LUXURY DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISE
November 30 – December 10, 2027
A Festive Journey Through Storybook Europe
A Private Women-Only Charter Through Europe’s Most Magical Holiday Markets
Experience the magic of the holiday season on our Luxury Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise, an unforgettable women-only private charter created exclusively for the Sisterhood Travels community.
This extraordinary land and river journey begins in the heart of Bavaria with a stay in Munich, where festive markets, twinkling lights, and centuries-old traditions set the tone for the season. From there, we embark on our brand-new, ultra-luxury river cruise ship, privately chartered in its entirety—meaning every guest onboard is part of our Sisterhood.
Sailing the legendary Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, you’ll experience Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets at the most magical time of year. Wander through storybook towns, sip mulled wine beneath glowing lights, and discover handcrafted treasures in some of the most enchanting settings in the world.
What truly sets this journey apart is the experience onboard. Our exclusive private charter allows us to create something far beyond a traditional river cruise—think curated daily experiences, immersive cultural moments, festive onboard events, and unforgettable signature celebrations designed just for our group. You’ll enjoy luxury accommodations throughout, from iconic, centrally located hotels just steps from Europe’s most famous markets to our beautifully designed river ship, where exceptional service, fine dining, and elegant spaces create a warm and welcoming home along the Danube.
But what makes this journey truly unforgettable is the Sisterhood. Traveling with like-minded women from around the world, you’ll form meaningful connections, share once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and create friendships that last long after the journey ends.
Our private charters are known to sell out well in advance, and it’s easy to see why—there is simply nothing else like this experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the Christmas markets of Europe in luxury, surrounded by an incredible community of women, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for.
Trip Highlights
- Christmas Markets Along the Legendary Danube
- Private Women-Only Luxury River Cruise Charter
- Brand-New Ultra-Luxury River Ship Experience
- Exclusive Sisterhood Signature Events
- Festive Culinary Experiences & Wine Tastings
OUR ITINERARY
November 30, 2027
Welcome to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria and the beginning of our magical Christmas Markets journey. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the historic Hotel Bayerischer Hof, one of Munich’s most prestigious luxury hotels, which is beautifully located in the heart of the city on Promenadeplatz Square. Spend the remainder of your day settling in, exploring the nearby Christmas markets, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere of Munich during this magical time of year. (No meals are included today)
Hotel: Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich
December 1, 2027
Today is yours to spend as you choose with your new Sisters. Our hotel is just a 5-7 minute walk to Munich’s famous Christmas Market at Marienplatz, and the enchanting Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacherplatz as well as the Christmas Village at the Munich Residenz are also within easy walking distance. This evening don’t miss our exciting Welcome Reception. (Breakfast and Evening Welcome Reception included)
Hotel: Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich
December 2, 2027
Today, we’ll depart Munich on our private charter motor coaches for the scenic journey to Passau, often called the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz converge. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed aboard our brand-new ultra-luxury river cruise ship, privately chartered exclusively for Sisterhood Travels. After settling into your beautifully appointed stateroom, take time to explore the ship and become acquainted with the exceptional amenities and elegant spaces that will be our home for the next eight days.
This evening, join us for a welcome reception and dinner onboard as we begin our Danube River sailing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, visiting some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets along the way. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
December 3, 2027
This morning we’ll arrive in Linz, where today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to step ashore and explore Linz’s festive Christmas market at Hauptplatz, one of Austria’s largest town squares.
For those wishing to explore further afield, an optional full-day excursion will be offered to the picturesque city of Salzburg, (All meals and beverages included onboard)
December 4, 2027
This morning we’ll arrive in Melk, where you’ll have the option to visit the magnificent Melk Abbey. Later in the morning, we’ll return to the ship and begin one of the most beautiful stretches of river cruising in Europe as we sail through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Throughout today’s sailing, we’ll host special culinary experiences and regional wine tastings, showcasing the flavors and traditions of Austria’s celebrated Wachau wine region. This afternoon, we’ll arrive in Krems, one of the valley’s most charming towns where you can independently explore with your Sisters.
This evening brings a truly special experience as we transform the sun deck into our very own Sisterhood Travels Christmas Market. Under the glow of festive lights, enjoy traditional Christmas market foods, warm seasonal beverages, and delightful holiday treats. The celebration will be accompanied by Alpine carolers, joyful sing-alongs, and a few festive surprises, creating a magical evening reminiscent of the beloved markets found throughout the region. (All meals and beverages included onboard)
December 5, 2027
Today we’ll arrive in the imperial city of Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital and home to some of Europe’s most spectacular Christmas markets, grand palaces, and musical traditions.
