Christmas Markets Cruise on the Danube River 2023
River Cruise
 9 Days • 20 Meals
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.

 Highlights
  • 20 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
  • Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany
  • Seven night cruise on an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • First-class service by an English-speaking crew
  • Onboard Activity Manager will host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
  • Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
  • Personal listening device for shore excursions
  • All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
  • Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
  • Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
  • Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
  • Variety of onboard entertainment
  • All gratuities included

 Itinerary
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.


 Accommodations
Days 2 - 8  Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
 

 Map


 Dates and Rates
Departure Date Stateroom Category Per Person twin Single Room
November 30, 2023 E - Emerald Stateroom Riviera $3,395 + $2,379
D - Emerald Stateroom Riviera $3,595 + $2,519
C - Panorama Balcony Suite Vista $4,095 + $2,869
B - Panorama Balcony Suite Vista $4,495 + $3,149
A - Panorama Balcony Suite Horizon $4,645 + $3,259
S - Grand Balcony Suite Horizon $5,195 N/A
SA - Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite Horizon $5,895 N/A
Call for air rates and schedules.
800.323.7604
Passport & Visas: Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour. If you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Some countries require visas for entry by U.S. citizens. We will send visa applications and instructions if a visa is required for your tour. Holders of non-U.S. passports should contact their nearest consulate and inquire about the necessary passport or visa documentation required for entry into the countries visited.

NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.

 Photos

$399 per person Airfare - Call for Details
from $3,395 per person
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