Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – November 26: Arrival & Buda Castle Discovery
Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) and meet your private driver for a transfer to your elegant hotel on the Pest side of the river. This afternoon, explore the magnificent Buda Castle complex, including visits to the museum and gilded halls inside, plus the winding cobblestone streets and panoramic views over the city outside. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of the Christmas Markets with dinner at a local restaurant, followed by tastes of classic desserts like Kürtőskalács in the market.
Please note that you should arrive by 12:00 p.m. local time on November 26 to fully participate in the first day’s activities. If you’d like to arrive a day early on November 25th, this can be arranged and the extra night’s stay will be added to your invoice.
Day 2 – November 27: Thermal Bliss & Ship Embarkation
Begin your morning at the legendary Széchenyi Thermal Baths, soaking in outdoor pools filled with natural hot springs while snowflakes dance around you. There are 18 different pools, indoor and outdoors, to explore, plus saunas and steam rooms. We’ll spend the morning luxuriating in this incredible spa experience before boarding our luxury river cruise in the afternoon. Enjoy some more free time to wander the markets before your welcome dinner on the ship moored in beautiful Budapest.
Please note, this is a shared, solo traveler only cruise. We have reserved a block of rooms, but there will be other solo guests on the cruise. The restaurant, lounges, and other public spaces will be shared by all guests aboard the ship. We have made arrangements for our group of 8 to dine together each evening, but for other meals you can choose to sit with our group or with the other solo patrons on board.
Day 3 – November 28: Imperial Budapest & Departure
Start with a guided walking tour of Budapest’s highlights, including the magnificent Parliament Building, and explore Christmas markets in Vörösmarty Square. Sample honey cookies and mulled wine, and shop for handmade leather goods and unique ceramics. This afternoon, sail through the dramatic Danube Bend as fairy-tale landscapes glide past your panoramic windows.
Day 4 – November 29: Bratislava’s Baroque Beauty
Wake up in Slovakia’s charming capital, where communist history meets beautifully restored baroque architecture. This morning, explore the city’s Christmas markets in the main square, where fairy lights twinkle among cinnamon-scented stalls. This market is most famous for all the incredible Slovak cuisine you won’t find elsewhere. Taste crispy zemiakové placky (potato pancakes) with sour cream and bacon, hearty bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), and warm medovina (honey wine) while browsing stalls in cozy wooden huts with fur-covered seats.
Day 5 – November 30: Vienna’s Imperial Grandeur
Arrive in Vienna, where elegant imperial facades glitter with thousands of Christmas lights. Tour St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex this morning. This afternoon, explore the magical Christmas markets at Rathausplatz (City Hall) with its ice-skating trails winding through trees, and Schönbrunn Palace with its imperial backdrop. Indulge in Austria’s famous Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes with plum compote), warm Käsekrainer sausages filled with melted cheese, and traditional Glühwein served in collectible souvenir mugs while browsing over 100 stalls of handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys.
Day 6 – December 1: Return to Budapest
Cruise back to Budapest this morning, watching winter wonderland scenery drift past from the ship’s warm lounge. This afternoon, explore Vörösmarty Square’s rustic wooden stalls one final time, browsing for unique Christmas treasures. Enjoy the Captain’s Dinner tonight, celebrating your magical Danube journey and toasting to the new friendships made along the way.
Day 7 – December 2: Departure
After breakfast, disembark and enjoy some final moments in Budapest before your private transfer to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Depart with memories of imperial cities, festive markets, and twinkling Christmas lights.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
River Cruise FAQs
We’re sailing with Riviera River Cruises, a premium cruise line specializing in solo travelers.
What is the ship we’ll be sailing on?
Our home is the brand-new MS Riviera Radiance, featuring the biggest cabins in Riviera’s fleet. With just 89 single occupancy cabins, the cruise is capped at <90 travelers, plus 44 crew. The intimate size and sustainability focused design (Gold Standard Certifyed by Green Award) makes this ship the opposite of big box cruise lines, instead it’s like a floating boutique hotel.
What are the cabins like?
You’ll have a Ruby Deck Double Cabin (16 sq meters) with single occupancy. Features include floor to ceiling windows, French balcony, full-sized bed, climate control, safe, minibar, Nespresso machine, ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, and daily turndown service.
