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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Dining
+
Beverages
+
Gratuities
+
Wi-Fi
+
Shore excursions
£5,999pp
Voyage Code: LINDBLADEOXDAN-271216
moon 7 nights
anchor Evolve
calendar 16 Dec '27

Cruise overview

Sail the Danube aboard the elegant Evolve and experience the heart of Europe at its most enchanting—when Christmas markets glow in town squares and centuries-old holiday traditions come to life. From Budapest’s grand boulevards to Bratislava’s intimate lanes and Vienna’s imperial courtyards, discover the region’s unique expressions of the season. Wander among artisans and carolers, savor local delicacies, and explore historical abbeys and castles in rare tranquility. Aboard Evolve, festive dining and music create the perfect complement to the magic ashore—a celebration of the season as it has been cherished for generations along the storied Danube.

Passau
Salzburg
Grein
Melk
Vienna
Bratislava
Budapest
Budapest

Itinerary

Day 1

Passau

Arrive in Passau and embark Evolve. Enjoy lunch on board, then take some time to get acquainted with this stunning ship, relaxing with a drink on the top deck, indulging in a soothing spa treatment or savoring a cappuccino as you browse the library. Settle into your stateroom later this afternoon, then enjoy dinner on board. 


Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

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Day 2

Salzburg

Day 3

Grein

Day 4

Melk

Day 5

Vienna

Day 6

Bratislava

Day 7

Budapest

Day 8

Budapest

Category C1from£5,999pp
Category C2from£6,139pp
Category C3from£6,179pp
Category C4from£6,409pp
Category S2from£8,589pp
Category S3from£8,659pp
Category S4from£8,969pp
Category F1from£12,009pp

Category C1

from£5,999pp
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These 210-square-foot cabins located at the back of the Main Deck feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sash window balcony and quiet sleep sound cancellation system. The cabins each have a European king bed or two twin beds (configured upon request), a 55-inch smart TV, desk and chair, minibar, individual climate control, mini library and ample storage including two wardrobes. Amenities include Wi-Fi, unlimited tea/coffee, bathrobe and slippers, hair dryer and sustainable bath products in the ensuite bathroom.

Photograph by: Transcend

Amenities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Desk
  • Air Conditioning
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)

Ship features

Accomodation
Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment

Accomodation

Setting sail in 2026, Connect features sixty 210 square-foot elegant and spacious staterooms (convertible to 420 square-foot suites), each one well-appointed with two large wardrobe closets, smart glass spa shower and full-width floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the charming riverside towns and pastoral landscapes. 

Dining

Exceptional cuisine is central to both itineraries and meals will be thoughtfully curated to focus on regional dishes and local ingredients. Food, wine and beer aboard Connect are all-inclusive, with premium spirits available for purchase, and a sommelier will be on board to assist with wine pairings.

Depending on the voyage, there are also a variety of memorable culinary experiences planned aboard ship. After a day in Strasburg, indulge in an epicurean feast paired with a cabaret-style chanson réaliste performance or enjoy Frühschoppen, a traditional German mid-morning gathering filled with hearty food and local drinks as you sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge. Off the ship in Antwerp, sample Belgian fries, waffles and chocolate on a progressive food tour, followed by a Belgian beer tasting hosted by a beer sommelier. Of course, there will be opportunities in some cities for independent exploration where you are welcome to dine out on your own.

Enrichment

The staff-to-guest ratio of 1:24 is an outstanding differentiator, ensuring our guests will be well cared for every step of the journey. Each voyage is staffed with an expedition leader, historian, a cultural expert and a certified photography instructor along with a National Geographic destination expert or National Geographic photographer—this seasoned team will enrich your experience with their depth of knowledge and bring Europe’s rich history to life both on shore and back on board during presentations or casual dinner conversations.

Entertainment

With an array of dynamic public venues, there is plenty of space to relax, dine, mingle with your fellow travelers, and connect more deeply with your destination through expert presentations and onboard experiences like wine tastings and musical performances. This contemporary river ship includes an expansive wellness area, the Forum, which is a two-story amphitheater, a restaurant and bistro, as well as a lively lounge with a well-stocked bar.