Danube Christmas Markets

Depart on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary — the start of your Christmas Markets cruise on the Danube.


Note: Itinerary may operate in reverse order.

Welcome to Budapest! All flights must arrive by 5:00 pm. You'll be met at the airport and transferred directly to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy some free time to take in this magnificent city before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner onboard — complete with a spirited Hungarian folk dancing and music performance. A warm and festive start to your Christmas Markets cruise. Meal: D

Budapest is Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan city, and it shines especially bright at Christmas. Begin with a guided panoramic tour taking in the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, the historic Buda Castle, and the iconic Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest across the Danube. During your free time, step into the festive spirit at the Christmas market on Budapest's main square near Váci Utca Street — filled with unique handcrafted Hungarian ornaments, seasonal treats, and holiday gifts to bring home. This afternoon, your ship sets sail for Bratislava. Meals: B, L, D

Arrive this morning in Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia. Join your local guide for a walking tour through the enchanting Old City — romantic cobblestone lanes, the elegant Town Hall, and the beautiful Slovak National Theater. Throughout the city, festive Christmas markets invite you to browse handmade ornaments, artisan crafts, and holiday gifts. One of Central Europe's most underrated capitals, Bratislava blends centuries of history with a warm atmosphere that feels especially magical during the holiday season. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Vienna — one of the world's great imperial cities, renowned for grand boulevards, ornate palaces, and extraordinary architecture. Your included tour visits the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Austria's largest and most celebrated art museum. After the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore freely. Vienna truly comes alive at Christmas — the iconic Rathausplatz market is not to be missed. Wander the festive stalls, sample seasonal treats, and soak in the holiday magic of this exceptional city. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, relax aboard your Star-Ship as it glides through the breathtaking Wachau Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of medieval villages, terraced vineyards, and dramatic river scenery. This afternoon, visit Göttweig Abbey, a magnificent Benedictine monastery perched on a vineyard-covered hill above the valley. Built in 1083, this architectural treasure has been home to a community of monks for nearly a thousand years. Your guided tour concludes with a tasting of the abbey's celebrated wines — a tradition kept alive by the monks throughout the centuries. Meals: B, L, D

Today your ship docks in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Your walking tour leads through the historic old town, where beautiful Baroque and Renaissance architecture lines the streets. At Christmas, the city takes on a special serenity — hand-carved nativity scenes fill the churches, adding a quiet, contemplative warmth to the holiday atmosphere. End the day with a Linzer torte tasting, the beloved local specialty that has made this city famous and will add a delicious memory to your Christmas journey. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Passau — the enchanting "City of Three Rivers," where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz converge in one of Bavaria's most picturesque settings. Your guided tour reveals a historic center of charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets fragrant with freshly baked gingerbread. Visit the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral — home to one of the world's largest church organs — and enjoy a special seasonal organ concert. Just outside, the Passau Christmas market is the perfect final stop to discover unique Bavarian delicacies and holiday treasures. Meals: B, L, D