---

November 12, 2025

With the Danube Auld Lang Syne – New Year’s Eve in Bratislava cruise, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers an itinerary that passes through some of the most iconic capitals along the Danube during the festive season, combining the elegance of the holidays with the charm of navigating this great river.

Aboard the Riverside Mozart, the eight-day journey provides the opportunity to explore Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia at a time of year when cities and landscapes take on a particularly enchanting and atmospheric light.

The itinerary begins in Passau, Bavaria, a historic city situated at the confluence of three rivers. Known for its Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau stands out during the winter for the intimate ambiance of its Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas market held in the main square.

Stalls display handcrafted products, traditional sweets, and local specialties, while festive lighting and music create a welcoming atmosphere. After boarding the Riverside Mozart, the cruise sets off along the Danube, heading toward Austria.

The first stop is Linz, a city that blends a rich Baroque heritage with a contemporary profile tied to culture and innovation. During the holiday season, Linz hosts several markets, including the one at Hauptplatz, where visitors can discover local culinary and artisan products.

Situated in a prime location on the river, the city also offers picturesque views of the illuminated banks and historic architecture, which contrast beautifully with modern cultural centers like the Ars Electronica Center.

The journey continues to Melk, renowned for its Benedictine Abbey, one of the finest examples of Austrian Baroque. The imposing complex overlooks the Wachau Valley, a particularly scenic stretch of the Danube recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting the abbey allows travelers to appreciate the region’s artistic and architectural richness, while the small historic center of Melk preserves the authentic charm of Austrian villages in winter.

The cruise then reaches Vienna, one of the itinerary’s main highlights. The Austrian capital is renowned for its elegance and the richness of its cultural traditions, fully expressed during the festive season through the numerous Christmas markets scattered across the city.

The most famous is Rathausplatz, in front of the City Hall, but smaller, more intimate alternatives include the markets at Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz. In these locations, the architectural setting and careful organization make the experience enjoyable even for those who prefer simply strolling among the stalls or listening to live music.

Vienna also offers a rich calendar of musical events during the holidays, ranging from classical concerts in historic theaters to recitals in grand imperial palaces.

The cruise continues south to Budapest, Hungary’s capital and a crossroads between Central European and Balkan cultures. Divided by the Danube, the city presents two distinct identities: Buda, historic and panoramic, and Pest, modern and lively.

The days spent here allow visitors to explore both sides of the city, from the Castle District and the Fisherman’s Bastion to the grand Heroes’ Square. Budapest also hosts very popular Christmas markets, particularly at Vörösmarty tér, where typical dishes such as goulash and local sweets can be enjoyed alongside mulled wine.

In winter, the city’s famous thermal baths offer a unique experience: outdoor pools remain accessible even in freezing temperatures, providing moments of relaxation in a truly scenic setting.

The journey then heads to Tulln, an Austrian town on the Danube, known as the birthplace of painter Egon Schiele. Here, the atmosphere is quieter and more intimate compared to the major capitals: the historic center retains the typical appearance of small Lower Danube towns and comes alive during the holidays with local initiatives and smaller yet authentic markets. This stop allows travelers to experience a different side of Austria, less tourist-focused and closer to everyday life along the river.

The highlight of the cruise is New Year’s Eve in Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital. Located along the lower Danube, the city strikes a balance between historical heritage and modern dynamism. On New Year’s Eve, the historic center becomes the heart of celebrations, with concerts, performances, and fireworks illuminating the castle and SNP Bridge.

Riverside organizes a gala evening on board with dinner, music, and a midnight toast, allowing guests to enjoy the festivities even from the ship’s deck, offering a privileged view of the river. The atmosphere is lively yet elegant, and the combination of the urban setting and onboard experience creates a refined balance between tradition and contemporary comfort.

The itinerary concludes in Vienna, where the ship returns the following day. On January 1st, the city offers a rich program of cultural events: from walks along the Ring to morning concerts, culminating in the public broadcast of the famous Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert. It is a symbolic way to close the journey, in keeping with the city’s musical and artistic identity.

Overall, the Danube Auld Lang Syne cruise provides an opportunity to experience the festive season in a context that combines history, culture, and hospitality. Onboard the Riverside Mozart, spaces are designed to ensure an intimate atmosphere and personalized service, while ashore the itinerary allows travelers to explore some of Central Europe’s most significant cities at a time of year when local traditions and rituals hold special meaning.

The cruise’s pace allows a balance between moments of discovery and periods of quiet reflection, accompanying the transition from the outgoing year to the new one with the silent continuity of the Danube as a guiding thread, the guardian of a journey that blends elegance, introspection, and the genuine pleasure of celebrating the holiday season in a unique way.

Do not miss further updates, offers, and news from Riverside Luxury Cruises on our Cruising Journal website.

Mara Di Dio

Comments