Festive Danube River Cruise
November 26 - December 2, 2026
Optional 2-Night Budapest Extension December 2 - 4, 2026
This Galavant is designed for self-identifying women who are seeking a thoughtfully curated blend of cultural immersion, meaningful connection, and elevated accommodations. Our Gals approach travel with open minds, generous spirits, a flexible attitude, and are eager to embrace new destinations, perspectives, and friendships along the way.
A Note from our Founder
There’s something undeniably magical about the Danube at Christmastime.
After the success of our 2025 Christmas Market River Cruise, we knew we had to bring it back, but with a fresh perspective: new river, new destinations, new ship, and a whole new way to experience the season.
As we sail through four countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, we’ll kick off the holiday season exploring some of Europe’s most festive and beautiful destinations…starting with our own little Galavant-Style Gals-Giving on the river ✨
The air is crisp, the markets sparkle, and every stop welcomes you in with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and fresh pine.
And new this year, we’ll be experiencing it all aboard the Riverside Mozart, the sister ship to the Debussy you know and love, but on a grander scale. Think cabins that are double the size, expansive spa facilities, multiple dining venues, and an overall sense of space and ease you rarely find on a river cruise ship.
This is luxury wrapped in warmth: slow mornings on the river, festive afternoons exploring, and cozy, joy-filled evenings together. It’s the kind of trip that becomes part of your holiday tradition.
I can’t wait to kick off the holiday season with my Gals!
xx Alle
DATES
November 26 - December 2, 2026
Kick off the season with a Galavant-Style Gals-Giving and step straight into the magic of Europe at Christmastime
Galavant Overview
ACCOMMODATION
Shared Cabins
(Twin Beds)
Solo Cabins
(at an additional cost)
TRIP LENGTH
7 days / 6 nights
Plus, the option to extend with our 2-night hosted Budapest experience for those who want a little more holiday magic
OPEN TO
Whether you’re flying solo or tagging along with your travel bestie, this trip is for you.
Want a roommate? We’re happy to match you with another fabulous Gal.
TRIP STYLE
For the Gal who is excited to soak up the holiday season, shop for artisan-made gifts, and sip on mulled wine while exploring picture-perfect European towns
SIZE
A minimum of 16 travelers is required for this trip to move forward.
✔ Four Countries, One Seamless Journey — Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary… all without ever having to repack your suitcase
✔ Effortless, All-Inclusive Luxury — gourmet dining, wine & cocktails, WiFi, and thoughtfully curated excursions all included
✔ Your Trip, Your Pace — join included Riverside tours, opt into custom Galavant Society experiences, or simply step off the ship and wander at your own pace. River cruising is one of the most flexible ways to travel, so you can do what interests you most
✔ Storybook Christmas Markets — glowing festive squares, hand-crafted treasures, mulled wine in hand, and centuries-old traditions brought to life along the Danube
✔ Moments to Savor — slow mornings on the river, golden afternoons exploring, and cozy evenings that feel both celebratory and serene
What can you expect?
Itinerary
At-A-Glance
📍 6 nights / 7 days sailing the Danube
From Passau to Budapest, with festive stops in four magical countries along the way
📍 Optional pre-night in Passau
Arrive early, settle in, and ease into the experience before boarding our ship. No rushing or worrying about flight delays, just a smooth and relaxed start to your Galavant
📍 Optional 2-night Budapest extension
Not ready for the magic to end? Stay a little longer with the Gals and soak up even more of Budapest’s charm, holiday markets, and iconic sights
📍 Want to customize your stay even further?
Our team can seamlessly extend your trip with additional nights, destinations, or experiences through our Private Galavant Planning Services
About the Tour
Festive Danube Christmas Market River Cruise
From glowing market squares to grand imperial cities, this journey captures Christmas time in Europe at its most magical.
