Sail the storied Danube aboard the state-of-the-art Evolve and experience the holiday season in grand style, celebrating the joy of Christmas and the promise of New Year’s against the enchanting backdrop of Europe adorned for the season. Journey from Budapest’s grand boulevards to Vienna’s glowing palaces and the storybook villages that line the river, where festive traditions come alive in every square. Enjoy exclusive access to historic landmarks and intimate cultural performances that capture the magic of this time of year. On board, seasonal dining, live music and gala celebrations create a warm and elegant setting for an unforgettable holiday voyage through the heart of Europe.
- Celebrate the holidays with exclusive seasonal events, from festive concerts and gala dinners on board to special moments amid Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas settings in Budapest, Vienna and beyond
- Experience private access to cultural landmarks throughout your journey—from an organ concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau to an after-hours tour of Melk Abbey and a private visit to historic Clam Castle
- Savor the locally crafted wine of the Wachau Valley with a tasting that highlights the region’s diverse terroirs
- Choose to explore the deeply rooted heritage of Salzburg or the storybook-like charm Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of each destination with festive traditional meals on board and ashore that reflect the storied flavors of the region
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Arrive in Budapest and embark Evolve. Enjoy lunch on board, then take some time to get acquainted with this stunning ship, relaxing with a drink on the top deck, indulging in a soothing spa treatment or savoring a cappuccino as you browse the library. Settle into your stateroom later this afternoon, then gather for a welcome reception and gala dinner, including Christmas carols and a tree trimming.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a guided tour of Budapest’s beloved Christmas markets. Wander through the vibrant stalls of Vörösmarty Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Andrássy Avenue, each brimming with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and holiday cheer. Conclude your stroll at the Budapest Central Market Hall, the largest and oldest indoor market in the city. This afternoon, enjoy an exclusive visit to the prestigious Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, the heart of Hungary’s rich musical heritage. Enjoy rare access to its Art Nouveau concert halls and historical teaching rooms while learning about the life and legacy of composer Franz Liszt. The experience culminates in a private salon concert featuring a rising virtuoso or student ensemble—an intimate showcase of Hungary’s next generation of musical talent. Cap off the day with an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner, complete with live Hungarian entertainment. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail the tranquil Danube River, soaking in views of wintery landscapes and storybook towns. Listen to engaging talks from expert field staff, who offer insights into the region’s rich history and holiday traditions; then enjoy a delightful gingerbread cookie-making demonstration.
Gather for a festive Christmas lunch, featuring traditional dishes from Hungary, Austria and the Slovak Republic. Relax with coffee and a book or refresh with a visit to the gym during the afternoon. Later, enjoy a tasting of sparkling wines that showcase the best of local vintages. As night falls, arrive in Bratislava, the capitol of the Slovak Republic, where you can attend a joyous Christmas mass if you wish. On board, Christmas dinner awaits, followed by an evening of live entertainment featuring a traditional Slovakian band, bringing the spirit of the season to life through music and celebration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with an unforgettable private chamber concert in one of Bratislava’s most historical venues—either the elegant Reduta Hall or the opulent Golden Salon of Grassalkovich Palace. The renowned Cappella Istropolitana orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Haydn in one of these intimate, atmospheric settings. Later, enjoy a curated visit to the newly reopened Salvator Pharmacy, a hidden gem designed in Baroque fashion that dates back to 1727. Marvel at its original cabinet of curiosities, rare medicinal artifacts and richly preserved interiors. Experience a cellar-side tasting of Slovak spirits or artisanal bitters—a flavorful journey into the region’s gastronomic heritage. Return to Evolve for an elegant Slovak dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up this morning to Krems, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the Wachau Valley. Alongside an expert guide, stroll charming medieval streets, admire centuries-old architecture and visit the iconic Steiner Tor, the last remaining gate of the city’s original fortifications. Delve into the region’s celebrated wine culture with a private tasting at a local winery, enjoying distinctive Wachau wines that reflect the valley’s terroir and heritage. The day concludes with an Austrian dinner on board that celebrates the culinary traditions of the Wachau.