Published itinerary
Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Nuremberg ↔ Vienna · 7 nights / 8 days · Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027
The sailing
Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Tauck's eight-day, seven-night Christmas itinerary connects Nuremberg and Vienna through Bavaria and Austria. Budapest and Bratislava are not on this route. Scheduled sightseeing and special Tauck events are part of the experience; consult the daily itinerary for the events on your departure.
Route reference checked 2026-10-12. Ships, excursions, and direction can vary by departure.
Best for travelers who want an escorted, scheduled program centered on germany and austria.
Trip highlights
- Nuremberg and Regensburg
- Passau and a Salzburg excursion
- Melk Abbey
- Vienna cultural visits
What's included
- Scheduled sightseeing and Tauck events
- Selected onboard alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
- Included gratuities as specified by Tauck
- Tauck Directors
Quick facts
- Route
- Nuremberg ↔ Vienna
- Length
- 7 nights · 8 days
- Departures
- Late Nov – Dec · 2026 & 2027 — ask us for current dates & availability
- Cruise line
- Tauck River Cruising
- Ship
- ms Joy / ms Savor, depending on departure
- River
- Danube
The ports of call
Market cities along the route
These guides cover selected ports, excursion cities, and endpoints—not a guaranteed market visit in every city. Check opening dates, transfers, excursion choices, and time ashore for your departure.
Germany
Nuremberg
The Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe's best-known Christmas markets, centered on Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt and documented since the 1600s.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 24
ExploreGermany
Regensburg
Regensburg offers several different market experiences inside its UNESCO old town, from Neupfarrplatz to the ticketed Romantic Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreGermany
Passau
Passau, where three rivers meet, concentrates its Christmas market in Cathedral Square, with selected Advent organ programs nearby.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 23
ExploreAustria
Salzburg
Salzburg's Christmas markets sit in baroque squares in Mozart's birthplace — and the 'Silent Night' chapel is a short trip away in Oberndorf.
Typical season: Late Nov – Dec 26
ExploreAustria
Melk
Melk Abbey, the baroque masterpiece above the Wachau Valley, hosts Advent markets and overlooks the most beautiful stretch of the Danube.
Typical season: Advent weekends
ExploreAustria
Vienna
Vienna hosts many distinct Christmas markets, from the large Rathausplatz and palace setting at Schönbrunn to the intimate lanes of Spittelberg.
Typical season: Mid-Nov – Dec 26
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Christmas Markets on the Danube
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Icons of the Danube — Christmas Markets
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Festive Danube Capitals & Yuletide Traditions
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Ready to plan this voyage?
Tell us your dates and group — we'll confirm current pricing, check whether a cabin hold is available, and walk you through the inclusions. No added VPC planning fee.