Over six unforgettable nights along the Danube, we’ll experience the holiday season in its most enchanting form, with twinkling lights reflected on the river, centuries-old Advent traditions, and festive markets that feel straight out of a storybook. Think mulled wine, hand-crafted ornaments, cathedral bells echoing through cobblestone streets, and the unmistakable warmth of the season, all woven together in true Galavant Society style.
Our home for the week is the Riverside Mozart, the sister ship to the Debussy, reimagined on a grander scale. With expansive suites, a large spa, multiple dining venues, and panoramic river views at every turn, it offers a level of space, comfort, and ease rarely found on a river cruise. It’s luxury that feels both elevated and effortless.
Each day unfolds at your own pace. Join included Riverside excursions, opt into exclusive Galavant Society experiences, or step off the ship and wander festive towns at your own pace.
For those who want to linger a little longer, we’re offering an optional 2-night Budapest extension at the end of our sailing for those looking for even more time to soak in the magic. Think grand architecture, glowing riverfront views, and a deeper dive into one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Our Galavant along the Danube is designed to celebrate the season in its most beautiful form, the lights, the flavors, the traditions, and the joy of experiencing it all alongside an incredible group of women.
HIGHLIGHTS
✔ Six nights sailing the Danube across four countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary
✔ All-inclusive luxury: excursions, all meals, premium wine & cocktails, WiFi & minibar
✔ Christmas Markets in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava & beyond
✔A curated selection of included experiences: from Salzburg day trips to Schönbrunn Palace & Wachau Valley wine tastings
✔ Apricot schnapps tastings, castle visits & festive market tours across the journey
✔ Private champagne concert at Wenckheim Palace in Budapest
✔ Exclusive Galavant Society experiences designed just for our group
✔ The Riverside Mozart: an all-suite ship with an expansive spa & elevated onboard spaces
✔ Four onboard restaurants with regional cuisine & dine-anytime flexibility
✔ Optional pre-night in Passau for a seamless start to your journey
✔ Optional 2-night Budapest extension to continue the Galavant
✔ Signature Galavant touches: curated gifts, thoughtful surprises & elevated travel details throughout
What the Gals are Saying….
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a solo traveler who took a leap of faith joining TGS in Egypt… and I’m so glad I did because it turned out to be an incredible experience! Every detail was thoughtfully planned, which made the adventure so much more enjoyable, I never had to worry about a thing. The laughs, memories, and inside jokes (FIBI!!) made the trip unforgettable. Not to mention the community of amazing women they bring together. We explored iconic historical sites in unique, meaningful ways that I know I never would have done on my own.
— Cyn A. (Egypt 2025)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My first thought when someone asks me about a TGS trip is “book it” (it’s actually F*ck it, book it, but if we are keeping it polite – it’s “book it!”). I have been on 3 Galavants (and have 2 more already booked), and what keeps me coming back are the amazing locations, the thoughtfully curated itineraries, and the shared experiences that I know I could not have created on my own. I’ve come for the trips and will stay for the friendships (and the new trips 😉). So, my response is always: book it, you won’t regret it.
— Meg B. (France & Spain, Jordan & Egypt, Holiday Cruise)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I decided to join The Galavant Society in Greece after my friend raved about her previous trips with the Gals. I have to say… I was beyond impressed! Every little detail was on point. The planning was incredible and everything was seamless. I really enjoyed being able to choose to do more or less depending on my personal preferences.
We got the VIP treatment everywhere we went. It was truly a magical trip!
— Ashley B. (Greece & Turkiye)
Trip Itinerary
DAY ONE – PASSAU: Embarkation Day | Welcome Aboard
We’ll begin our journey in Passau, Germany, a charming riverside town where cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and cozy cafés set the tone for the week ahead. If you arrive early, take some time to wander the Old Town, pop into a local bakery, or grab a glass of wine along the river before boarding.
Once onboard the Riverside Mozart, it’s time to settle into your cabin and ease into life on the river. We’ll gather for welcome cocktails before sitting down for our first dinner together, our own little Galavant-style Friendsgiving, as we set sail toward Linz.
