AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, AND HUNGARY
Discover some of Eastern Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets on this cruise down the Danube River all from the comfort of your cruise ship so you’ll only have to unpack your bags once! In Budapest, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city from Fisherman’s Bastion with free time to peruse the local markets for gifts and souvenirs. We’ll see Bratislava Castle during our walking tour with time to sample Trdelniks (Chimney Cakes), Bratislavske rozky, and the well-known honey wine at Bratislava’s one-of-a-kind Christmas markets filled with live music, tantalizing aromas, and Slovakian handcrafted goods. Explore the stunning Melk Abbey with its incredible library and ornate Church and take a walking tour through Linz’ Old Quarter. In Austria’s Imperial City, Vienna, we’ll visit Belvedere Palace and visit one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our “Before You Depart” section.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- Overnight international flight
- 6-night cruise down the Danube:
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Bratislava (Slovakia)
- Melk (Austria)
- Linz (Austria)
- Vienna (Austria)
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 6-night cruise aboard the MS Vivienne
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
- 17 meals: 6 buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
- 2 glasses of wine, beer, or soda with dinner onboard
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager, and local English-speaking guides throughout
Tour Itinerary A - Budapest to Vienna
Tour Itinerary B - Vienna to Budapest
Guided Tour Pricing
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below and we will notify you once dates are available.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
To make your cruise more even more memorable, we’ll offer several optional tours and cultural/dining evening activities. These are subject to change (and others will likely be added), and the prices are approximate. They are payable by cash (euros) or by credit card with a surcharge. Note that optional tours are non-refundable.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Europe are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airport | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2020: Nov. 22 | New York (JFK) | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | 6:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 2020: Nov. 28, Dec. 7 | New York (JFK) | Swiss Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | 9:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved in your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon ship embarkation on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast on the boat on Day 8 of the itinerary. Please be sure to schedule your departure flight in the afternoon to accommodate disembarkation.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens do not require a visa to enter the countries visited. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries visited on this tour as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please advise us in writing should your address change.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
In December you can expect daytime highs in the upper 30’s with nighttime lows in the upper 20’s. It is the winter and many walks will be outside so please pack and dress accordingly.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The currency used aboard the ship is the Euro! You will have an opportunity to exchange US dollars to Euros at the beginning of your trip. You may also purchase Euros in the USA before departure. The ship does not have currency exchange facilities. Traveler’s checks are not accepted aboard the ship nor are they widely accepted in the smaller towns and villages along the route. For incidental expenses onboard (excluding optional tours) you may also use Visa or Mastercard but a small service fee will apply. During visits to major cities and onshore excursions, you will find that many of the small souvenir vendors may accept US dollars or Euros as payment.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.