Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Prague to Paris & Christmas Markets of Europe

Prague to Paris & Christmas Markets of Europe

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$8,628
Balcony
$10,558
Suite
$13,192
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
21 Days
 Cruise Starts
Prague
 Cruise Finishes
Paris
21 Day Prague to Paris & Christmas Markets of Europe Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
ERPX-2

Overview

Prague is a fascinating city full of historical sights, like the Astrological Clock, and Charles Bridge. Immerse yourself in the pageantry of Christmas the European way. An extra special treat awaits you on our Christmas Markets Cruise. Celebrate the festive season in style cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam, stopping in Bratislava, Vienna, Nuremberg, Wurzburg and Cologne for visits to some of the most iconic Christmas markets.Take in Paris on a guided tour, and a cruise along the romantic sights of the Seine.

Itinerary

Welcome to Prague home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped by the wonder of the seasonal period. Your local guide will take you through the old town square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage.

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague
  • EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace (B)

Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration today. We would recommend going to one of Prague’s memorable Christmas markets, where colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen are full of handcrafted ornaments and freshly baked Czech Christmas treats.

  • DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Budapest to embark your Star-Ship and cruise through the heart of Europe, exploring many different sights. (B/D)

Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital.

Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. . Enjoy, some free to continue exploring some of beautiful Christmas Market in Budapest.

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • EmeraldPLUS Christmas traditions in Europe (lecture on board) (B/L/D)

Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Wander down cobblestone streets and witness the sheer majesty of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure, perhaps perusing some of the quaint boutiques that line the streets. This afternoon, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense) (B/L/D)

A wave of culture paves the way for life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most prestigious composers once walked the streets and found their inspiration. Today, by coach and on foot, you will have the opportunity to pass the iconic imperial palaces and noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle, perhaps stopping to imagine how it would have looked when Richard the Lionheart was held captive following the Third Crusade. After visiting Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its ancient monastic library and medieval manuscripts saved from fires by the monks in the 13th century.

  • Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey (B/L/D)

Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy destination that has been shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and magical promenades adorned with classical boutiques.

This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau and discover a peppering of delightful Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century. Stop to admire the silhouette of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and witness St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home of the largest church organ in Europe. Later, return for an afternoon spent peacefully cruising through the heart of Europe.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
  • DiscoverMORE Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, set out on an exploration of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, where more than two millennia of history is yours to discover. Your local guide will lead you through the heart of Regensburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, once home to the seat of parliament. Delightful historic patrician houses line the streets, a visible testament to the area’s importance as a trading centre hundreds of years ago. As part of one of your EmeraldPLUS features, you will also have a chance to visit the wonderful Christmas Market inside the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds.

Later, return to your Star-Ship to sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you make your way to Nuremberg.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Regensburg
  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn und Taxis Palace grounds
  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian band performance on board (B/L/D)

Today, the historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during an included sightseeing tour, touching on the architectural wonders that have acted as an inspiration for famous artists from around the world for generations.

After your guided tour, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure, passing idyllic houses that were lovingly reconstructed following the destruction of the war years.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Nuremberg
  • DiscoverMORE Gingerbread Cooking Demonstration (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town centre, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.

Admire hundreds of ornamental façades as you explore the town with your local guide, passing the New Residence, a building that truly captures the opulence that was enjoyed by the prince bishops. Relax in the Rose Garden before witnessing the opulence of medieval Altenburg Castle overlooking the town.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Bamberg (B/L/D)

Set alongside the Main River, Würzburg offers a perfect introduction to the Romantic Road, one of Bavaria’s most popular tourism routes that links stunning medieval locations throughout the country. Your own charming journey of discovery will touch on the sloping vineyard-laden hills of one of the biggest wine-producing areas in Germany.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, perhaps stopping to admire the Viennese Baroque architecture and secular features from Italy. Your local guide will teach you about how the architects behind the Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different popular styles. After the tour, enjoy a guided walking tour of Würzburg, including the Gothic Marienkapelle and Town Hall.

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
  • DiscoverMORE Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a place that perfectly encapsulates traditional Bavarian life.

Enjoy a guided tour of the village, as your local guide leads you down an intricate network of cobblestone streets, each adorned with colourful houses. Centuries ago, this area benefited from trade that was brought by river traffic, and this past affluence can still be seen today.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Miltenberg
  • EmeraldPLUS Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation (B/L/D)

Relax on your Star-Ship this morning until we reach Rüdesheim, a town with a rich history of viticulture. When you arrive, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum to see spectacular rare music boxes that have stood the test of time, showcased in a postcard-worthy building with a half-timbered façade.

After lunch, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, perhaps standing on the Sun Deck and watching for the castles and fortresses that pepper the surrounding hilltops.

  • Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (B/L/D)

Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning, where an illustrious 2,000-year-long history awaits.

One of the oldest cities in the country, the Romans founded Cologne in 50AD and you'll find a number of ancient ruins, monuments and medieval structures as reminders.

Enjoy a walking tour of the city today, as your local guide takes you through the Old Town, passing ancient bridges that survived the air raids of WWII, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral and its filigree twin towers, an iconic part of the city’s skyline.

This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.

  • Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town (B/L/D)

This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a cruise down the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system that weaves across Amsterdam, passing elegant merchant’s residences that reflect the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when Amsterdam was an important trading centre. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

  • Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to the centre of Paris, the world-famous “City of Light”. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Paris, from its romantic ambience to its sought-after gastronomy. Your journey through the heart of Europe includes a three-night stay in centrally located accommodation. (B)

Today, the wide and leafy boulevards of Paris are yours to discover with a local guide, as you witness the sheer majesty of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. After your walking tour, board a river cruise along the Seine to see the city from a different angle, finishing at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise (B)

The storied beauty of Paris is yours to discover independently today, perhaps choosing to visit the mighty Louvre and witness the legendary Mona Lisa, or venturing along the streets decorated for the holiday season, stopping at some charming Christmas markets. You can also choose to have a stroll down the Champs-Elysées illuminated with twinkle lights or be enchanted by the Galleries Lafayette's windows displaying magical animated scenes. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration.

  • DiscoverMORE Tastes of Paris (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the city of lights with you. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Dawn

Emerald Dawn
Emerald Dawn

Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Wellness and Beauty
Wellness and Beauty

Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine 3 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022
We made new friends and took home many wonderful memories. From the hotel on arrival in Amsterdam to the hotel at the end in Basel, the whole trip was supremely organized. The crew onboard were very good at their job and clearly enjoyed what they do. Nothing was a problem and the smaller number on board a river boat meant we could be alone if we wanted ...read more or part of a group when we wanted. The food was outstanding.
The Best Christmas Ever 1 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022
We made some wonderful friends, had lots of Christmas cheer and it was so easy every day. Emerald Cruises - your staff are the best. Nothing was a problem and everyone was helpful and happy. I can not believe how much Christmas we packed into 8 days!

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Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

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