Embrace the holiday season with a taste of Joyeux Noel. Explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary
Dates: December 13-20, 2025
Starts: Passau, Germany
Ends: Budapest, Hungary
Ship: Viking River Cruises “Skadi” (All-Inclusive)
All-Ages: LDS Singles
Countdown to the LDS Singles Danube Christmas Delight Cruise
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Welcome to our Viking Longship—”Skadi”
Our Viking Longships are elegantly designed for discovery and comfort. Each Longship is identical and features all outside staterooms, serene Scandinavian spaces and light-filled public areas. Purpose-built to navigate the Danube River, these Longships host 190 guests in 95 staterooms. To begin, select an area to explore from the menu on the right. Welcome on board!
Sail through the snow-covered landscapes of Europe’s countryside and admire the scenes of fairy-tale villages along the way.
- 7 Nights onboard
- All meals onboard (B,L,D, snacks & refreshments daily)
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
- Soft drinks and bottle water with onboard lunch & dinner
- Port taxes & fees
- Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Plus group activities
- Welcome Meeting
- Game Nights
- Group Dinners
- Airfare (however, Viking offers discounted rates for flights)
- Travel Insurance, highly recommended since life happens, and the only way you are covered if you happen to test positive before the trip. (Contact Cheri’s Travel Spot for pricing)
- There will be optional activities available at extra cost
- Gratuities for tour guides or drivers.
- Optional Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Photo Packages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry Services
- Phone Charges
Payment Terms, Reservations, and Pricing
Pricing:
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- Includes all taxes and fees.
- Availability is limited, and reservations are on a
first-come, first-serve basis. - Rates are subject to change
Booking:
- Full payment is due at the time of booking.
- Reservations are non-refundable.
Viking Airfare:
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- East Coast: $899
- Central: $999
- West Coast: $1099
- Allowed with a fee; they are considered a cancellation.
- Change must be of the same gender.
- Fee varies based on cancellation date:
- 130 days or greater: $250
- 129-100 days: 20% + $150
- 99-80 days: 35% + $150
- 79-60 days: 50% + $150
- 59-40 days: 75% + $150
- 39 or less: Non-refundable; no name changes allowed.
Standard Cabin
Standard F – Single: $5,923 Double: $2,924
Standard E – Single: $6,123 Double: $3,024
- Two Twins or One King Bed
- Stateroom size: 150 sq ft
- River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
- Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
- Telephone, safe, refrigerator
- Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
French Balcony Cabin
French Balcony d – Single: $6,923 Double: $3,424
French Balcony c – Single: $7,323 Double: $3,624
- Two Twins or One King Bed
- Stateroom size: 135 sq ft
- River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
- Telephone, safe, refrigerator
- Individual climate control
- Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
Veranda Cabin
Veranda b – Single: $7,923 Double: $3,924
Veranda a – Single: $8,323 Double: $4,124
- Two Twins or One King Bed
- Stateroom size: 205 sq ft (includes private veranda)
- River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
- Telephone, safe, refrigerator
- Individual climate control
- Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
Veranda Suite
Single: $11,923 Double: $5,924
- Two Twins or One King Bed
- Stateroom size: 275 sq ft (includes private veranda)
- River-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Binoculars
- Telephone, safe, refrigerator
- Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
- Individual climate control
- Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
- Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
- Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
- Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
Explorer Suite
Single: $14,923 Double: $7,424
- Two Twins or One King Bed
- Stateroom size: 445 sq ft (includes private veranda)
- River-view suite with private wraparound balcony offering 270-degree views off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Telephone, safe, refrigerator
- Binoculars
- Individual climate control
- Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryerWelcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
- Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections
- Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping
- Complimentary in-room breakfast service
- Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
- Silver Spirits beverage package included
- Private arrival/departure transfer in destination
- Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
Know before you go
- Airport – Fly into: Munich, Germany (MUC) This is about 2.5 hours from Passau. Flights must arrive by 10am on Dec 13, 2025
- Airport – Fly out of: Budapest, Hungary (BUD) This is about 30 min form the cruise port. Flights must depart after 1pm on Dec 20, 2025
- Additional Consideration: It’s recommended to arrive by Friday evening, December 12, 2025, to account for any potential flight delays or cancellations. However, this will involve an extra hotel stay and cost.
