Xmas Mkts 2025

Escape the hustle and bustle this holiday season and treat yourself to an unforgettable 9 Day / 8 Night vacation from December 15 to 23, 2025, "Christmastime on the Danube" via Hungary and Austria. Picture yourself aboard a LUXURIOUS ship, boasting only 16 staterooms and 67 suites, as you sail along the picturesque Danube River. Your journey begins in the majestic city of Budapest, where you'll be whisked away on a magical adventure with stops in Bratislava, Melk, and culminating in Vienna. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets, adorned with twinkling lights and offering an array of handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and mulled wine. Indulge in the spirit of the season as you explore charming towns steeped in history and culture, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays in Europe's most captivating destinations.

Join Two Peacocks Travel for a magical, women-only holiday journey through Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, as we explore Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets and festive traditions. Start your trip in Budapest with a fun and scenic tuk tuk ride around the city, taking in the holiday lights and iconic sights before we kick things off with a festive welcome dinner celebration. After dinner, we’ll head to Vörösmarty Square for a dazzling Christmas Market celebration, where twinkling lights, mulled wine, and artisan stalls set the perfect tone for our winter adventure.
In Budapest, stroll across the iconic Chain Bridge and soak in the city’s festive charm before continuing to Bratislava, where we’ll explore the historic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Then, we journey to the breathtaking Melk Abbey, followed by a magical evening at a Royal Waltz Concert in Melk, filled with music, elegance, and holiday spirit.
Our final stop is Vienna, where Christmas comes to life in grand style. Tour the Imperial Palace, admire Gustav Klimt’s paintings at the Belvedere Museum, and take in the beauty of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna Opera House. Stroll through the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, savor seasonal delights, and celebrate the holidays with an inspiring group of women travelers. Let the warmth of the season and the beauty of Europe create unforgettable memories on this joyful winter escape.

Christmas traditions in Budapest, Melk, Bratislava, and Vienna are deeply rooted in centuries of history, blending religious customs, folklore, and festive celebrations. In Budapest, Advent is marked by twinkling lights, nativity scenes, and markets filled with handcrafted gifts and sweet chimney cakes. In Melk, the holiday season centers around the Benedictine Abbey, where centuries-old monastic traditions and festive concerts create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Bratislava celebrates with folk music, traditional crafts, and hearty seasonal fare, reflecting its Slovak heritage and medieval roots. Meanwhile, Vienna is renowned for its grand Christkindlmarkts, a tradition dating back to the 13th century, where the city’s baroque architecture provides a magical backdrop for sipping Glühwein, listening to classical music, and admiring intricate handmade ornaments—a timeless celebration of holiday spirit and old-world charm.

Embark on a truly unforgettable Christmas vacation aboard the AVALON IMPRESSION, a LUXURIOUS river cruise ship designed to provide unparalleled comfort and elegance. Featuring spacious panoramic suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River and the picturesque landscapes of Austria and Germany throughout your journey. The ship offers a range of amenities to enhance your experience, including a stylish lounge and bar, a well-equipped fitness center, and a serene outdoor deck perfect for soaking in the scenery. Indulge in gourmet dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes inspired by the regions you'll visit. With attentive and friendly staff catering to your every need, the AVALON IMPRESSION ensures a seamless and relaxing travel experience as you explore the charming Christmas markets and historic landmarks along the Danube.

Traveling with Two Peacocks Travel is a seamless and worry-free experience from start to finish. With meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of the journey, from accommodations to tours and transportation, has been carefully arranged. These Travel Besties, the dedicated team behind Two Peacocks Travel, ensure that travelers can relax and immerse themselves in their adventures without the burden of logistics. Ana and Sandy are there every step of the way to address any concerns or issues that may arise. With Two Peacocks Travel, wanderers can embark on their journeys with ease of mind, knowing that their every need is taken care of by experienced and attentive professionals.

Sandy and Ana
Co-Founders/Owners of Two Peacocks Travel

$5888 PP, Double Occupancy (ONLY 5 ROOMS AVAILABLE)
Panorama Suite
Sorry no single occupancy available

Payment Plans Offered
with final payment due Sept 9, 2025.

*Prices are per person, we pair you with another traveler if you are a solo traveler.

10 Travel Besties (Double Occupancy) Available

Day 1: ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST

Welcome to Budapest! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to our hotel, where we’ll check in and settle in for the night. For those who arrive early, there’s an option to enjoy an early dinner together before taking the evening to relax and rest. Tomorrow, we begin our exciting adventure exploring the festive charm and rich history of this beautiful city.