Who else will be on the ship?
This is a dedicated solo traveler cruise. Besides our Women Travel Abroad group, you’ll be surrounded by other solo travelers, women and men, from around the globe.
What are meals like?
All meals are included. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a four-course à la carte menu with international and regional specialties. The Captain hosts a special ‘Gala Dinner.’ The ship has three restaurants and we’ll try each one so we can enjoy a variety of foods. When off the ship, WTA will also provide snacks and tastings at the local markets.
What’s the drink package like?
Included as part of the trip is the Superior Drinks Package (worth $500). This is unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals, plus spirits and cocktails from 6pm-midnight. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water available 24/7.
Highlights
Food & Wine
History & Architecture
City Exploration
Sold Out – Join Waitlist
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
6 nights, 7 days of accommodation
Single Occupancy - Boutique Hotel & Cruise
Private airport transfers to/from Budapest (BUD)
Group Széchenyi Thermal Bath Visit
Private guided tour of Buda Castle
Guided walking tours of Budapest & Vienna
Group visit to Christmas Markets of Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna
All local transporation
Professional English-speaking local guides
All scheduled entrance fees and experiences
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and tastings
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with alcohol included for meals on board the cruise
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Roundtrip International airfare from the US to Budapest International Airport (BUD)
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic Beverages not listed
Meals not listed above
European Travel Electronic Visa (ETIAS)
Gratuities and tips for personal services
Is This Tour For Me?
Physical Rating - Level 2: Light
- Distance/Pace: Comfortable with walking 1-2 miles unassisted.
- Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional gentle inclines; limited stairs.
- Duration: Activities (such as guided city tours or short nature walks) lasting up to 60 minutes of continuous standing or walking.
- Additional: Suitable for those with moderate stamina looking for light activity
Travel Style: Cultural & Culinary Immersion
Cultural & Culinary Immersion: Hands-on cooking classes, vineyard tastings, and local market visits paired with guided city tours for a rich taste of French culture.
Age requirement: 18+
Wonder Dixon
Host
Travel Insurance
Additional Information
Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $800 at time of registration to secure her spot.
Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required on the first of every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
Final payment must be made 90 days before the trip date.
A 50% refund can be requested prior to 6 months before the trip start date found in your invoice.
No refunds for cancellations within 6 months of the trip date found in your invoice.
A $250 penalty will be charged for any outstanding balance after the final payment date found in your invoice.
For inquiries, contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com
What Our Customers Say
"WTA is very compatible with my style of travel. Small groups, trip hosts to ensure everything goes smoothly, at least one free day, most costs included, single occupancy, and cultural immersion."
"I love the vibe of WTA – the small group size, the carefully curated trips, and the sense of camaraderie among women. It feels like traveling with friends who love luxury and adventure as much as I do!”
"WTA has been my choice for travel for many trips. It has allowed me to go to places and meet friends that I would never have gone and met."
"This was my third WTA trip. I have enjoyed each trip and have no regrets about traveling with WTA. All of the activities were awesome experiences, and every restaurant meal exceeded my expectations."
"I love the format of WTA trips – relaxing yet filled with meaningful experiences. The small group size, attention to detail, and single occupancy options make for a truly worry-free travel experience. I returned from the St. Lucia Wellness retreat feeling completely rejuvenated and inspired."
"The attention to detail on every trip makes WTA stand out. From the beautiful accommodations to seamless itineraries, everything is perfectly designed for women who want to see the world without the hassle."
"WTA trips are a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and adventure. I felt well taken care of and could enjoy every moment without worrying about the logistics. The ease of the trip, the thoughtful organization, and the sense of safety took all the worry and fear out of my hands. It was truly a stress-free and wonderful experience."
"Everything was planned for us, and I didn’t have to stress about anything. I loved the thoughtful details, the organized itinerary, and the amazing group of women I met along the way.”
“The trip was amazing. A private villa, relaxing massages, amazing hikes, and stellar food. Not to mention all the wonderful new friends I made on the trip! All in all, this was an absolutely beautiful experience that I’ll remember forever."
