Across Central Europe, Advent transforms historic town squares into lively gathering places filled with light, music, and seasonal traditions. In Prague, Brno, Bratislava, Vienna, and Budapest, browse wooden stalls offering regional specialties like roasted sausages, pastries, gingerbread, and hot mulled wine, as well as crafts rooted in local culture. Traveling along the Danube on the elegant MS Riviera Radiance, we’ll enjoy a blend of guided sightseeing and free time in the markets as we embrace the local history and culture.
December 4-12, 2026
Itinerary Highlights:
Christmas markets in Prague, Brno, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna- Prague city tour, including Prague Castle
- Bratislava walking tour
- Budapest city tour
- Vienna city tour
- Extended docking in Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava
- String quartet recital on board
- Christmas bread-making demonstration on board
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Two nights’ hotel accommodations
- Five-night river cruise in an outside cabin
- 17 meals: seven breakfasts, four lunches, and six dinners
- All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Professional tour director
- Our State host
- Two wine and beer receptions
- Superior Drinks Package
- WiFi on board
- Hotel and ship transfers
- Baggage handling at ship and hotels
- International air taxes, fuel, and port charges
Accommodations:
- Two nights in Prague: Hilton Old Town
- Five nights on the MS Riviera Radiance
Note: Hotels and ship are subject to change.
About the MS Riviera Radiance
Cruise the Danube River on the MS Riviera Radiance, built in 2025. This state-of-the-art ship provides a first-class experience, with cabins and amenities spread across four decks. Whether you’re getting some fresh air on the Sun Deck, sipping a drink with fellow travelers in the lounge, or curling up for a good night’s sleep in your spacious cabin, everything has been meticulously designed for comfort.
The Sun Deck features a small pool, lounge chairs, and sweeping scenery. The Upper Deck is home to the Panorama Lounge and Bar, as well as a specialty restaurant, while the Main Restaurant is located on the Middle Deck. The fitness center and spa are found on the Lower Deck.
All Meals Included Onboard
Start each day with a buffet breakfast in the main dining room. Onboard MS Riviera Radiance, you’ll have three dining options for lunch and dinner on most days. The Main Restaurant offers a buffet lunch and a four-course à la carte dinner. The Riverview Kitchen, available at no extra charge, is a traditional grill, while the Mosaic Restaurant features courses inspired by the rivers of Europe, each paired with a wine selected by the ship’s sommelier.
The Superior Drinks Package includes a choice of four wines, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and tea during lunch. From 6 p.m. to midnight, these beverages are included along with house spirits, the cocktail of the day, port or brandy, and a special recommended wine with dinner.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure
Friday, December 4, 2026
Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Arrival in Prague
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Arrive in Prague and meet your tour director before heading to your hotel for a two-night stay in the “City of a Hundred Spires.” The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a city rich in history, architecture, and culture. This evening, enjoy dinner this evening with your fellow Our State travelers.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Hilton Old Town in Prague
Day 3: Prague
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Enjoy a city tour and visit Prague Castle, a complex dating from the ninth century. The castle has been a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Also see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George Basilica, and the colorful houses of Golden Lane. Continue across the Vltava River via the famous and historic Charles Bridge, which dates to 1357. Visit the Old Town Square to admire the medieval Astronomical Clock installed in 1410. In the afternoon, take advantage of free time to explore one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hilton Old Town in Prague
Day 4: Brno • Budapest • Embarkation
Monday, December 7, 2026
Ride south to Brno, located at the confluence of the Svitava and Svratka rivers. The Brno Christmas market is a vibrant celebration of Czech traditions, offering a lively blend of cultural experiences and festive shopping. After browsing the stalls, continue to Budapest and board the MS Riviera Radiance. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board while the ship docks overnight in Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: MS Riviera Radiance
Day 5: Budapest • Danube Bend
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
A sightseeing tour will acquaint you with Hungary’s beautiful capital, whose seven iconic bridges straddle the Danube. Make a photo stop at Gellert Hill and see historic Buda Castle, 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Royal Palace. This afternoon and evening, relax on the ship and enjoy a beer and wine reception as we cruise the Danube Bend.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: MS Riviera Radiance
Day 6: Bratislava
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava to see the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop, and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. Wander through the restored old town from Michael’s Gate and admire sights like the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, the former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings. Bratislava is a little jewel along the Danube, and its Christmas market is yours to explore at your leisure this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: MS Riviera Radiance
Day 7: Vienna
Thursday, December 10, 2026
For more than 600 years, the baroque capital city of Vienna was the seat of the mighty Hapsburg emperors, a heritage that has left the city with many lavish buildings and monuments. The capital is also known as the City of Music and was once home to composers like Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, and Johann Strauss. After a Vienna city tour, the afternoon is free to visit the Schoenbrunn Palace on your own or explore the Vienna Christmas markets. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and string quartet recital on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: MS Riviera Radiance
Day 8: Budapest
Friday, December 11, 2026
Spend the morning at a Christmas bread-making (stollen) demonstration on board as we cruise back to Budapest. Once we arrive, you’ll have free time to wander the Christmas markets before a farewell drink and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: MS Riviera Radiance
Day 9: Return home
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Transfer to the Budapest airport for your flight home. Want to share your memories with other travelers? Post your favorite pictures in the Our State Travel Club Facebook group!
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Pricing starts at $5,045 per person (with the booking discount*), based on double occupancy. The location of your selected stateroom determines price. Click here for a detailed look at what’s available, as well as single rates.
*Make your final payment by check and receive a booking discount of $200 per person.
For Reservations & More Information:
Premier World Discovery
Melissa Grant
(877) 953-8687, ext. 238 (Pacific Time)
mgrant@premierworlddiscovery.com
Online booking option: Click here and use booking number 214749 to make your deposit online.
This tour is rated Activity Level 3 of 4 — Active. For more information on physical requirements and what to expect on an Our State trip, click here.
