Christmas markets on the Danube Munich to Budapest 8 days
Christmas Markets on the Danube
Day 1 Munich - Regensburg Embarkation
Greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives, you will transfer to your contemporary Star-Ship in Regensburg, starting your festive river cruise along the Danube River.
Day 2 Regensburg
Spend the day in Regensburg. Today, you will have the chance to explore some of the city's architectural highlights, crossing the 12th-century bridge over the Danube River. Your 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. You can also take a walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian Sausage tasting.
Day 3 Passau- Engelhartszell
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 will discover a charming Christkindlmarkt full of festive souvenirs and freshly baked goods. There is also a guided tour of Passau.
Day 4 Durnstein - Krems
On this day you will enjoy a sailing on your Star-Ship as it sails through the Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Krems.
This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Gottweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forest. Built in 1083, it is one of Austria's most important Benedictine Abbeys, attracting visitors from all around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it is visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds.
Day 5 Vienna
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city perfectly encapsulated 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. You can also go to a Viennese evening concert.
Day 6 Bratislava
On this day you will enjoy learning about Slovakia as you taken 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. This will include a walking tour and home hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family.
Day 7 Budapest
Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architecture diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube River. The UNESO 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 the Andrassy Avenue and the neo-Renaissance facades of the townhouses found there, as well as a generous scattering of Christmas decorations. You can also choose to take excursion to Szentendre or a Jewish Heritage tour. In the evening, there is an on board traditional Hungarian folklore show.
Day 8 Budapest
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guest. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take memories of Christmas stalls and crisp winter.