Passau
DAY TWO – LINZ: Choose Your Adventure
We’ll wake up in Linz, Austria, a lively riverside city and the perfect jumping-off point for some of the most magical experiences of the trip. Today is all about choosing your own adventure, whether that’s a full-day escape to Salzburg (hello, Sound of Music vibes), a visit to the storybook Lake Wolfgang, exploring the stunning St. Florian Monastery, or staying local to wander Linz and its festive squares.
No matter what you choose, expect twinkling lights, cozy towns, and plenty of mulled wine along the way. This evening, we’ll come back together for a special Riverside Signature Event, a private champagne reception and after-hours experience at the Lentos Art Museum, before sailing on to our next stop.
Linz
DAY THREE – KREMS: Wine, Markets & Wachau Valley Magic
We’ll wake up and enjoy a slow morning onboard as we cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley, one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube, known for its rolling vineyards, charming villages, and fairytale landscapes. Krems itself is a quaint, cobblestoned town surrounded by some of Austria’s most celebrated wine regions.
Today, you can choose how you’d like to experience it: join a Wachau Valley wine tasting, explore nearby Stein with an apricot schnapps tasting, or simply wander the festive Krems Christmas Market, browsing wooden stalls and sampling local holiday treats. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, cultural, and just a little indulgent.
Krems
DAY FOUR – VIENNA: Imperial Elegance & Festive Evenings
We’ll arrive in Vienna this morning, a city known for its grand architecture, rich culture, and effortless sense of elegance. Think sweeping boulevards, historic cafés, and beautifully decorated streets that feel even more magical during the holiday season.
Today is yours to explore, visit Schönbrunn Palace and its Christmas Market, wander the city’s festive squares, or opt into one of our exclusive Galavant Society experiences, like a private Hofburg Palace tour or VIP access to the Spanish Riding School. In the evening, we’ll gather for a special dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants before enjoying a full evening in Vienna, with the ship docked overnight so you can stay out, explore, and soak in the magic as long as you’d like.
Vienna
DAY FIVE – BRATISLAVA: Old World Charm & Festive Finds
We’ll spend the morning cruising before arriving in Bratislava, a charming city that feels like stepping into a storybook. Perched above the Danube, its castle watches over a cobblestoned Old Town filled with pastel buildings, cozy cafés, and festive squares.
This afternoon, you can explore at your own pace, visit the Christmas Market, join a local tasting experience at a nearby castle, or wander the streets discovering hidden gems (and maybe a few quirky surprises along the way). It’s the perfect mix of relaxed exploring and festive charm before we return to the ship for the evening.
Bratislava
DAY SIX – BUDAPEST: A Grand Finale on the Danube
We’ll wake up in Budapest, one of Europe’s most stunning cities, where grand architecture and festive lights line both sides of the Danube. From the iconic Parliament Building to the fairytale towers of Fisherman’s Bastion, this city truly delivers on every level.
Today is yours to explore, visit the Christmas Markets, step inside Parliament, tour a historic palace, or opt into one of our exclusive Galavant Society experiences, like a curated culinary tour or a deeper dive into the city with a private guide. This evening, we’ll experience a truly unforgettable highlight, a private champagne concert at Wenckheim Palace, before returning to the ship for our final night together in Budapest.
DAY SEVEN – BUDAPEST: Farewell… or Continue the Adventure
Enjoy one last breakfast onboard before disembarking and saying farewell to your fellow Gals, until the next Galavant. Or, for those joining our optional extension, your time in Budapest continues with even more opportunities to explore, relax, and soak in the magic of this incredible city.
Budapest
Pre Trip Extension
👇
Pre Trip Extension 👇
ARRIVE EARLY: MUNICH
If you'd like to spend a little extra time in Europe, consider arriving in Munich a day or two before our cruise begins.
