Travelpack

Budapest • Esztergom • Bratislava • Melk • Salzburg or Linz • Vienna

Celebrate Christmas in unforgettable style on a luxurious solo Danube cruise through the heart of Europe. From the festive charm of Budapest and Bratislava to the imperial elegance of Vienna and the breathtaking beauty of the Wachau Valley, every day is filled with guided sightseeing, magical Christmas markets, stunning winter scenery, and warm holiday traditions. Enjoy five-star comfort on board, exquisite festive dining, live entertainment, and the company of like-minded solo travellers as you experience the enchanting spirit of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria in one magical festive journey.

Day 1: Budapest
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Budapest Ferihegy Intl Airport
Shared Transfer Airport to Port
Your festive solo adventure begins as you land in Budapest and transfer to your five-star floating hotel. The dedicated crew offers a warm welcome, ensuring you settle comfortably into your stylish cabin. Your eyes will widen with wonder at the ship's spectacular holiday decor, featuring elegant garlands dressing the staircases and a majestic, illuminated Christmas tree taking center stage. After enjoying an excellent dinner in the refined restaurant, the atmosphere builds with anticipation. You will spend the evening relaxing and mingling with your fellow solo travellers, eagerly discussing the seasonal Danube highlights that await you.

Day 2: Esztergom
Wake up on Christmas Eve in Esztergom, one of Hungary's oldest towns. A guided tour reveals the magnificent neoclassical basilica, home to one of the world's largest altarpieces, alongside a medieval castle standing sentinel over the Danube. Back on board, enjoy an engaging demonstration of traditional Stollen- making, filling the air with festive spices. Your afternoon is spent cruising toward Bratislava. Bundle up to admire the frost-kissed, Christmas-card scenery shifting along the riverbanks, or stay cozy in the lounge as you share stories with new friends, eagerly awaiting the magical Christmas Day ahead.

Day 3: Bratislava
Draw back your curtains on Christmas morning to see a soft mist rising over Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. A morning guided tour reveals the beautifully restored imperial old town and the imposing 17th-century castle. Enjoy free time wandering cobblestone streets adorned with holiday decorations, perhaps trying traditional medovnky honey-ginger biscuits. This afternoon, the ship cruises into the bucolic wine region of Lower Austria. The holiday spirit peaks in the evening with a spectacular Christmas Day Gala Dinner, where you will celebrate the festive season with exquisite cuisine and wonderful company in a beautifully decorated setting.

Day 4: Melk
Awake on Boxing Day in the stunning Wachau Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and frost-dusted vineyards. Today features a guided tour of the breathtaking Melk Abbey, a honey-colored Baroque masterpiece standing resplendent above the countryside. Explore its famous 214-yard Emperor's Gallery and magnificent library, which feel exceptionally atmospheric during the winter season. Rejoining the ship for lunch, you will spend a relaxing afternoon cruising upstream through the scenic Nibelungengau valley. The day concludes with another superb dinner, expertly served by the attentive crew, followed by a cozy evening sharing stories in the ship's convivial lounge.

Day 5: Salzburg or Linz
Today presents a choice between two included excursions. Opt to stay in Linz for a guided walking tour of its Baroque old town, admiring the grand pastel facades and the majestic Trinity Column in Austria's finest square. Alternatively, join a full-day excursion to Salzburg, dominated by the Hohensalzburg fortress, to explore the birthplace of Mozart amidst its alpine winter charm. Whichever destination you choose, you will experience local Austrian culture and history firsthand. Return to the ship in the evening to unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and swap highlights from your day with fellow explorers.

Day 6: Vienna
Arrive in twinkling Vienna for a day steeped in imperial elegance. A guided tour takes you along the famous Ringstrasse to witness iconic sights like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg complex. After lunch on board, you will visit the spectacular Culture & Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace, where the grand imperial facades shimmer under warm lights and stalls offer seasonal crafts, roasted chestnuts, and sweet treats. The day concludes with a truly unforgettable evening on board the ship, featuring an exclusive, atmospheric live classical recital performed by a talented string quartet, capturing the authentic musical heritage of Vienna.

Day 7: Budapest
Relax on deck with a steaming mug of Glühwein as Budapest's majestic skyline comes into view. An afternoon guided tour highlights the city's architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District, followed by free time to explore the vibrant holiday markets. Back on board, celebrate your final evening with a splendid farewell dinner and a lively Hungarian Christmas folklore show. After a final breakfast the following morning, it is time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers. A comfortable transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight home, concluding your magical solo cruise.

Day 8: Departure
Shared Transfer Port to Airport

What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 7 nights all-inclusive cruise on board George Eliot
• Full-board meals
• All-inclusive drinks package
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursions
• Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Cruise Host
• All overseas transfers

Prices & Departures:
Total price inclusive of all charges:
B70750 Heathrow from £3,399pp
B70781 Manchester from £3,399pp
B70782 Edinburgh from £3,399pp
B70783 Dublin from £3,399pp

No fees payable locally

Deposit: £225pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on solo occupancy

Meal Plans