4Nights

Danube Christmas Markets 2025 - BASIC

Highlights of the Danube river cruise

You take the leading role in this Christmas tale.

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava and Linz to Passau.

A trilogy of cult films about “Sissi”, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, is always shown on German TV at Christmas. But this year, you can go one better: by visiting the Sisi Museum yourself. The Danube will take you there in festive style – with castles and abbeys lining the way as you pass through the most beautiful landscape imaginable. Vienna was made to fill you with Christmas cheer. Christmas lights shine out from the high windows of magnificent historical buildings. Meanwhile Baroque churches and opulent squares with sparkling Christmas markets and ice-skating rinks look like something out of a fairy tale. The Christkindl market in Linz also entices you in with the aroma of sweet treats, festive music and a sightseeing train that whisks you off to the peaceful, wintry Pöstlingberg Schlössl restaurant.

Vienna

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Linz

Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill.

SPA-ROSA

It’s so easy to relax on our ships that it almost seems as though they were built for this purpose only. Sit back, allow yourself to unwind and enjoy the warm temperatures as the scenery drifts by. Our aim is to help you to achieve complete relaxation and replenish your energy so that you finish your cruise invigorated, inspired and ready to get back to everyday life. Enjoy massages with nourishing oils and essences, facials to help your skin feel fully replenished and beauty treatments that will leave you looking radiant.

Itinerary

Passau is the starting point of your festive cruise. This is where the charm of the old town, church history and academic joie de vivre come together. Enjoy the first gentle waves of the Danube as you set sail and look forward to your cruise with a festive atmosphere and wintry landscapes. Welcome on board!

Wachau

The Danube runs through the magical UNESCO World Heritage Wachau and enchants you with its marvelous nature. A beautiful sight on your festive cruise.

Vienna

Arr 02:00 pm Dep 11:30 pm

Vienna has many stunning squares, and during Christmas season, almost every one of them is filled with the scent of cinnamon, mulled wine and sweet specialities! Christmas music can be heard everywhere, and you can shop for traditional arts and crafts amidst an imposing setting. Time to simply let yourself drift through Vienna. 

Trips

Do you fancy spending the whole day following in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi? Or would you prefer to sample a bit of Viennese coffee-house culture, do a spot of shopping, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and then maybe head over to Danube Island? You decide exactly what you’ll do, always confident that you’re in good hands. Your personal tour guide will help you to explore Vienna exactly as you wish.

price:

€ 399.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

german tour guide only

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Had an idea for a special tour? Your private people carrier for up to five people will take you to the exact sights that you want to see. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.

price:

€ 479.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Private Minivan

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Would you like to explore Vienna by yourself? Your private car for up to two people will take you to the exact sights that you want to see. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.

price:

€ 459.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Private car

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Enjoy a nostalgic ride through the beautiful city of Vienna. Discover the city in comfort, protected from the elements in an electrically powered classic car that travels at a maximum speed of 10 km/h. Sit back and relax as you explore the city. After a short taxi ride into the city centre, your tour will begin and you’ll take in sights such as the Hofburg Palace, the Town Hall, the elegant street, Herrengasse and Stephansplatz Square. The classic cars are modelled on originals from the 1920s.

price:

€ 299.00 per Reservation for max. 4 people

duration:

approx. 1.5 Hours

transport:

Taxi, Oldtimer and walking

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

When visiting Vienna, the coffee houses should not be left out. On a private tour you will experience the Viennese coffeehouse culture and everything that goes with it. Where does the delicious coffee come from, what roasts and varieties are used, and what is the celebration of coffee making all about? Trace the spirit of the old literati and artists and send your sense of taste on a journey of pleasure through the world of coffee in three of Vienna's best-known and most popular coffee houses.

price:

€ 999.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 4 Hours

transport:

Car and walking

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

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:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 65.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

In the evening, Vienna unfolds a very special magic. Just the artfully illuminated magnificent buildings that you pass on the Ringstrasse. And then this sea of lights! You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the thousands of twinkling lights from the Kahlenberg. At its foot you will find the wine-growing village of Grinzing. In a typical wine tavern you enjoy the evening with two glasses of wine, delicious snacks and traditional Schrammel music.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Meals and drinks: 2x 1/4l wine, small appetizers

Have a leisurely start to your day on your festive cruise in Bratislava, between baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. You can warm up with a delicious mulled wine at one of the many different Christmas markets.

