Your host – Matt Houtby
After hosting several sailings on premium cruise lines and earning the nickname “The Captain of Fun,” I’m thrilled to bring our hosted adventures to the rivers of Europe! And what better way to blend holiday cheer with river cruising than on a magical voyage along the Danube, visiting some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe.
Join me aboard the Viking Var longship for an unforgettable 7-night Christmas Market River Cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Regensburg, Germany.
With Viking River Cruises, you can extend your holiday with pre- or post-cruise stays, bundle in your flights, and enjoy complimentary shore excursions in every port.
Together, we’ll share special hosted events onboard and I’ll be joining you on one of the incredible excursions along the way. Make unforgettable memories next holiday season with the first-ever hosted river cruise by The Captain of Fun, Vacations for Canadians, and Viking Cruises in 2026!
Twinkling markets, cocoa-and-glühwein nights, and Baroque cities dusted with winter magic—this voyage glides from Budapest to Regensburg through the storybook Wachau Valley. Unpack once, savor Old World traditions, and spend your days in gilded palaces and your evenings under sparkling lights and cathedral carols.
Day 1 — Budapest, Hungary (Fri, Nov 27, 2026)
Embark and slip right into the glow: stroll the markets at St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square, nibbling kürtőskalács (chimney cake). Cap the night with a Danube-lit view of the Parliament and Buda Castle.
Day 2 — Budapest, Hungary (Sat, Nov 28, 2026)
Warm up in the Art Nouveau Gellért or grand Széchenyi thermal baths, then wander up to Fisherman’s Bastion for postcard vistas. Browse the Central Market Hall for paprika, pastries, and artisan gifts before sail-away.
Day 3 — Vienna, Austria (Sun, Nov 29, 2026)
Arrive to imperial grandeur along the Ringstrasse and the festive Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. Choose Schönbrunn’s palace market or a cozy café for sachertorte—and perhaps a waltz-themed evening concert.
Day 4 — Vienna, Austria (Mon, Nov 30, 2026)
Dive deeper at the Hofburg and Belvedere, then meander the lantern-lit Spittelberg market’s artisan stalls. If timing allows, peek at the Spanish Riding School’s morning exercises or sip wine in a traditional heuriger.
Day 5 — Krems, Austria (Tue, Dec 1, 2026)
Sail the Wachau’s vineyard slopes to Krems, gateway to Dürnstein’s blue-towered abbey and cobbled lanes. Sample apricot treats and crisp local wines, or opt for an abbey visit at Melk or Göttweig before a scenic afternoon cruise.
Day 6 — Passau, Germany (Wed, Dec 2, 2026)
In the “City of Three Rivers,” wander Baroque streets to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Christmas market on the squares. Try lebkuchen and mulled wine; if schedules permit, catch an organ performance for a goosebump moment.
Day 7 — Regensburg, Germany (Thu, Dec 3, 2026)
Explore the UNESCO-listed medieval core, crossing the Stone Bridge to views of the Danube. Don’t miss the torchlit Thurn und Taxis Palace market—handcrafted gifts, crackling braziers, and hearty Bavarian bites.
Day 8 — Regensburg, Germany (Fri, Dec 4, 2026)
Disembark with time for a final stroll past the cathedral spires and a last cup of spiced punch. Then it’s homeward bound, with your suitcase a little fuller and your heart a lot warmer.
Your hosted cruise includes:
Total Price:
(E) Standard – $8548 CAD
($11,198 when booked direct with Viking)
(F) Standard Stateroom $8,148 CAD SOLD OUT
($11,798 when booked direct with Viking)
(D) French Balcony Stateroom $9,948 CAD SOLD OUT
($14,398 when booked direct with Viking)
(C) French Balcony – $10,548 CAD SOLD OUT
($14,798 when booked direct with Viking)
(B) Veranda Stateroom $11,348 SOLD OUT CAD
($14,998 when booked direct with Viking)
(includes Group Fee)
2 Passengers, taxes and fees included
Pricing and staterooms subject to availability
Deposit:
$50/person
Final Payment Due:
Mar 31, 2026
Named for Vár—the Norse goddess of oaths and betrothal—Viking Var carries just 190 guests (53 crew) on a river ship designed for understated elegance. Choose from 95 comfortable outside staterooms—Standard, French Balcony, Veranda, Veranda Suites, and the spacious Explorer Suites (all suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom). Enjoy panoramic living in the Aquavit Terrace & Lounge at the bow, a Sun Deck with 360° views, shaded seating, an organic herb garden, solar panels, a putting green, and a walking track, plus a light-filled Lounge & Bar, restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, library, and onboard shop. Thoughtful conveniences include free Wi-Fi (speed may vary), laundry service, an elevator between Middle and Upper Decks, and in-room infotainment TVs with Movies On Demand.
