Depart the USA on your overnight flight to 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

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 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)

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)

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 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)

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)

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.