days prior to departure.
  • Half-day excursion included (from 7-night cruises)
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
  • Comprehensive service concept with guest relations management.
  • Destination Scouts will help you make the most of every city experience with insider tips and recommendations.
  • Complimentary room service in every cabin category.²
  • Free use of the on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness room.
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise.
  • Transfer between railway station³ or airport and ship⁴
  • 15 % discount on treatments in our SPA-ROSA
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration⁵
  • Free WiFi (excluding streaming services)
  • Bathroom amenities and bathrobe in the cabin
  • On-board entertainment
  • Port charges

 

¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.

² Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA.

³Guests receive an extra voucher, valid for day of embarkation or disembarkation in Cologne and Engelhartszell. The transfer in Paris and Lyon is only included when booking the train tickets through A-ROSA.

⁴ The transfer is included when booking the flight through A-ROSA. You will receive an extra voucher with your travel documents.

⁵A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.

Book now your trip with the Premium All-Inclusive package until 30 April 2024 and you will benefit from our attractive Super Early Booking Discount (limited contingent).

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donna Kabine

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donna Kabine mit Zusatzbett

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donna Kabine

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donna Kabine

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donna Kabine

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donau Aussenkabine S

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donaukreuzfahrt Zusatzbett

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Donaukreuzfahrt Kabine A-ROSA

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Donaukreuzfahrt A-ROSA Kabine

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donau Aussenkabine S

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donaukreuzfahrt Zusatzbett

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Donaukreuzfahrt Kabine A-ROSA

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

Donaukreuzfahrt A-ROSA Kabine

Arrival & hotel

A-ROSA RAIL & CRUISE

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Passau.

Train from € 179 per person (Return / 2nd Class).

Train operated by Deutsche Bahn from all German train stations to Vienna.

Train from € 189 per person (Return / 2nd Class).

ARRIVE ON YOUR OWN - AND PARK SAFELY!

If you plan your arrival individually, we offer you a parking space in a guarded car park for the length of your cruise.

Price from € 54 per car (Passau)
Price from € 54 per car (Engelhartszell)

OUTBOUND & RETURN FLIGHT; E.G. WITH LUFTHANSA, AIR FRANCE, SWISS

From various German airports and Zurich to Vienna, incl. transfer Airport – Ship – Airport (incl. taxes).

Flights from € 339 per person

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

The hotel is located in the ‘Innstadt‘, which is part of the newly developed district ‘InnViertel‘ of Passau. The hotel offers two and three-room appartments. You can reach within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) the pedestrian area and the old town with the university and Stephen’s cathedral. A parking lot in the underground car park can be booked additionally for a surcharge per night. Each appartments is equipped with the following facilities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, kitchenette, spacious bathroom with underfloor heating, towel dryer, shower (some rooms with a bathtub), hairdryer, make-up mirror, toilet. The hotel has also a lift.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Appartementhotel Rivers

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Double occupancy

€ 109 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 79 pp

4-person occupancy

€ 69 pp

Hotel Residenz stands out with one of Passau’s top locations: right by the Danube, in the heart of Passau’s old town. All attractions are within easy walking distance. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the “Comfort” category and above have air conditioning. The hotel has five exclusive Suites or Junior Suites that are designed very differently. For prices and availability, please enquire when making your reservation. Soak up the hotel’s calm atmosphere by either relaxing in the small but comfortable sauna or listening to classical music with a glass of wine in the hotel’s very well-stocked library.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 79 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

SUN - THU

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

FRI - SAT

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 109 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

SUN - THU

The Hotel Spitzberg is ideally located just 500 metres from the main railway station and the centre of Passau. The historic part of the house was built in the 19th century and has rooms with art nouveau stucco ceilings. In 2010, the hotel was reopened with completely new furnishings, new bathrooms, new reception, hotel bar and breakfast room to 4-star standard. The rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower/WC, satellite TV, minibar, safe and free WLAN.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

 

Aussenansicht Spitzbergam Tag

Double occupancy

€ 79 pp

Single occupancy

€ 109 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 69 pp

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

This modern hotel in Passau is located in quiet green surroundings just 200 m from the Danube and 500 m from the town centre on the other side of the river. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival in the light-filled lobby, by the palms on the terrace or in your comfortable hotel room. The hotel bar is open in the evenings. Alternatively, you can enjoy complete relaxation in the spa, which offers a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and an infrared sauna. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Atrium Garni

Double occupancy

€ 79 pp

Single occupancy

€ 69 pp

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 69 pp

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

Located in a historical building dating back to the 14th century, Hotel Passauer Wolf has a very special atmosphere. Yet the hotel also meets state-of-the-art standards from extensive refurbishment in 2009. The fantastic location in the middle of the old town, right between the cathedral and the pedestrian zone, makes the hotel a perfect starting point for sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy your complimentary welcome drink at the bar or in your comfortably furnished room. Then relax in the hotel spa’s whirlpool and sauna. Use of the spa is included in the booking price. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Passauer Wolf Garni

Double occupancy

€ 79 pp

Single occupancy

€ 109 pp

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 79 pp

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

Hotel Wesenufer is located right by the Danube in Wesenufer, which is near Engelhartszell (7 km) and Waldkirchen am Wesen (4 km). The nearest train station is Passau (37 km). The hotel building itself is more than 300 years old and was carefully renovated in 2008 and 2013. All rooms feature a modern interior design to make you feel at ease. The rooms – some of which have a balcony or terrace looking on to the Danube – are equipped with a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, a phone, a safe, a minibar and a bathroom with a shower, toilet and hairdryer. The hotel also has three wheelchair-accessible rooms. Enjoy the view of the Danube from your terrace, the seasonal and regional meals in the Schloss restaurant, and the sauna and steam bath in the spa. Free parking is available on request. Guest and luggage transfer to and from the ship is available for a fee payable at the hotel. When booking, please inform the hotel of your requirements.

Information on opening hours:

Opening hours of the castle restaurant Summer (May, 1st to September, 30th)
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kitchen opening times:
Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Opening hours of the castle restaurant Winter (October, 1st to April, 30th)
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kitchen opening times:
Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelzimmer Wesenufer

Double occupancy

€ 89 pp

Single occupancy

€ 109 pp

Double occupancy

€ 99 pp

Single occupancy

€ 119 pp

Double occupancy

€ 109 pp

Single occupancy

€ 129 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA DONNA

A-ROSA Donau Flotte

A-ROSA MIA

A-ROSA Schiffsflotte auf der Donau