Magna on the Danube Christmas river cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest, 20 December 2026 (7 nights)

Vilshofen is a charming German town on the edge of the breathtaking Bavarian Forest and the banks of the Danube, boasting sensational scenery worth taking the time to admire, a captivating old town you’ll want to explore, and a laid-back atmosphere worth enjoying between visits to bigger (and often busier) towns and cities. Known for being the birthplace of Josef Groll, a famous German brewer commonly believed to have created the first Pilsner lager, you can certainly expect to find somewhere to sample the local brews in Vilshofen. You’ll also find several places to sample the local cuisine, and some charming boutique shopping experiences you won’t want to miss out on. Beyond this, though, Vilshofen is all about embracing the great outdoors and soaking in the relaxing ambiance of such a quaint riverside town. Whether you’re looking to spend some time strolling Vilshofen old town, a hike up to a hilltop viewpoint, or a scenic stroll along the Danube, there are plenty of places to enjoy the great outdoors in and around Vilshofen. The definition of a hidden gem, your time here will be memorable, however you choose to spend it.

Known uniquely as Dreiflüssestadt ("City of Three Rivers"), Passau is a stunning Central Bavarian city on the Danube River, with the meeting point for both the Ilz River and Inn River found within the city’s limits – something of a natural phenomenon that makes for an excellent sightseeing opportunity. Throughout history, the position of Passau on the nexus of these three rivers allowed the city to grow into an important political and economic hub for the region, something that’s reflected in the impressive array of buildings you’ll have the chance to explore when you arrive. Passau also sits right on the German-Austrian border, meaning it’s still an important city to this day. This also affords Passau a unique culture, an interesting flavour profile with cuisine featuring dishes from both nations, and a lively atmosphere. For the active explorers among you, it’s a fantastic place for a hike into the forest-covered hills, or a bike ride along the Danube, but you won’t have to go far to see something spectacular. Passau’s Old Town is breathtaking, and you won’t have to travel far from the city centre to find some green space. One of the oldest cities in Bavaria, but far from dated, Passau is one place you’ll remember for a long time after you leave.

Austria’s third-largest city and one of the most interesting places to visit when cruising the Danube, Linz is a fascinating destination where you’ll find exciting architecture – both modern and historic – alongside experimental artwork, cutting-edge technology, and unique historic sites. An UNESCO City of Media Arts, it prides itself on innovation, and this affords the city a lively atmosphere; couple this with the culinary scene and it’s safe to say Linz is unlike anywhere else in the world. If you want to soak up the city’s culture, you’ll find a charming old town with boutique shopping opportunities and authentic culinary experiences in the heart of Linz. However, you’ll also find incredible destinations like the Ars Electronica Center here – a museum of the future which touches on topics from self-driving cars and robotics to 3D printing and so much more. That doesn’t mean that you can’t spend some time soaking up the sunshine and appreciating the great outdoors here, though; Linz is right on the river, meaning there are some incredible riverside routes to take advantage of here. Or, if you drive just over an hour south of the city, you’ll come across the stunning Kalkalpen National Park, one of the best places in the region for hiking. So, ultimately, however you want to spend your time in Linz, there’s something to look forward to.

Melk is undeniably charming and one destination you’ll want to look forward to on your cruise along the Danube river. A charming Austrian town with a population of roughly 5,500 people, this is an ideal port of call if you’re looking for somewhere a little more laid back with the opportunity to spend some time appreciating the luscious landscape of the Wachau region. Dominated by the imposing but incredible Melk Abbey, you’ll find a surprising variety of architectural styles in this small town alongside an array of fantastic walking and hiking routes, the chance to indulge in Authentic Austrian cuisines, and an abundance of sightseeing opportunities – be those hilltop castles, vibrant vineyard-blanketed valleys, or rolling forest-covered hills.

Sitting on the banks of the Danube, in the heart of Lower Austria, Spitz is a sensational river cruise destination and one place you won’t want to miss out on exploring when you get the chance. Encircling the base of the vineyard-covered hill known as ‘Thousand Bucket Mountain’, Spitz is somewhere where wine connoisseurs will feel right at home; the Wachau region between Melk and Krems is known for its wine production, and Spitz is located well-within this vibrant region. So, you can expect to find shore experiences like vineyard tours and wine-tastings on the agenda when you arrive. However, that’s far from the only thing this charming market town offers visitors, so don’t worry too much if you’re not a fan of wine. This stunning port of call is also home to several unique museums, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s history and learn more about everything from traditional baking to the area’s Stone Age settlements, and plenty of scenic places to stroll – be that a relaxing riverside route or a more adventurous hike up to a vantage point. Despite being a small town with a permanent population of fewer than 2,000 people, Spitz boasts a healthy amount of lively beer gardens, stylish wine bars, and inviting restaurants; you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to indulge in the local cuisine here, with local beers and wines the perfect accompaniment to the flavourful foods. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what type of traveller you are, because Spitz has something for everyone to enjoy.

Vienna, the City of Music, is one cruise destination you’re not going to want to miss out on the chance to visit. The capital city of Austria and the most populous urban centre on the Danube River, this is one of the world’s most livable cities – meaning you won’t have any trouble finding modern comforts among the historic landmarks littering the landscape. In fact, you’ll find an abundance of modern attractions and activities among the historic sites, interesting museums, and impressive monuments here. The Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna State Opera, and Otto-Wagner Pavilion are just a handful of examples of this. Vienna, though, is also known for its coffee culture and several culinary delights, from Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel to Knödel dumplings and Frankfurters. Fear not, though, for it’s also one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities, so everyone will find something delicious to enjoy while visiting – be that coffees and cakes, beers and sausages, or something else tasty. For those of you who want to take advantage of the welcoming weather this Central European capital enjoys, Vienna is home to several vibrant parks worth taking a stroll through. And, the Danube-Auen National Park borders the city, so you won’t have to travel very far to immerse yourself even more in this region’s charming nature. A destination with something for everyone to enjoy, Vienna is always a highlight on any cruise adventure in Central Europe.

Slovakia’s stunning capital city, which sits on the banks of both the River Danube and River Morava, Bratislava is a beautiful cruise destination boasting a unique history and culture. The political, cultural, and economic heart of this incredible Central European nation, you’ll find all the modern comforts of home in Bratislava, and an abundance of interesting activities to enjoy alongside flavourful cuisine, rich cultural experiences, and enriching sightseeing opportunities. At the foot of the Little Carpathians, a low mountain range stretching several-hundred feet above sea level, Bratislava’s charming blend of architectural styles are set against a stunning backdrop. So, even if you’re not impressed by the elegant mansion houses and art nouveau structures spread across this city, the natural beauty surrounding it is truly breathtaking. However you decide to spend your time in Bratislava, you’re in for a treat.

Cruise along the Danube River, explore stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hungary’s vibrant capital.