- Standards: This getaway is not a church-sponsored event, but LDS standards are expected to be maintained.
Ensure your flight bookings align with these details for a smooth and enjoyable trip. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Itinerary
*subject to changes.
Day 1: Arrival Passau, Germany Cruise Departs
Transfer Information
- Airport Transfers: Complimentary transfers to Passau are included if you booked your flights through Viking.
- If you arranged your own airfare, transfers can be purchased separately or organized independently.
Relax and explore your ship as you prepare for the unforgettable experiences ahead.
Day 2: Passau, Germany
Included Excursion: Christmas Traditions in Passau
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with this festive experience:
- Take a guided stroll through the Old Town, admiring the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ.
- Witness an Advent wreath demonstration, learning the art behind this beloved holiday tradition.
- Visit a local bakery to watch how gingerbread is made and enjoy a delicious sample.
- Explore the festive Christkindlmarkt, filled with handmade gifts such as woolens, glass ornaments, and wooden toys.
Enjoy time to shop, sip mulled wine, or simply soak in the holiday charm of this picturesque town.
Optional Excursions (Additional Cost Applies):
- Bavarian Farm & Countryside: Venture into the serene Bavarian countryside to visit a traditional farm, sample fresh local products, and enjoy the region’s idyllic charm.
- Salzburg Christmas: Travel to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and the setting of The Sound of Music, to explore its magical Christmas markets and historic landmarks dressed for the season.
After a day of festive exploration, return to your ship and relax as the journey continues.
Day 3: Linz, Austria
Included Excursion: Historic Linz at Christmas
Experience the festive charm of Linz with a guided walking tour:
- Discover Linz’s historic roots, once part of the Habsburg Empire, as you stroll along the Danube and through the Old Town.
- Admire the Hauptplatz, the city’s main square, with its baroque townhouses and New Cathedral, which you may visit if schedules permit.
- Explore the bustling Christmas market, where you can browse stalls filled with handicrafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats.
- Sip on a warm glühwein as you soak in the yuletide atmosphere.
Enjoy free time to shop for unique gifts or sample local delights like gingerbread and Linzer Torte.
Optional Excursions (Additional Cost Applies):
- Austrian Countryside: Explore the scenic beauty of Austria’s rural landscape, dotted with charming villages and breathtaking views.
- Mauthausen Memorial Site: Visit the historic World War II concentration camp for a deeply moving and educational experience.
- Cesky Krumlov at Christmas: Travel to the picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, where you can wander its medieval streets and enjoy its festive Christmas markets.
Relax onboard after your day exploring this festive and historic city.
Day 4: Krems, Austria
Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley
Sail through the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube. Pass terraced vineyards, medieval castle ruins, and picturesque villages that tell the story of vintners dating back to the Celtic and Roman eras. Enjoy unparalleled views of the valley’s natural beauty and historic legacy from the comfort of your ship.
Included Excursion: Göttweig Abbey at Christmas
Visit the stunning Göttweig Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery, during a Privileged Access experience:
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Wachau Valley to this majestic hilltop abbey.
- Step inside the 11th-century chapel, typically closed to visitors, and admire its historic significance.
- Marvel at the abbey’s intricate, hand-carved nativity scene, crafted by monks, as you learn about the abbey’s rich history.
- Take in panoramic views of the Danube River and the surrounding valley before returning to the ship.
Optional Excursion (Additional Cost Applies):
- Göttweig Abbey with Apricot Dumpling Demonstration: Enhance your visit to Göttweig Abbey with a culinary demonstration of Austria’s famous apricot dumplings, a regional specialty.
End your day with more scenic sailing or enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Krems’ historic streets.
Day 5: Vienna, Austria
Included Excursion: Panoramic Vienna & Christmas Market
Discover the highlights of Vienna with a 4-hour tour:
- Travel along the historic Ringstrasse by motor coach, admiring grand residences, imposing palaces, and elegant public buildings.
