Greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives, you'll transfer to your contemporary Star-Ship in Regensburg, starting your festive river cruise along the Danube. 

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Traditional Bavarian band on board

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Spend the day in Regensburg. Today, you'll have the chance to explore some of the city's architectural highlights, crossing the 12th-century bridge over the Danube. Your EmeraldPLUS 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. 

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Visit to the Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds

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Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

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’ll discover a charming Christkindlmarkt full of festive souvenirs and freshly baked goods.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

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, and on to Krems.  

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.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey

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)

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

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense) (Please note: This is not available on Saturday’s due to the museum being closed)

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.