It’s that time of year again, when the autumn air sharpens increasingly crisp and the Christmas markets light up in all their wonder. Depending on when you book your winter European cruise, you can choose to spend Christmas in one of the cities nestled by the Danube River or be home in time to celebrate with loved ones.

A sample Danube holiday cruise will likely take you through the cities of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. If not already included, you can easily book a side excursion to beautiful Salzburg—where The Sound of Music was filmed.  

If you start in lovely Passau, be sure to walk around the old town called Dreiflüssestadt, meaning City on Three Rivers, because it’s the point where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers converge. Historically, the rivers brought great wealth to Passau, especially in the form of salt, often known as white gold.

Meander along the curvy medieval streets, through tunnels, and under arches as you try to find the perfect view of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress that formerly housed the bishop. Be sure to pop into St. Stephan’s Cathedral to marvel at the largest pipe organ in the world. Of course, the warmth of the Christmas market will beckon you to do some window shopping.

For more old world charm, take an excursion to Salzburg. You will journey through the stunning Austrian countryside, as it settles into winter. You can elect to take a walking tour, featuring the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This town is definitely a highlight in the region, with beautiful snow-capped mountains, delicious pastries, cobbled streets, and colorful houses. Yes, it’s a veritable wonderland. Whether you go to listen to a symphony or view the old town via horse-drawn carriage or bicycle, you will surely enjoy your time in Salzburg.

On the way to Vienna, you will stop by the Danube valley town of Melk. Visit the ancient Benedictine monastery, which was originally a castle of Leopold II. Crane your neck at the ceiling frescos and imagine how uncomfortable it must have been to paint them. Check out the elegant spiral staircase before leaving to stroll along this pretty city’s cobbled streets.

Once you arrive to Austria’s capital of Vienna, the vibe becomes more cosmopolitan. But Austria is still an old city with lots of baroque architecture and imperial palaces. Make it a point to take a gander at the Opera House, the Hofburg Palace where the Habsburg rulers lived, St. Stephan’s Cathedral, and a couple of the city’s magnificent Christmas markets. If you have time, consider touring the Schönbrunn Palace, full of lovely gardens and the world’s oldest zoo.

The next stop on your winter European river cruise will be Bratislava, Slovakia’s quaint capital city. Bratislava is a true mixture of old world meets odd communist constructions. In the historic center, you will stroll through cobblestone streets meeting pastel rococo buildings, the medieval Town Hall, a gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, and baroque palaces. Turn your gaze upward, and you will see the 1970s buildings vying for space in the skyline.

On your way to Budapest, you may stop in the historical city of Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns and the seat of Roman Catholicism. It has a beautiful location on the Danube Bend. And journeying from here, offers a memorable entrance to Budapest—granting you glorious views of the glowing Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building.

In Hungary’s capital, you will want to make sure you visit the older Buda and cosmopolitan Pest sides of the city. In Pest, enjoy the National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk up Fisherman’s Hill to Matthias Church. Finally, visit one of the steaming Turkish-era baths in this city known for its healing waters.

It’s hard not to feel a little extra romantic and full of wonder this time of year. And a Danube River cruise through ancient, castle-like cities is the perfect way to embrace and create your own holiday fairytale.