As the most convenient gateway to our river cruise, Munich offers beautiful Christmas markets, festive holiday atmosphere, world-class shopping, and plenty to explore before making your way to Passau.
We've partnered with two of our favorite hotels and can arrange private airport transfers to help make your arrival seamless.
Munich
Optional Budapest Post-Cruise Extension
👇
Optional Budapest Post-Cruise Extension 👇
Budapest
DAY SEVEN – BUDAPEST EXTENSION – Join Alle & Linda for an optional 2-night Budapest extension designed exclusively for our Gals.
After disembarking the Riverside Mozart, we’ll transfer by private vehicle to our home for the next two nights: the elegant Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, located in the heart of the city and perfectly positioned for exploring Budapest’s Christmas markets, cafés, and festive streets.
Once we’ve dropped our bags, we’ll set off on a private guided Budapest discovery tour exploring both Pest and Buda, stopping at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, the Chain Bridge, and the storybook-like Fisherman’s Bastion.
After our tour, we’ll gather for a private lunch featuring traditional Hungarian specialties before enjoying a free afternoon. Wander the Christmas markets, relax at the hotel, do a little holiday shopping, or simply savor having nowhere to be.
In the evening, dinner is yours to enjoy however you'd like. We’ll of course be happy to make suggestions and arrange small group reservations.
DAY EIGHT – CHOOSE YOUR OWN BUDAPEST ADVENTURE
After breakfast, enjoy your final full day in Budapest exactly the way you’d like.
For food lovers, join our optional Foodapest culinary walking tour. Beginning at the historic Central Market Hall, we'll explore Budapest one bite at a time, sampling local specialties, seasonal treats, and Hungarian favorites while learning about the traditions and stories behind them.
Prefer relaxation? Spend the day soaking in the legendary Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Often considered one of Budapest's most iconic experiences, these grand neo-Baroque baths have been welcoming visitors for more than a century and offer the perfect opportunity to unwind before heading home.
Or simply enjoy the city at your own pace. Spend the day browsing Christmas markets, visiting museums, lingering over coffee in a beautiful café, or enjoying the festive atmosphere that makes Budapest one of Europe's most magical winter destinations.
This evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at the legendary Gundel Restaurant. One of Budapest's most celebrated dining institutions, Gundel has welcomed royalty, artists, and dignitaries for more than a century. We'll enjoy a specially curated multi-course dinner paired with Hungarian wines as we toast an unforgettable week together.
DAY NINE – DEPARTURE DAY
Enjoy one final breakfast at the Kempinski before transferring to the airport via our included private transportation.
Safe travels, and we'll see you on the next Galavant!
A Few Considerations:
✨ You love ease, simplicity & unpacking once
Settle into your suite, unpack once, and let the journey unfold, waking up in a new destination each day without the hassle of trains, transfers, or repacking.
✨ You’re comfortable staying active & on your feet
European towns come with cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, and walking during excursions, comfortable shoes will be your best friend.
✨ You enjoy flexibility & doing your own thing
Each day is yours to design. Join included Riverside tours, opt into Galavant Society exclusives, or simply wander at your own pace, this trip is built around choice.
✨ You appreciate a slower, more relaxed pace
This isn’t a rush-around itinerary. Whether you’re exploring every stop or enjoying a spa treatment and a slow morning onboard, the pace is entirely up to you.
✨ You don’t mind a little holiday hustle & bustle
Christmas markets are incredibly magical and popular. Expect lively crowds, especially in the evenings, adding to the festive, energetic atmosphere.
✨ You enjoy a social, shared experience
While you’ll be sailing alongside other guests, we’ll bring our Gals together for special moments, shared meals, and meaningful experiences throughout the week.
If you have any questions about the above, we’re happy to chat! Just email us at hello@thegalavantsociety.com
Accommodations
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Mozart
Sailing along the Danube aboard the Riverside Mozart feels less like a cruise and more like your own floating boutique hotel. With more space than most river ships, everything feels open, elevated, and easy, from oversized suites to beautiful lounges and sun-drenched decks designed for lingering.
