Christmas Markets 2023
Buy Christmas gifts, and souvenirs plus enjoy all the sights and smells of a Christmas Market!
November 30- December 8, 2023
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Danube, Europe’s most popular river. Travel onboard our modern ship, exploring the wonderful Christmas Markets of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Visit the enchanting cities of Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest – all decorated in holiday splendor.
Day 1 Depart the USA- overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary
Day 2 Budapest, Hungary- Welcome to Budapest! All flights
must arrive prior to 5:00pm. You will be met and transferred from
the airport to your Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise ship. After
boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner and enjoy a
Hungarian folk dancing and music performance onboard. Meal: D
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show
Day 3 Budapest- : Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most
cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city sights
including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and
the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. During your free time,
begin your Christmas shopping as you stroll through the Christmas
market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street. Marvel
at the displays of unique handcrafted Hungarian ornaments and
other Christmas items that await! This afternoon, the cruise begins
as you set sail for Bratislava. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE*: Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE*: Jewish Heritage Tour (additional expense)
* only 1 DiscoverMORE can be selected as they operate simultaneously
Day 4 Bratislavia, Slovakia- This morning, arrive in the city of
Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour
including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Slovak
National Theater. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas
markets throughout the city, where you can shop for handmade
ornaments and holiday craft items. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
DiscoverMORE: Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava
(additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Carpathia wine route (additional expense)
***CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS
Days 2 through 8 – Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
DAY 5 Vienna, Austria: This capital city is comprised of grand
boulevards, ornate palaces, amazing architecture and storied
history. Also famous for art exhibitions and museums, your
included tour visits the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art
museum in the country. After the tour, enjoy free time to visit the
wonderful Christmas Markets throughout the city. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna Tour (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert (additional expense)
DAY 6 Krems – Dürnstein: From the port of Krems journey to
Göttweig Abbey for a tour of this Benedictine monastery. Perched
high atop a vineyard and forest-covered hill, the view over the
Wachau Valley is truly stunning. Inside the abbey, admire its
architectural highlights, antique decorations and furnishings.
Return to the ship and relax onboard as you sail through the
spectacular Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. This is the site of the
castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning
from the crusades in the 12th century. Enjoy free time to stroll
through the picturesque town, decorated in holiday splendor.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 Passau, Germany: Cruise along the Danube this morning,
reaching Passau this afternoon. Cobblestone streets and graceful
arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. During the walking tour,
stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and absorb the local
charm. Visit the annual Christkindlmarkt, set in the square in front
of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where gingerbread-like stalls in an
atmosphere of twinkling lights, sell handmade gifts and tasty treats.
Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (additional expense)
DAY 8 Regensburg: After breakfast arrive in magnificent
Regensburg. On your guided walking tour through this UNESCO
World Heritage-listed city, see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and the architectural highlights including the Old
Town Hall. Visit the famous Christmas Market at the Thurn &
Taxis Palace grounds, try a mug of Glühwein and treat yourself to
homemade gingerbread! Enjoy the last day of your cruise in this
historic city, decked out for the holidays. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Thurn & Taxis Christmas Market
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Regensburg (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: BMW Factory behind the scenes (additional expense)
DAY 9 Regensburg / Munich / USA: After breakfast, bid farewell
to your fellow travelers and disembark the ship. Transfer to
the Munich Airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at
Christmastime. Meal: B
Itinerary is subject to change.
$399 AIRFARE from anywhere in the contiguous United States when booked by December 3, 2022.
Air schedules from your city to Budapest, Hungary, returning from Munich, Germany, will be available closer to departure
| Emerald State room E | $3,395 | +$2,379 |
| Emerald State room D | $3,595 | +$2,519 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite B | $4,095 | +$3,149 |
| Panorama Balcony Suite A | $4,645 | +3,259 |
| Grand Balcony Suite | $5,195 | N/A |
| Owners One Bedroom Suite | $5,895 | N/A |
This tour company has a roommate guarantee. If you want to have a roommate they guarantee they will find you a roommate of the same sex. If they do not have a roommate for you, you do not pay the single supplement.
Please sign up for more information by clicking here. You can also or email me, 502-438-8367 or tara@vacationsbytara.com.