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Christmas Markets on the Danube: 8 days Munich to Budapest

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-adb867be25a4306e7
Overview
Destination:
Germany
Hungary
Start:Munich, Germany
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Duration:8 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
November 2026 - December 2027

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
An unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube & through the heart of old Europe. Walking tours, invitations into the homes of locals & sightseeing excursions showcase the magnificence of yesteryear.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Guided tour of Passau
  • Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • Walking tour of Bratislava
  • Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • Traditional Bavarian band on board
  • Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
  • Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
  • Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
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Itinerary
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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

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. 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.

Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Passau

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian Band on board

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Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

Day 3 - Linz

Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting

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Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

Day 4 - Dürnstein

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.

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. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries.

EmeraldPLUS
Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting

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

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Day 6 - Bratislava

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

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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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.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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