Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.

Welcome to Germany! All flights must arrive Munich by 2:00pm. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Regensburg. After boarding, explore the ship and become acquainted with the amenities. Later, enjoy dinner onboard. Meal: D

Your exploration of Germany begins in this historic city. On your guided walking tour, view one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights. Visit the famous Christmas Market at the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds, try a mug of Glühwein and treat yourself to homemade gingerbread! Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard
EmeraldPLUS: Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Thurn & Taxis Christmas Market

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city, which is explored on a guided walking tour. The tour ends at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you’ll find a Chirstkindlmarkt filled with gingerbread-like stalls selling handmade gifts and tasty treats in an atmosphere of twinkling lights. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schutz Art Museum Engelhartszell (additional expense)

Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing through the spectacular Wachau Valley, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to Krems. Upon arrival, depart for a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey. This Benedictine monastery, perched high atop a vineyard and forest-covered hill, offers stunning views over the Wachau Valley. Inside the abbey, admire its architectural highlights, antique decorations and furnishings. A wine tasting is also included during the tour. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Christmas Traditions in Europe onboard presentation

This capital city is comprised of grand boulevards, ornate palaces, amazing architecture and storied history. Also famous for art exhibitions and museums, your included tour visits the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country. After the tour, enjoy free time to visit the wonderful Christmas Markets throughout the city. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert (additional expense)

Learn about Slovakian culture during a visit to Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Slovak National Theater and the Episcopal Summer Palace. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas markets where you can shop for handmade ornaments and holiday craft items. This afternoon, a highlight of the day may be a home-hosted visit where you are treated to tasty home-made specialties in the home of local Slovakians. What a unique opportunity to meet the locals and learn about life in Slovakia! Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
DiscoverMORE: Carpathian wine route (additional expense) (instead of EmeraldPLUS)

Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan capital, is known for the rich architecture and historic monuments along both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a true delight during the season with its Christmas Market and festive display of holiday decorations. Your guided coach tour will introduce you to the city as it passes the ornate Parliament Building and travels along Andrássy Avenue – the main shopping area lined with spectacular Neo-Renaissance townhomes, cafés, boutiques and theaters, among them the State Opera House. This evening you’ll be delighted by a traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Jewish Heritage Tour (additional expense)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark the ship. Transfer to the Budapest airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at Christmastime. Meal: B