The UNESCO World Heritage Wachau lies christmassy 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. The valley is lined with steep hills on which some of the best grape varieties in Europe grow. In between you will discover a castle, a palace or a romantic ruin on the hills, which testify to past times. With such an enchanted landscape, it is no wonder that numerous legends have been passed down from the Wachau, dealing with mythical phenomena or even real events such as the Napoleonic Wars.
Sisi is always on TV at Christmas. Even better: go to Sisi yourself. The Danube cruise carries you solemnly through castles and monasteries standing trellis in the most beautiful landscape. Vienna is tailor-made to evoke a festive mood. Advent glows from the high windows of the magnificent old buildings, and imperial palaces, baroque churches and opulent squares with glittering Christmas markets and skating rinks seem to have sprung from a fairy tale.
Directly at the border triangle with Austria and Hungary, on the southwestern border of Slovakia, lies the capital Bratislava, the largest city in the country. 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.
Passau, also known as the ‘city of three rivers’, is picturesquely situated at the point where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet in Bavaria. You should definitely try the regional cuisine in Passau. The highlights include local specialities such as ‘Dreiflüsseforelle’ (three-river trout) and sweet treats such as ‘Dreiflüsseschnitte’ (three-river cake)
"Gateway to the Wachau": Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the Danube valley from above. The town of Melk with its impressive Benedictine monastery sits majestically enthroned on a hill and offers you a breathtaking view. A perfect blend between city and nature.
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.
€ 79.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
You are about to enjoy a real treat for the senses as you experience the Wachau up close. You will be mesmerised by the famous Danube valley between Melk and Krems. Taking in this fascinating river landscape as you stand on the sun deck of one of the A-ROSA Danube fleet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is no wonder that the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an absolute must-see.
A true 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!
Christmas in Vienna is all about magic and cosiness. The Austrian capital features impressive, detailed lighting. Of course, delicious pastries from one of the many cafés are also a must: From gingerbread and biscuits to traditional stollen, no wish remains unfulfilled.
On this tour, you will get to know Vienna's most historically significant sights. We will begin with a drive along the Ringstrasse with its magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera, the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History, the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament Building, the city hall, the university, the stock exchange and past numerous palaces and monuments to famous composers, poets and artists. We will then continue to travel along the Prater with its famous Ferris Wheel to St. Charles's Church and the Viennese Music Association. One of Vienna’s landmarks can only be reached by foot due to its location – St. Stephen's Cathedral. After a brief tour of the outside, you will be taken back to your cruise ship.
€ 59.00 per person
approx. 3.5 Hours
Bus and walking
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.
€ 79.00 per person
approx. 3.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Easy
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.
€ 65.00 per person
approx. 3.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Easy
Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board
Bratislava is the place to be on Christmas Day. Start the day off peacefully amongst baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, art and coffee houses. Treat yourself to a delicious hot drink to warm up!
The Bratislava City Express is en route to the Bratislava Castle. From the 85-metre-high plateau, you can see far over the Danube. The city owes its name to Duke Wratislaw, who built the complex in the middle of the 17th century. Maria Theresia decided to reconstruct the castle a century later as you'll see on your visit today. After the castle, you will explore the historical centre with its Renaissance houses and baroque palaces by foot.
€ 39.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
City Express and walking
Moderate
Enjoy Boxing Day on board with a dreamy view of the winter landscape passing by and a delicious hot drink. Our tip: You can really let yourself be pampered today at the SPA-ROSA.
Passau, also known as the ‘city of three rivers’, is picturesquely situated at the point where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet in Bavaria. You should definitely try the regional cuisine in Passau. The highlights include local specialities such as ‘Dreiflüsseforelle’ (three-river trout) and sweet treats such as ‘Dreiflüsseschnitte’ (three-river cake)
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 many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
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 Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.
Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus
Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 19 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 € 25 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.
