$10,499—Xmas Markets & the Med: river-ocean fly-cruise-stay

There’s a reason river-and-ocean Europe combos keep striking a chord with our members. This 18-night holiday catches Europe at a lovely moment. It shows how different winter feels across the continent. It begins with Emerald Destiny on the Danube. Budapest, Vienna and riverside towns glow with Christmas-market warmth. Stalls fill the squares with mulled wine, ornaments and winter treats. Then the journey shifts south. Rome gives you three nights for ruins, piazzas and long lunches. Azamara Journey then carries you into the Mediterranean. Flights, hotel stays and transfers link the two cruises. What stands out is the way the trip progresses. One week brings festive Danube cities, imperial music and old-world river scenery. The next opens into Florence/Pisa, Nice, Provence and Barcelona. Longer stays and more time in port let each destination breathe. Azamara’s smaller-ship style suits that destination-led second act. You get two distinct sides of Europe in winter: festive river towns first, then Mediterranean harbours in softer winter light. By Barcelona, the journey is easing you back towards the Australian summer, with time to be home before Christmas.

Starting at just $10,499 per person, Travelzoo members save an exclusive $400 off Ecruising’s usual prices. Our research also found you couldn’t package the same flights, cruises, hotel stays and transfers yourself for less.

What's included

• Return economy class flights from Australia* to Budapest, return from Barcelona
• 1-night, 4-star stay in Budapest
• 7-night Danube River cruise from Budapest to Passau (Munich) onboard Emerald Destiny
  
  • Ports of call: Budapest (overnight), Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau (Munich)
  • 20 meals, including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • All port taxes and government fees
  • Guided sightseeing and cultural experiences, including:
    • Guided coach tour of Budapest
    • Walking tour of Bratislava
    • Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
    • Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting
    • Guided tour of Passau
    • Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with an organ recital
    • Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
    • Traditional Hungarian folklore performance onboard
    • Traditional Bavarian band performance onboard
• One-way flight from Munich to Rome
• 3-night, 4-star stay in Rome
• 7-night cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona onboard Azamara Journey
  • Ports of call: Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Nice and Provence (Marseille)
  • All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues
  • Drinks including alcohol, all day & night
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Room service
  • AzAmazing Evening: Evening of Italian Opera
  • Unlimited self-service laundry
• All transfers throughout

When

This itinerary departs Australia* on 23 November 2027.

Book by 9 July 2026.

Cabin upgrades

Featured prices are based on an Upper Window cabin for the river cruise and an Inside cabin for the ocean cruise. Upgrades start at $700 per person:

• +$700 for an Upper Window cabin on the river cruise and an Oceanview cabin on the Azamara Journey
• +$2500 for a Panorama Balcony on the river cruise and a Veranda on the Azamara Journey

To find out more, see our partner's website. 

Holiday snapshot

Australia* - Budapest - Bratislava - Vienna - Dürnstein - Melk - Linz - Passau - Munich - Rome - Florence - Pisa - Nice - Marseille - Barcelona - Australia*

Itinerary highlights

In Budapest, grand boulevards, thermal baths and the illuminated Parliament Building line the Danube, creating one of Europe's most striking river capitals.

Through Bratislava, cobbled streets, baroque architecture and hilltop castle views reveal the charm of Slovakia's compact capital.

In Vienna, imperial palaces, grand cafés and a rich musical heritage showcase the elegance of Austria's former Habsburg heartland.

At Dürnstein, vineyard-covered hills frame a postcard-perfect village known for its blue church tower and its connection to Richard the Lionheart.

Through Melk, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey rises above the Danube, offering sweeping views across the Wachau Valley.

In Linz, contemporary art, riverside precincts and historic architecture combine to reveal one of Austria's most underrated cities.

At Passau, three rivers converge beneath baroque facades and cathedral spires, creating one of Germany's most beautiful riverside settings.

From Munich, beer halls, grand squares and Bavarian traditions provide a lively introduction to southern Germany before continuing to Italy.

In Rome, ancient ruins, baroque piazzas and iconic landmarks bring thousands of years of history into everyday life.

Through Florence, Renaissance masterpieces, elegant bridges and grand cathedrals reveal the artistic heart of Tuscany.

At Pisa, the famous Leaning Tower rises above the Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italy's most recognisable landmarks.

Along Nice's Mediterranean waterfront, palm-lined promenades, colourful old-town streets and azure sea views embody the glamour of the French Riviera.

In Marseille, bustling harbours, seafood restaurants and Provençal character create a city shaped by centuries of maritime history.

Arriving in Barcelona, you'll find Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, lively boulevards, and vibrant waterfront districts provide a fitting finale to the journey.