- Visit the Christkindlmarkt at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and stroll through the vibrant Maria Theresien Platz Christmas Market, known for its unique handicrafts and artistic décor.
- Enjoy free time to browse market stalls, shop for holiday treasures, or soak in the festive atmosphere before returning to the ship.
Optional Excursions (Additional Cost Applies):
- Vienna Sights Up Close: Explore Vienna’s landmarks on an in-depth guided walking tour.
- Festive Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the baroque summer palace of the Habsburgs and its enchanting Christmas market.
- Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions: Go backstage at the Spanish Riding School to learn about these magnificent horses.
- Mozart & Strauss Concert: Delight in an evening of classical music at one of Vienna’s renowned concert halls.
Vienna’s festive charm, rich history, and cultural elegance make this a day to remember.
Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia
Step into a winter wonderland in Bratislava, where the festive Old Town comes alive with the aromas of mulled wine, Slovakian delicacies, and the sounds of Christmas carols. The medieval Bratislava Castle stands watch over the city, while twinkling lights, a specially decorated Christmas tram, and markets spread across Hlavné Námestíe Square create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Included Excursion: Bratislava’s Christmas Market & Organ Concert
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through Bratislava’s festive streets:
- Walk along the Amber Road, the ancient trade route connecting Northern and Southern Europe.
- See the Gothic Universitas Istropolitana, Slovakia’s first university, and admire landmarks like the rococo Grassalkovich Palace, the President’s residence, and the Archbishop’s Palace, home to the mayor.
- Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, where a festive organ concert of Christmas carols fills the air.
- Explore the Christmas market in Hlavné Námestíe Square, browsing stalls filled with yuletide treats, handcrafted ornaments, and traditional Slovakian goods.
After the tour, enjoy free time to savor local delicacies, shop for unique holiday gifts, or simply soak in Bratislava’s enchanting holiday ambiance.
Day 7: Budapest, Hungary
The festive season enhances the romance of Budapest, a city divided by the Danube and united by its holiday charm. Explore Vörösmarty Square, home to the city’s largest Christmas market, or visit the market at St. Stephen’s Basilica, where nightly light shows illuminate the church’s facade. Across the river in Buda, Fő Square offers Old-World allure with seasonal festivities and an outdoor ice rink.
Included Excursion: Panoramic Budapest
Discover the highlights of Budapest with this 3.5-hour guided tour:
- Begin in modern Pest, driving along elegant Andrássy Avenue to admire the National Opera House and Heroes’ Square, a grand plaza of statues and monuments.
- Cross the Danube to Buda and explore the historic Castle District, including the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle.
- From the heights of Buda Hill, enjoy panoramic views of the Chain Bridge and the city skyline.
- Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure.
Included Excursion: Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica
Experience the holiday magic with a visit to Budapest’s festive Christmas market:
- Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, a stunning neoclassical cathedral adorned with holiday lights.
- Enjoy free time to browse the market stalls, savoring traditional Hungarian treats like goulash, langos, or sweet kurtosh (“chimney cake”).
- Take in the festive atmosphere with a 60-foot Christmas tree, ice skating, and twinkling lights.
Optional Excursions (Additional Cost Applies):
- Budapest Capital Hill Hike: Explore the city’s hills for breathtaking views.
- Grand Market: Flavors of Hungary: Discover the culinary delights of Budapest at the Grand Market.
- Dohany Street Synagogue & Jewish Budapest: Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history.
- Budapest Thermal Bath: Relax in Budapest’s famous thermal baths.
- Godollo Royal Palace & Gardens: Visit the stunning palace of Hungary’s Habsburg royalty.
End your journey with Budapest’s vibrant holiday spirit as the perfect finale to your festive river cruise.
Day 8: Budapest, Hungary & Departure
Departure Information
- Airport Transfers: Complimentary transfers to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) are included only if you booked your flights through Viking. If you arranged your own airfare, you can purchase transfers separately or organize your own transportation to the airport.
- Flight Scheduling: To ensure a smooth departure, schedule your return flight no earlier than 1:00 PM. This allows sufficient time for disembarkation and transfer to the airport.
Thank you for choosing this memorable holiday river cruise. Wishing you safe travels and joyful holidays!