Your days can look however you want: slow mornings with coffee in bed, afternoons unwinding at the spa, long, wine-filled lunches, or champagne on the deck as castles and storybook towns drift by.
With incredible service, thoughtful details at every turn, and space to truly relax, this is the kind of place where you can fully settle in, unwind, and just enjoy, luxurious, effortless, and exactly how a Galavant should feel.
Harmony Suite
Deck 1
The Harmony Suite offers a bright, open space, designed for easy, comfortable living on the river. Located on Deck 1, it features large windows that let in natural light and passing views, along with a relaxed sitting area to unwind between days of exploring. Same layout as the Riverside Suite, just on a lower deck with a window instead of a balcony.
King-size bed or two twin beds
219 sq. ft.
Sitting area with a sofa
Single vanity bathroom
Walk-in shower
Large windows, no balcony
Lower deck location
Group airport transfer included
Riverside Suite
Deck 2
The Riverside Suite enhances your experience onboard with a higher deck location, offering more light and a better vantage point of the river passing by. This suite features a French balcony that opens to the river, providing you with unobstructed river views. Same layout as the Harmony Suite, just located on Deck 2.
King-size bed or two twin beds
219 sq. ft.
Sitting area with a sofa
Single vanity bathroom
Walk-in shower
French balcony
Higher deck location
Group airport transfer included
Penthouse Suite
Deck 2
The Penthouse Suite takes everything up a notch with more space and elevated touches throughout. With a larger layout, a full bathtub, a walk-in closet, and French balcony, this is your most spacious and comfortable option onboard.
More room to spread out, get ready, and truly settle in for the week.
King-size bed or two twin beds
330 sq. ft.
Sitting area with a sofa
Double vanity bathroom + full bathtub
Walk-in shower and walk-in closet
French balcony
Higher deck location
Private airport transfer included
Pre or Post Trip Extension
👇
Pre or Post Trip Extension 👇
Munich Pre-Cruise Early Arrival
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
One of Munich's most iconic family-owned hotels, Bayerischer Hof blends historic charm with a lively atmosphere in the heart of Old Town. With Christmas markets, shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions just steps away, it's an excellent choice for Gals who want to be in the center of it all.
• King bed or twin beds available
• Rooftop spa and pool
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Walkable Old Town location
Munich Pre-Cruise Early Arrival
Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Located on Munich's elegant Maximilianstrasse, Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski offers timeless luxury and classic European glamour. Its central location places guests within easy reach of Munich's festive markets, historic sites, and premier shopping district.
• King bed or twin beds available
• Luxury spa and wellness area
• Prime Old Town location
• Steps from the Maximilianstrasse shopping
Post-Cruise Budapest Extension
Kempinski Corvinus Budapest
Our home for the Budapest extension sits in the heart of the city, just steps from some of Budapest's most beloved Christmas markets. With elegant accommodations, a beautiful spa, and an unbeatable location, it's the perfect place to experience the city at a slower pace after our cruise.
• King bed or twin beds available
• Full-service spa and wellness area
• Walkable city-center location
• Steps from Christmas markets and shopping
Pricing & Inclusions
Harmony Suite
Early Bird Price: $6,600 pp (shared room)
+$400 for a private room
30% non-refundable deposit required at booking
Second payment due:
May 18, 2026
Final payment due:
July 24, 2026
Riverside Suite
Early Bird Price: $9,200 pp
(shared room)
+$6,000 for a private room
30% non-refundable deposit
required at booking
Second payment due:
May 18, 2026
Final payment due:
July 24, 2026
Penthouse Suite
Early Bird Price: $11,200 pp
(shared room)
Not available as a private room
30% non-refundable deposit required at booking
Second payment due:
May 18, 2026
Final payment due:
July 24, 2026
What’s Included?
