Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany and enjoy a seven night cruise on an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship with First-class service by an English-speaking crew. An onboard Activity Manager will host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment and experience shore excursions with personal listening devices.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to
Budapest, Hungary.
Day
2 Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest! All flights
must arrive prior to 5:00 p.m. 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, join your fellow travelers for dinner and enjoy a
Hungarian folk dancing and music performance onboard.
Meal: D
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show
Day
3 Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most
cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city sights
including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and
the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.
During your free time,
begin your Christmas shopping as you stroll through the Christmas
market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street. Marvel
at the displays of unique handcrafted Hungarian ornaments and
other Christmas items that await! This afternoon, the cruise begins
as you set sail for Bratislava.
Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE*
Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE*
Jewish Heritage Tour (additional expense)
* only 1 DiscoverMORE can be selected as they operate simultaneously
Day
4 Bratislava, Slovakia
This morning, arrive in the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour
including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Slovak
National Theater. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas
markets throughout the city, where you can shop for handmade
ornaments and holiday craft items.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS
Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava
(additional expense)
DiscoverMORE
Carpathia wine route (additional expense)
Day
5 Vienna, Austria
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
Tastes of Vienna Tour (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE
Exclusive Viennese concert (additional expense)
Day
6 Krems – Dürnstein
From the port of Krems journey to Göttweig Abbey for a tour of this Benedictine monastery. Perched
high atop a vineyard and forest-covered hill, the view over the
Wachau Valley is truly stunning. Inside the abbey, admire its
architectural highlights, antique decorations and furnishings.
Return to the ship and relax onboard as you sail through the
spectacular Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. This is the site of the
castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning
from the crusades in the 12th century.
Enjoy free time to stroll through the picturesque town, decorated in holiday splendor.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
7 Passau, Germany
Cruise along the Danube this morning, reaching Passau this afternoon. Cobblestone streets and graceful
arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. During the walking tour,
stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and absorb the local
charm. Visit the annual Christkindlmarkt, set in the square in front
of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where gingerbread-like stalls in an
atmosphere of twinkling lights, sell handmade gifts and tasty treats.
Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (additional expense)
Day
8 Regensburg
After breakfast arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On your guided walking tour through this UNESCO
World Heritage-listed city, see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and the architectural highlights including the Old
Town Hall. Visit the famous Christmas Market at the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds, try a mug of Glühwein and treat yourself to
homemade gingerbread! Enjoy the last day of your cruise in this historic city, decked out for the holidays.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Thurn & Taxis Christmas Market
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian Band onboard
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Regensburg (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE
BMW Factory behind the scenes (additional expense)
Day
9 Regensburg / Munich / USA
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark the ship. Transfer to
the Munich Airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at
Christmastime.
Meal: B
Itinerary is subject to change.