Christmas markets on Danube 2025 starting in Munich
Day 1: Munich
Greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives, you'll transfer to your contemporary Star-Ship in Regensburg, starting your festive river cruise along the Danube.
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian band on board
Day 2; Regensburg
Spend the day in Regensburg. Today, you'll have the chance to explore some of the city's architectural highlights, crossing the 12th-century bridge over the Danube. Your EmeraldPLUS excursion takes you into the heart of the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas market, where row-upon-row of twinkling lights adorn the quaint wooden stalls.
EmeraldPLUS
Visit to the Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds
EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
Day 3: Passau
The cobblestone streets that weave through Passau resemble a picture-perfect Christmas card, especially when a thin layer of fresh snow blankets the town. Your included walking tour will finish underneath the striking green domes of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where you’ll discover a charming Christkindlmarkt full of festive souvenirs and freshly baked goods.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
DiscoverMORE
Visit to Schuetz Museum Engelhartszell (extra expense)
Day 4: Durnstein - Krems
Today, enjoy a morning sailing on your Star-Ship as it sails through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Krems.
This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Day 5: Vienna
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city perfectly encapsulating the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their love of ornate Baroque palaces. For art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is bursting with museums and artwork, but because of the variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
DiscoverMORE
Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Day 6: Slovakia
Today, enjoy learning about Slovakia as we take you into the heart of Bratislava, a capital where cultures sit side-by-side. A sightseeing tour of the city will introduce you to its architectural wonders, including the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre. The Christmas markets showcase handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Christmas treats, a true seasonal delight.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
DiscoverMORE
Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Day 7: Budapest
Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when the locals take to thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season. Today, your guided coach tour will introduce you to Andrássy Avenue and the neo-Renaissance façades of the townhouses found there, as well as a generous scattering of Christmas decorations.
This evening, an on board traditional Hungarian folklore show is certain to delight.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)
Day 8: Budapest
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of Christmas stalls and crisp winter mornings with you.