Sisters can choose from several included sightseeing options designed to showcase different aspects of this remarkable city. This evening, you will have the opportunity to join an extraordinary optional experience at Schönbrunn Palace. After the palace closes to the public, we’ll enjoy a special evening visit to this magnificent imperial residence, followed by a classical concert featuring orchestra, vocalists, and a traditional Viennese waltzing performance in one of the palace’s elegant halls. (All meals and beverages onboard included)
December 6, 2027
Enjoy a relaxed morning as we remain docked in the beautiful city of Vienna. For those wishing to continue exploring the city’s festive atmosphere, we will offer limited roundtrip shuttle service to Vienna’s main Christmas Market at Rathausplatz. If you prefer a quieter start to the day, you may choose to remain on our ship and enjoy a selection of festive baking and culinary experiences hosted by our onboard culinary team. Later today, we’ll bid farewell to Vienna and continue our journey downriver toward Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia. (All meals and beverages onboard included)
December 7, 2027
Today we arrive in the charming Slovak capital of Bratislava, a delightful city nestled along the banks of the Danube and known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, festive squares, and welcoming holiday atmosphere, which we’ll explore together on our included morning excursion. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to explore the Bratislava Christmas Markets, set throughout the Old Town squares, where festive wooden stalls offer handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and traditional Slovak specialties.
This evening, prepare for a special Sisterhood Travels signature event created exclusively for our beloved Sisters. While we’ll keep the details a surprise for now, you can look forward to a memorable evening filled with festive cheer and a few delightful surprises. (All meals and beverages onboard included)
December 8, 2027
This morning we arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s magnificent capital and often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” Today, you’ll be able to choose from three included excursion options, each offering a different perspective on this fascinating city. Following your excursion, enjoy time at leisure to explore Budapest further with visits to the city’s Christmas markets, including the beloved market at Vörösmarty Square and the festive market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
This evening, we’ll gather together for a Farewell Reception and Dinner onboard, celebrating the unforgettable experiences and friendships formed during our journey along the Danube. (All meals and beverages onboard included)
December 9, 2027
Late morning, we’ll bid farewell to our beautiful river ship and transfer together to our luxury hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time exploring Budapest with your new besties, revisiting favorite spots, or discovering more of the city’s festive charm. For those interested in experiencing one of Hungary’s most beloved traditions, an optional excursion will be offered to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic spa complexes. (Breakfast included)
Hotel: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
December 10, 2027
This morning, transfers will be provided to the Budapest Airport for our return flights home. As our journey comes to a close, we hope you leave with wonderful memories of Europe’s magical Christmas markets, the beauty of the Danube, and the new, special friendships you’ve formed along the way. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another Sisterhood Travels adventure in the future. (Breakfast included)
Trip Inclusions
- 10 nights/11 days luxury accommodations on land and sea
- All meals and snacks onboard from arrival to departure
- Unlimited beverages onboard including water, soda, juices, specialty coffees and tea, beer, top shelf wines and spirits, and in-room mini-bar
- Complimentary, unlimited WIFI
- Crew gratuities onboard the ship
- Roundtrip transfers between airport, hotels and piers
- Hotel and ship porterage
- All included shore excursions, onboard culinary and wine experiences, exclusive onboard events, and nightly entertainment as listed within this itinerary
- Deluxe, private transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private Cruise and Tour Directors
- Sisterhood Travels Group Leader
- Sisterhood Travels Swag and Surprises
LUXURY, LUXURY, LUXURY
This luxury ship features 4 decks with elevator access to Decks 2 and 3, a sundeck and outdoor seating areas, onboard bakery, dedicated wellness spaces including yoga room, spa, fitness center and outside wellness center, library and coffee bar, lounge, complimentary ebikes, 24-hour room service, and self-service laundry facilities and on-demand laundry service with pressing and steaming.
Stateroom Features:
All 210-sq. ft. rooms include a bathroom with smart privacy glass, and feature the following:
- Welcome Basket and Bottle of Sparkling Wine
- Luxury, Sustainable Bath Amenities
- Daily Electronic Newspaper
- Mini Library Selection
- Samsung ArtTV System
- Complimentary Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Quiet Sleep Sound Cancellation System
- Daily Housekeeping & Nightly Turndown
- Luxury, eco-friendly bed linens
- Panoramic Balcony Windows
- Coffee Machine
- Mini Refrigerator and minibar setup
- Portable Steamer
- 24-Hour Room Service
- Walk In Closet
The Art of Staying Flexible
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
- Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: $1000 per person
- 2nd Non-refundable payment due on or before November 30, 2026: $1,500 per person
- 3rd Non-refundable payment due on or before February 28, 2027: $2,000 per person
- 4th Non-refundable payment due on or before May 31, 2027: $2,000 per person
- Final payment due on or before August 31, 2027
PRICING
Double Occupancy-
LUXURY DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISE
PRICING
Single Occupancy-
LUXURY DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISE
important information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is an exclusive, luxury, private river cruise charter.
