8-Nights A New Year's Eve Cruise on the Danube - Small Group Journeys from $8,995

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1627659

Linking Western and Eastern Europe, the Danube has served as a vital artery of culture and commerce for countless centuries. What better place to usher in a new year of possibilities? Cruise the heart of Europe from Germany through Austria to Slovakia and back again, pausing to celebrate the New Year in Budapest — your vessel offering a ringside seat to a spectacular fireworks show over the Danube.

Ring in the New Year along the Danube River, with a grand fireworks display in Budapest celebrated from the privacy of your riverboat
In Vienna, stroll the stunning halls of Schönbrunn Palace and waltz like a pro with a private lesson in an exclusive local dance school
In the Austrian town of Melk, visit a Benedictine abbey housing a vast library of medieval manuscripts
Begin with a revealing tour of Munich’s iconic Residence Palace
Explore Slovakian cuisine with a local chef in Bratislava

8 nights from $8,995 per person

Featured Destinations

Passau

In the third millennium, Passau was considerably enlarged by the prince bishops of Passau, who made it their royal residence and capital of the largest Danube diocese. The wonderful Baroque buildings dominating the city today were built after a fire of 1662. One of the most striking is cathedral of St. Stephan, with the world's biggest church organ. One of the best ways to enjoy the magic of Passau is with a sightseeing tour. Other sights to see include: Neue Residenz - an Episcopal palace; Veste Oberhaus - Citadel of the prince bishops with the best view of the Old Town and confluence of the three rivers; Town Hall, which is lavishly decorated halls with monumental paintings; Niedernburg Abbey - tomb of Gisela, first queen of Hungary; Maria Hilf - an abbey and place of pilgrimage overlooking the town center; Dreiflusse-Eck - the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz; and St. Nikolai - a University church with Romanesque crypt.

Excursions

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Munich, 8 hours

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Cesky Krumlov, 7 hours

Private explorations in the quaint three river village

Melk

Gateway to the Wachau valley, Melk is world renowned for its magnificent Abbey. One of the most splendid examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, the Abbey dominates the town from high above the Danube river. Admire the splendour of the famous Melk Cross, the Abbey library and the Collegiate Church.

Excursions

Melk Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Melk and Duernstein, 4 hours

Melk Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour Wachau & Wines, 8 hours

Bratislava

Bratislava is Slovakia's capital and largest city. The Carpathian Mountains, which begin at the Iron Gate of Romania, finally come to an end here. Vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains meet the Danube River. The Austrian border is almost within sight of the city and Hungary is less than 15 miles away. Many beautiful monuments survive in the old town to tell of its past under Hungarian rule, and Bratislava's numerous museums are surprisingly rich. Franz Lizst visited Bratislava 15 times, and the opera productions of Slovak National Theatre rival anything in Europe. The old city, which is packed with museums and palaces, and the castle are the best parts of Bratislava - the rest of the city is pretty drab. Climb up the castle for great views and to check out the very interesting Museum of Folk Music within. The Slovak National Museum and the Slovak National Gallery on the river are also worth a visit. Hviezdoslavovo námestie (square) is a convenient orientation point, with the old town to the north, the Danube to the south, and Bratislava Castle to the west.

Excursions

Bratislava Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Bratislava, 4 hours

Bratislava Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour Bratislava & Devin Castle, 8 hours

Budapest

Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.

Excursions

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours

Vienna

Vienna is dominated by imperial castles and places: Schonbrunn, the magnificent summer residence, the Imperial Coach Collection, the Palm House, the Butterfly House, Belvedere Palace, magnificent state rooms in Hofburg, and the imperial crown in the Treasury. Stop by Ringstraße - the showplace of the monarchy built where Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the demolition of city walls. Important buildings include the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall and Vienna University. The world capital of music. A long line of great composers Johann Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Mahler and Schonberg all worked here. A city with splendid concert halls, such as the Golden Hall, from which the Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert is broadcast annually. International stars love to appear here in the State Opera, Volksoper, Konzerthaus, and at festivals like the Vienna Festival, the Klangbogen concerts during the Musical Summer, the Jazz Festval and the Haydn, Mozart and Schubert festivals.

Excursions

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours

Munich

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/28/2025 - 01/05/2026

from $8,995 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $8,995 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.

Remarks

Advertised price was quoted on 05/07/25. Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1627659

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Kathleen Stahl Travel Services

529 36th Street
Des Moine, IA 50312
USA

(515) 271-8091