Christmas Markets on the Danube & Classic Prague

Welcome to Budapest. You'll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure and visit one or more of its charming Christmas markets.

This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board.

EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when it becomes a magical winter wonderland of decorations, lights and festive cheer. The locals soak in the city's many thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season.

Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Explore the World Heritage-listed centre, travelling through the chapters of architecture through the ages from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes' Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market.

Gothic architecture and fascinating tales of a Communist past welcome you to Bratislava, a capital that has seen much turbulence over the past century. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, this is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. The Christmas season adds an extra layer to the city, where a blend of distinctive cultures comes together to showcase their handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.

Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
Enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Be invited into the home of a local Slovakian family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake. Get an insight into their history, culture and traditions as they show you how they live every day

DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You'll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

Welcome to the ‘City of Music', Vienna. This ornate cityscape was home to famous musicians and composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It has a magical atmosphere over Christmas, with elaborate decorations and more than 20 festive markets.

Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
For art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital. Not only is the city packed with museums and artwork, but there is a huge variety across styles and time periods. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz' and the ‘Radetzky March'. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Make a short stop in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Later, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. After your excursion, you'll have some free time to explore the town's Christmas market on your own.

EmeraldPLUS Göttweig Abbey with organ recital
Embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it's one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it's visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. Later, sit down to a moving organ recital.

Today you'll be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria's third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. The historical old town has a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, creating a serene and contemplative Christmas experience.

Included Excursion Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting
Rug up for a walking tour of Linz, where you can admire its unique mix of historic and contemporary buildings. Finish with a tasting of Linzer torte (a rich tarte filled with fruit preserves), where you'll learn more about Europe's most popular desserts named after the town of Linz.

DiscoverMORE Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
The birthplace of Mozart and the picturesque setting for the theatrical masterpiece, The Sound of Music, Salzburg has a unique charm and is surrounded by the breathtaking Alps. Spend a full day exploring this Austrian city, wandering its historic downtown district, exploring the Linzer Gasse shopping street and visiting the home of Mozart. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 10 hours

This important historic trading centre, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers' – where three of Europe's main waterways converge – borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. Its beautiful historic centre features charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. In front of the green-domed façade of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Passau's annual Christkindlmarkt can be found. Here, you can sample some delicious warm Glühwein and freshly baked goods.

Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship tonight, enjoy live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian musical traditions.

Included Excursion Guided Tour of Passau
On this morning's walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence and St. Stephen's Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.

EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board
Make your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band, who will play traditional music and wear their authentic Lederhosen.

Today, after breakfast, you'll depart Passau and transfer by coach to the Czech Republic and the delightful capital, Prague. Here, you'll settle into your centrally-located hotel for your included three-night stay. This evening, enjoy meeting your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink.

Soak in the festive sights of Prague on your included morning tour.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague with Christmas market visit
Explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped by the wonder of the festive seasonal period. Your local guide will take you through the Old Town square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city's architectural heritage, where you can see the famous Astronomical Clock.

You'll also be able to soak up the festive atmosphere of Prague's Christmas Market. Amongst the locals, stroll through the colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen, brimming with hand-crafted ornaments and freshly baked festive treats.

EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Here, freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.

You may choose to continue exploring independently today or join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent explorations in Prague, regarded as one of Europe's most magical cities.

DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia
During this enthralling tour, you'll learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short stroll from your hotel will take you through some of the city's most interesting hidden corners, before arriving at a local restaurant. Here, meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and Rosé wines; each one, accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement each glass. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

This morning, after breakfast, it's time to leave Prague as you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, taking memories of the splendours of the Czech capital with you.