Gems of Southeast Europe & Christmas Markets

December 3, 2026 - December 19, 2026

A Luxurious Danube River Journey
5 – 18 December 2026

13 Nights

7-Night Luxury Cruise | 2 Nights Vienna | 2 Nights Brasov | 2 Nights Bucharest

Experience the magic of Southeast Europe during the festive season on this escorted 13-night journey with Travel With Lesley Whyte. Hosted by Lesley & Rob Whyte, this immersive itinerary blends elegance, cultural richness, and the joy of European Christmas markets as you sail the legendary Danube River.

Begin with two luxurious nights in Vienna—Austria’s imperial capital—where you’ll enjoy guided tours. Then, board your AmaWaterways river cruise and glide through Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, before concluding with two nights each in Brasov and Bucharest, Romania.

This journey features exclusive cultural encounters, awe-inspiring landscapes, and exceptional dining, with 7 nights aboard a state-of-the-art AmaWaterways ship and 8 nights in handpicked luxury hotels. Explore castles, historic towns, and vibrant cities with guided excursions and immersive activities tailored for curious and discerning travellers.

Perfect for travellers aged 50+, this journey is ideal for couples or friends travelling together. Enjoy premium twin-share or double accommodation throughout, with gourmet meals and hosted support every step of the way.

Tour Highlights

Escorted Journey: Personally hosted by Lesley & Rob Whyte for a relaxed, enriching travel experience
Luxury River Cruise: 7 nights in a spacious stateroom featuring a French balcony or dual-balcony layout
Pre & Post-Cruise Land Package:

2 nights in Vienna including transfers, and guided city tours
2 nights in Brasov and 2 nights in Bucharest, each with guided tours and deluxe accommodation
Onboard Amenities: Fitness centre, massage services, hair salon, and live cultural performances
World-Class Dining: Unlimited fine wines, beer, and soft drinks with meals; specialty dining with regionally inspired menus
Immersive Cultural Experiences: Choose from guided walking tours, active excursions, and cycling adventures in every port
Tipping Made Easy: A trip kitty with a suggested contribution is managed by your Travel With Lesley Whyte host and distributed to local guides and service providers on your behalf.

Let the Danube be your guide on this magical, luxurious, and memory-making journey through the heart of Europe.

Download the brochure

Cost & Payment

Total tour cost per person is depending upon the cabin type – as an example, sharing (twin or double) a Class C cabin at the time of publishing is NZ$19,750. BB class cabins are available at a lesser cost.
Deposit of NZ$3,800 per person secures each person’s place – a valid passport is required at the time of booking. Note: NZ$2,000 per person is non-refundable and deposit may change as we get closer to departure date.
Credit card payment is also available, although this attracts a 2% credit card fee.