8 Day Christmas Markets on the Danube

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Cruise Length

8 Days

Cruise Starts

Budapest

Cruise Finishes

Munich

8 Day Christmas Markets on the Danube Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)

Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

12 Reviews

Ship

Emerald Sun

Passengers

180

Crew

Launched

2015

Cruise Code

EWXM-2

Overview

This special festive twist of our classic itinerary down the Danube lets you explore the majestic architecture and markets of Budapest, before joining a local Slovakian family in Bratislava for home-hosted coffee and cake. Marvel at the classical surrounds of Vienna then wander the Christmas markets of Regensburg, highly regarded as 'one of the loveliest'.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. EmeraldPLUS A traditional Hungarian folklore show (D)

Join a local guide for a tour of the Hungarian capital today, as you board a comfortable coach and drive pass the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge that links both sides of this storied city and the Buda Castle district, where historic façades line cobblestone streets. Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the stalls of Budapest’s main Christmas market, where handcrafted ornaments are aplenty and colorful strings of lights line the streets. Included Excursion A guided tour of Budapest (B/L/D)

Across Europe, different cultures intertwine at Christmas time, sharing their traditions, treats and unique customs. The Slovakian capital is a truly charming city, whose roots can be traced across the continent. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city today, including its enchanting historic district and some of its many bustling Christmas markets. Included Excursion A walking tour of Bratislava EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family (B/L/D)

Welcome to Vienna, the European capital of classical music and the lavish capital of Austria. Today, you will have every opportunity to soak in the illustrious façades of Vienna’s Ringstrasse during your included coach tour and walking tour of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

After your tour, enjoy free time at leisure to explore many of Vienna’s wonderful Christmas markets, each set in a different open square. Included Excursion A guided tour of Vienna DiscoverMORE An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Tastes of Vienna (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as we sail through one of the most charming wine regions in Europe and on to Dürnstein. This is the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned following his return from the Third Crusade in the 12th century. Later, return to your Star-Ship and enjoy the luscious amenities on board until we reach Melk, where an illustrious tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Melk Abbey awaits. This 900-year-old Baroque palace features some of Austria’s finest Italian Baroque architecture. Included Excursion A guided tour of Melk Abbey (B/L/D)

A blanket of powdered snow graces the European countryside at Christmastime, creating a magical setting as we cruise into Passau. On this afternoon’s included walking tour of the town, enjoy visiting its annual Christkindlmarkt, set in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Almost a hundred gingerbread-like stalls selling festive souvenirs and handmade gifts can be found here, each connected to the next by strings of twinkling fairy lights. Included Excursion A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, Regensburg. Our guided walking tour will offer every chance to get to know this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city’s past, as you stroll across one of the oldest bridges on the Danube and witness the city’s ancient fortifications.

Stop to visit one of the loveliest Christmas markets in the region, with its many quaint wooden stalls, twinkling lights and festive goods adorning hidden passageways and narrow cobblestone streets. Included Excursion A guided tour of Regensburg EmeraldPLUS A visit to the Christmas Market at Thurn und Taxis Palace EmeraldPLUS A traditional Bavarian performance (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of handcrafted ornaments and traditional stalls with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please note: Pre-release itinerary subject to change. (B)