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, choose between exploring two of Europe’s most fascinating cities: Salzburg and Český Krumlov. In Salzburg, you’ll discover the city’s holiday spirit amid the artisan booths of its renowned Christmas market, surrounded by the majestic Alps. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Austrian restaurant, savoring regional specialties in a cozy setting. Alternatively, venture to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO-listed town known for its medieval architecture and storybook charm. During the holiday season, its cobbled streets and castle views are adorned with festive lights and market stalls, creating a magical atmosphere. Explore the town and savor a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the charm of Passau, a picturesque Bavarian town where the Danube, Inn and Ilz converge. Start at Domplatz, home to the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, famous for its Baroque splendor. Witness a private performance of the world’s largest cathedral organ, featuring over 17,000 pipes. Continue through the winding alleys and vibrant facades of the old town before enjoying a free afternoon to explore on your own. Conclude your day with a savory German dinner, featuring regional Bavarian dishes and beers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a private tour of Clam Castle, a majestic medieval fortress rich in Austrian history that overlooks the Danube Valley. Gain rare access to private areas, including the Renaissance arcaded courtyard, the Gothic chapel with Baroque flourishes, the armory and select residential apartments that have been lived in since 1454. Hear captivating stories of the castle’s role in Austrian history, including how it was defended during the Thirty Years’ War. Later, experience the grandeur of Melk Abbey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—during an after-hours visit. Wander the Baroque Library, Marble Hall, Imperial Staircase and the awe-inspiring Abbey Church, all without the usual crowds. Weather permitting, stroll through the Abbey Park, home to 250-year-old linden trees and a Baroque garden pavilion adorned with frescoes by Johann Baptist Wenzel Bergl. Conclude your day with a medieval-style dinner on board inspired by traditional Austrian fare. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vienna transforms into a glittering city of lights during the holidays. This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace or the Albertina Museum. One of the largest palaces in Europe, Schönbrunn was the main summer residence of the powerful Habsburg dynasty for over 300 years and a hub of courtly life. At the Albertina Museum, discover a unique blend of imperial history and world-class art from masters like Raphael, da Vinci, Picasso and Monet. Enjoy time on your own, exploring Vienna’s museums, cafés and beautifully lit streets.
Ring in the New Year this evening with an unforgettable gala dinner. Savor a multi-course feast accompanied by live classical and contemporary music. This festive onboard event, capped off with fireworks at midnight, captures the magic of Vienna at year’s end.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ease into the new year with an onboard matinée, featuring a classical concert. If open, venture into the heart of Vienna’s legendary Christmas markets, where festive cheer fills the city’s historic squares. This evening, raise a glass at the farewell cocktail reception and dinner—a final celebration of your journey through the heart of Europe. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark in Vienna.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Evolve
Vessel Type: River Ship
Length: 442 feet / 134.7 meters
Passenger Capacity: 120
Built: 2026
Evolve is a newly built European river ship engineered for quiet, efficient travel through the Danube’s cultural and historic corridor. Its 120-passenger design focuses on stability, sustainability and panoramic visibility, with full-width picture windows and cabins that convert from spacious staterooms to generous suite layouts. Public spaces are modern and adaptable, from the two-storey Forum used for presentations and performances to lounges, dining areas and a large top deck equipped for fitness, relaxation and open-air events. Purposeful amenities such as a spa, yoga studio and a fleet of bikes reinforce the ship’s emphasis on active, independent exploration ashore.
Materials, systems and hospitality choices are built around environmental responsibility. Smart-glass showers, energy-efficient technologies, reduced-waste food operations and eco-friendly bath and bedding products define the onboard standard. Sixty well-appointed cabins include floor-to-ceiling windows, sound-cancellation features, flexible bed configurations and extensive storage. Across all decks, the ship prioritises comfort, natural light and seamless immersion in riverside landscapes, creating a refined platform for travel through Germany, Austria, the Slovak Republic and beyond.
