Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest! All flights must arrive prior to 5:00pm. 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)

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: Exclusive Viennese concert (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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Christmas Traditions in Europe onboard presentation

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

After breakfast arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On your guided walking tour through this UNESCO World Heritage 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
EmeraldPLUS: Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Nuremberg (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. Flights depart Munich after 2:00pm. Meal: B