All staterooms are identical in size and layout. Roommate matching is available.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
- International airfare is not included in your pricing. You will fly into Munich (MUC) and depart from Budapest (BUD)
- You can arrive at any time on November 30, 2027, and depart at any time on December 10, 2027.
- Check-in time at our arrival hotel is at 3:00 pm.
- All international flight arrangements must be submitted to Sisterhood Travels on or before September 1, 2027. If you need help making flight arrangements, or to submit your independent flight arrangements, please click here for Airfare Information.
- Arrival transfers are provided only on November 30th from the Munich airport to our hotel. Departure transfers are only provided on December 10th from our hotel to the Budapest airport. If you arrive or depart outside these days and times, or you’re needing transfers or hotels elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Complete valid passport information is required on or before July 30, 2027. You are required to travel with a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of your return. If you fail to submit your information on time, we cannot guarantee your travel arrangements, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred.
- If you are traveling through London, an ETA will be required for entry, even as a transit passenger. Applications are accepted online, at the approximate cost of £10, subject to change based on governing authority. For more information please click here.
- You will be required to obtain an ETIAS tourist visa for travel within the European Union. This will become effective for all travel in the 4th quarter of 2026. Applications are not yet available, but we will notify you when it is time to apply electronically. For more information please click here.
GRATUITIES, TRAVEL INSURANCE & OPTIONAL EXPENSES
- Gratuities for the crew onboard are included in your pricing. While you are not obligated in any way to add additional gratuities, they are always welcome if you feel you’ve received excellent service above and beyond your expectations.
- Gratuities for excursion local guides and drivers are not included in your pricing. We will provide you with tipping guidelines for your trip.
- Travel Insurance is strongly recommended, including Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and is not included in your pricing. We will send you a quote via email.
- Any optional expenses or expenses related to anything not specifically listed in this itinerary are not included.
- Please don’t schedule any optional excursions on your own for this trip as we cannot promise that you will arrive in time at any location to make your independent excursion. Sisterhood Travels won’t be liable for any expense you incur because of this.
- There are no refunds for unused portions of this tour.
GENERAL
- Dates and times of itinerary as well as hotels listed are subject to change without notice due to operational or logistical reasons, and while sailing, are under the complete control of the Captain.
- Rates are subject to change prior to final payment as follows:
- Currency & Exchange Rates: All pricing for this program has been calculated in Euros. Should the exchange rate exceed $1.25 USD per Euro at the time final payment is due, Sisterhood Travels reserves the right to adjust pricing accordingly. Any required adjustment will be communicated prior to final payment and will be due upon notification. Sisterhood Travels will absorb minor currency fluctuations when possible.
- Fuel Surcharges: Cruise pricing is based on current fuel costs at the time of publication. In the event of a significant increase in fuel prices, the cruise line reserves the right to impose a fuel surcharge per person. Any applicable surcharge will be communicated prior to final payment and will be due upon notification.
- We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, assistive devices, scooters, walkers or rollators, or Zimmer-frames. You must be able to ambulate independently with no assistance from devices or others on the trip. It is imperative that you read the activity level description below.
- You will receive an invitation soon after you book your trip for our travel app, “Trip Plans”. You will need to download this app to your smart phone as this is where you will find the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding your itinerary in addition to all of the critical information you need to know.
Need a Roommate?
Cancellation & Refunds
Activity Level:
leisurely
This festive Danube River cruise is designed for travelers seeking a relaxed and comfortable pace while enjoying the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets. With a luxurious private ship, centrally located hotels, and a balance of guided experiences and free time, this journey allows you to explore at your own pace. Most activities are optional, and guests can choose between light walking, immersive sightseeing, or simply relaxing onboard and taking in the scenery.
Walking & Standing
This itinerary includes light to moderate walking, primarily in historic city centers, Christmas markets, and during guided tours. Walking tours typically take place on paved streets, cobblestones, and pedestrian pathways. Guests should be comfortable standing and walking for one to two hours at a time, with opportunities to rest, sit in cafés, or return to the ship as desired. Christmas markets are often explored at your own pace, allowing for flexibility in how much walking you choose to do. Some excursions, such as visits to Melk Abbey or certain areas of Budapest, may involve stairs or short uphill walks.
Transportation & Accommodations
Travel is primarily by luxury river cruise ship, offering a smooth and comfortable experience as you sail along the Danube. The ship docks close to city centers, minimizing the need for long transfers. Additional transportation includes private motorcoach transfers and occasional shuttle services. Onboard, you’ll enjoy spacious staterooms, elevators between decks, elegant lounges, and thoughtfully designed spaces that make moving around the ship easy and comfortable.
Pace & Physical Requirements
The overall pace of this journey is relaxed and flexible. Each day offers a combination of optional guided excursions, free time to explore independently, and opportunities to enjoy the ship’s amenities. There are no early morning physical demands, and guests can choose how much or how little they wish to participate.