Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise ITINERARY
Day 1 – Munich, Passau
Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.
Day 2 – Passau
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Passau, its charming baroque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. This city is an important historic trading center, known as the City of Three River, where three of Europe’s main waterways converge. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies. Back on board your Star-Ship, enjoy a live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian tradition.
Day 3 – Linz
Dock in Linz and join a walking tour around the city centre. You will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture and its many churches. Enjoy a Christmas experience and end the tour with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.
Day 4 – Dürnstein
Sail through the Wachau Valley before docking in Dürnstein, where you’ll embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most important Benedictine abbeys. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries.
Day 5 – Vienna
Head to Vienna, the perfect city for art lovers, thanks to its Baroque palaces and variety of museums and artwork. Visit the Kunsthistorisches museum, which houses pieces from ancient Egypt through to the 18th century. Delight in the world’s most beautiful boulevard, The Ringstrasse, all lit up with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations, and see highlights such as the Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace.
Day 6 – Bratislava
Today, enjoy Bratislava and its glorious Old Town and well-preserved hilltop castle contrast with its brutalist socialist architecture. 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.
Day 7 – Budapest
Arrive in Budapest, 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.
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.
