Christmas Markets on the Danube

Arrive at Munich Airport and transfer to Nuremberg to embark your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship and where you will be welcomed by your captain and crew. Nuremberg is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea.

Cruise along the Danube River to UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour, you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. Regensburg is also home to one of the loveliest’ Christmas market of the German-speaking countries. With its many quaint wooden stalls, the market is located around the Neupfarr Church and the city Guard House, adorned by row-upon-row of twinkling lights. Taste your way through the narrow streets and hidden passageways, picking up a mug of delicious Glühwein and treating yourself to homemade gingerbread and cookies.
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band on-board & Visit to Christmas Market at Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds

Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Passau’s annual Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt, takes place in front of the St. Stephan Cathedral. Around 70 gingerbread-like stalls selling festive souvenirs, handmade gifts and delicious treats are illuminated by strings of twinkling fairy lights, as the smell of Glühwein and fresh baking fills the cool air. Indulge on gingerbread as music groups and choirs take to the stage as the perfect accompaniment.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Salzburg (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Passau or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.

Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing UNESCO World Heritage-listed 900–year old Benedictine Melk Abbey. The Abbey features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Later the ship sails through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century.

Welcome to Vienna, the capital of classical music. Today, you have a choice of either exploring Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the magnificent Ringstrasse, where we will see the sights of the Vienna’s world-famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. After the tour, enjoy your free time to sample the wonderful Christmas markets of Vienna which are set up in 15 different squares in the city.

DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna Tour (extra expense)
AND / OR
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Bratislava also hosts charming Christmas markets throughout the city, which you can enjoy. This evening, the captain will be delighted to welcome you to the captain’s Gala Dinner.
EmeraldPLUS: Home hosted coffee and cake with Slovakians

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided bus tour passing by the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, amongst other fantastic sights. This evening, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on-board followed by a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. After dinner, join your fellow travellers for a night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges.
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show on-board & Budapest evening cruise

DiscoverMORE: Budapest Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

Please note: Pre release itinerary subject to change.