Trips

A stroll through the city centre followed by a walk up to the castle to enjoy the views and, last but not least, a spot of window shopping at the Eurovea shopping centre. It’s up to you to decide what you’ll do. Your personal tour guide is very familiar with Bratislava and will show you the best sights and attractions.

price:

€ 259.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

german tour guide only

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Booking a private people carrier will ensure that you travel through the city in comfort, whether you choose to visit Castle Hill, the old town or the UFO restaurant with its observation deck. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish. Enjoy getting to know the fantastic city of Bratislava on a tour that’s as individual as you are.

price:

€ 499.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Private Minivan

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Would you like to go on a customised tour with your partner or travel companion? Your driver will take you to various sights and attractions including Castle Hill. You can also book an expert tour guide at the same time if you wish.

price:

€ 299.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Private car

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

When the lights illuminate the streets at Christmas, Bratislava has a very different atmosphere. There are numerous stalls all over the city selling typical specialities, handmade jewellery and much more. Take the City Express for a leisurely ride to the city's landmark, Bratislava Castle. Enjoy the view over the old town and a visit of the castle. Afterwards, walk through the old town past the beautifully decorated stalls and enjoy a delicious mulled wine and Christmas pastries.

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

City Express and walking

level:

Moderate

Get to know the Austrian city of Linz on your festive cruise. The city is buzzing with culture and art treasures. At Christmas time, Linz is even more impressive with its many different Christmas markets - simply marvelous! 

Trips

Explore the diversity of the Danube city of Linz with your private English-speaking tour guide and design the tour according to your wishes. From the impressive architecture on the main square to a hike to the Pöstlingberg and exciting discoveries in the museums, there are no limits to your choices.

price:

€ 399.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Drive relaxed from A to B with your private minivan and explore the diversity of Linz, the city on the Danube. For example, let us take you to the top of the Pöstlingberg and enjoy a fantastic view! Design the programme according to your wishes.

price:

€ 459.00 per Reservation for max. 5 people

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

Private Minivan

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Explore the Danube city of Linz in a very relaxed way for two with your private car. Between culture, nature and industry, Linz has a lot to offer. You determine the programme and we implement it for you. A private English-speaking tour guide can be booked on request.

price:

€ 429.00 per Reservation for max. 2 people

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

Private car

level:

Easy

Hint:

This excursion is only bookable on request. We recommend that you make a reservation online.

Linz has a long history. The capital of Upper Austria with its approx. 200,000 inhabitants is first mentioned in the second century as a Roman Lentia. The main square is surrounded by houses with baroque facades and beautiful Renaissance courtyards. Discover the town hall from the 15th century and the Feichtingerhaus from the 18th century. On your walk through Linz you will see the grand official Landhaus in Renaissance style as well as the Mozarthaus. The Old Cathedral, which was the Diocese of Linz' until 1909, was the work of the famous organist Anton Bruckner. Linz was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 - let yourself be inspired by this vibrant city.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 1.5 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Your festive cruise ends in Passau. On this cruise you will have collected plenty of magical experiences, treats and souvenirs for your loved ones to take home with you. Perfectly prepared for the holidays, you make your way back home again. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!

A-ROSA BASIC

The tariff for flexible (or spontaneous) relaxation. For certain travel dates we offer the "A-ROSA Basic" tariff with a limited contingent at short notice.

The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:

  • Indulge all day, every day: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, embarkation refreshment and daily coffee time (A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA: the main courses are served at the table)
  • Kids Club available on family cruises and all year round on the A-ROSA SENA
  • Water dispensers
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Free use of the onboard facilities such as sauna and fitness room1

1 No sauna on board A‑ROSA ALEA and A‑ROSA CLEA.

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 39 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)

Transfer railway station - Ship - railway station

You have the option of booking our transfer service from the railway station to the ship and back for € 40 per person in Passau and € 30 per person in Cologne. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.

Dates & Prices