Day 2: BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING AND CHRISTMAS MARKET

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll kick off our Budapest adventure with a fun and scenic 2-hour tuk tuk tour of the city, taking in its iconic sights and festive holiday charm. We’ll enjoy lunch out in the city, soaking in the local flavors before heading to Vörösmarty Square, home to Budapest’s most beloved Christmas market. Here, we’ll wander through beautifully decorated stalls offering handmade crafts, holiday treats, and warm mulled wine, all set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and seasonal music. In the evening, we’ll gather for a festive Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of our magical holiday journey together.
(Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3: BUDAPEST EMBARKATION

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we’ll check out and head to the Danube River, where we’ll board the Avalon Impression, a luxurious river cruise ship designed for comfort and style. Known for its elegant design and spacious staterooms, the Avalon Impression offers panoramic views of the stunning river landscapes, making it the perfect vessel for our Christmas Market river cruise. Check-in begins at noon, giving us plenty of time to settle into our beautifully appointed accommodations. Once on board, we’ll be immersed in the festive atmosphere of the ship as we prepare to sail along the historic Danube, passing charming towns and scenic landscapes on our unforgettable holiday journey.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 4: BUDAPEST EXCURSION

Take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the grandeur of Heroes’ Square, a historic site commemorating Hungary's millennium, and other iconic landmarks in Budapest, a city with a rich history shaped by Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences. Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon to wander through the city, taking in the beauty of the Chain Bridge, Budapest's first permanent bridge, and discovering the cozy cafés, lively pubs, and vibrant Christmas markets that Budapest is famous for during the holiday season. In the evening, relax and enjoy live entertainment onboard as we continue our festive journey.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 5: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a thrilling day of adventure in Bratislava, a city rich in history and holiday cheer. Our journey begins with a guided sightseeing tour through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, where we’ll explore the charm of medieval architecture and stop by Town Hall. Next, we’ll visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral, the historic site of Hungarian coronations for centuries, before heading to the Crowning Castle, where stunning views of the city and the Danube River await. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava, wandering through the spruce-lined stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and the warmth of holiday spirit. It’s a day filled with exploration, history, and festive magic.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 6: MELK, AUSTRIA

After breakfast, we embark on a Classic Excursion to the magnificent Melk Benedictine Abbey, where we’ll marvel at its frescoed ceilings and intricate statues. After exploring the abbey’s breathtaking architecture and history, we’ll continue our journey through the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoying delicious Austrian cookies tasting while cruising along the Danube River toward Vienna.

In the evening, for those who wish to experience more, we’ll offer offer the Royal Waltz Concert, where you’ll enjoy a night of live classical music in an elegant hall, surrounded by the beauty and grandeur of the region or the optional spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues (optional Mozart and Johann Strauss concert not included).

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 7: VIENNA EXCURSIONS

Begin your day with a Classic Excursion exploring the grandeur of Vienna, once the heart of the Habsburg Empire. A guided city tour will take you through Vienna’s stunning landmarks, including the majestic Imperial Palace, the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and the breathtaking St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After a day of immersing yourself in the city’s imperial history, enjoy a leisurely evening with free time to explore the enchanting Christkindlesmarkt, where twinkling lights and festive stalls create a magical holiday atmosphere. Alternatively, relax by the fire in one of Vienna’s cozy cafés, sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine.

For those seeking an extra dose of imperial beauty, an Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg family, is available for an additional cost.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner provided)

Day 8: VIENNA DISEMBARKATION & SIGHTSEEING

This morning, your magical river cruise comes to an end with a final breakfast onboard, followed by disembarkation in Vienna. After saying farewell to the Avalon Impression, we’ll check into our Vienna hotel, where the adventure continues with more time to explore this festive city. Spend the day shopping for unique treasures, indulging in sweet holiday treats, and soaking in the festive charm of Vienna’s famous Christkindlmarkt, where twinkling lights and joyful music create the perfect ending to your Christmas market journey.

(Breakfast provided)

Day 9: TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

This morning, we’ll check out of our hotel in Vienna and transfer to the airport, bidding a fond farewell to the beauty and charm of Austria. As we depart, we carry with us the memories of festive markets, rich history, and unforgettable holiday moments shared together.

(Breakfast provided)

While onboard the Avalon River Cruise:

Accommodations - Panorama Suite
Onboarding cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
All Meals - All breakfast, lunch and dinners
Complimentary room service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Tour Guides in English
Small Tour Groups and Fees - Entrance fees paid
Private Transportation - To all tours
Gratuities on board
Port Charges
Pre-trip Virtual Meetings
Trip updates via Whatsapp
Access to shared Photo Album

Before and After the Cruise:

Accommodations - 4 Star Hotels
Welcome Dinner (before cruise)

Breakfast
Transportation to tours/or sightseeing location
Entrance to tours
Transportation to and from Airport

Budapest, Hungary

River Cruise

Vienna, Austria

International Airfare
Transportation to locations not on the itinerary
Processing Fees - Fees to process travel
Travel Protection (insurance)
Extras - Personal shopping, additional tours and transportation not included in the itinerary.