✔ 6 nights aboard the Riverside Mozart
✔ All meals onboard, plus premium wine, cocktails, coffee & more
✔ Included Riverside excursions in every destination + select Galavant Society experiences
✔All transfers throughout the itinerary
✔Expert local guides + hosting by Alle & Linda
✔ Special Galavant Society touches & surprises along the way
Not Included:
✘ International Flights
✘ Travel Insurance (required)
✘ Tips for guides & drivers (collected at the start of the trip)
✘ Some meals & optional activities
🔹 All payments are non-refundable
🔹 Payment plans available upon request
Post-Cruise Extension in Budapest
Deadline to register: Monday, June 15th, 2026
Minimum 10 Gals Needed
$2,900 pp (shared room)
$3,500 pp (solo room)
30% non-refundable deposit required at booking
Final payment due:
July 24, 2026
What’s Included?
✔ 2 nights at Kempinski Corvinus Budapest
✔ Private “Discover Budapest” Tour
✔ All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
✔ All transfers for included activities
✔ Airport transfer on departure
✔ Expert local guides + hosting by Alle & Linda
Not Included:
✘ Tips for guides & drivers
✘ Some meals & optional activities
🔹 All payments are non-refundable
🔹 Payment plans available upon request
✨ GALAVANT GOLDEN RULES ✨
Our Galavants are designed for independent women who crave cultural immersion, meaningful connection, and stylish stays in dazzling destinations. We value kindness, inclusion, and curiosity and we expect our travelers to do the same.
We’re here to support you every step of the way,with enough space to explore, recharge, and travel in your own fabulous style.
You're a great fit if...
+ You pack an open mind and a positive attitude
+ You lead with kindness and respect (for people and places)
+ You’re flexible when plans shift (because sometimes they do)
+ You’ve taken the time to learn about the destination before arriving
+ You’re excited to make new friends and meaningful connections
+ You appreciate guidance, but don’t need hand-holding
THIS GALAVANT IS FOR YOU IF…
– You’re craving a festive escape before the holiday madness at home, trading to-do lists for twinkling lights and slow days along the Danube
– You love holiday traditions, charming markets, and seasonal flavors – mulled wine in historic squares, hand-crafted treasures, and the magic of Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets.
– You appreciate refined, effortless travel - spacious cabins, incredible dining, and the ease of unpacking once while the scenery changes around you
– You’re drawn to grand, storybook cities – from the imperial beauty of Vienna to the illuminated riverfront of Budapest and the cozy charm of Bratislava.
– You love a balance of connection and freedom – festive moments shared together, with plenty of time to wander the markets, explore historic streets, sip something warm, and soak in the magic at your own pace.
What to know
BEFORE YOU GO
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Our Galavants are crafted for women 21 and up who crave meaningful travel, rich cultural experiences, and genuine connection. You don’t need a travel buddy, a milestone birthday, or a particular life stage to join us, just an open mind, a kind heart, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’ve traveled the world or this is your first big trip, you’ll feel right at home.
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Our travelers typically range from their late 20s to mid 60s, with most falling somewhere between 30 and 55. But truthfully? Age isn’t the defining factor for joining a Galavant, energy is. We attract curious, independent, kind-hearted women who value depth, conversation, and the thrill of discovering something new. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.
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Absolutely—most of our gals do! We’ll pair you with a roommate whenever possible. If not, you can choose to pay a single supplement or wait for a future trip. Questions? Email us at hello@thegalavantsociety.com
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As much, or as little, as you want.
Each day, there will be a variety of included Riverside excursions you’re welcome to join, along with a few optional Galavant Society exclusive experiences in select destinations.
But if you’re someone who prefers to wander, shop the markets, or explore at your own pace, you absolutely can. Every port is easy to navigate, and you’ll have plenty of flexibility to design your days exactly how you like.
And in between it all, the ship becomes your home base, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, long dinners with the Gals, or simply relaxing, reading, and enjoying the view as the river drifts by.