Danube Christmas Market Cruise

 9 Days Cruising the Danube River

On this River Cruise, you’ll enjoy a relaxing time on the Danube; Europe’s most popular river. We’ll travel onboard our modern ship, exploring the wonderful Christmas Markets of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

Danube Christmas Market Cruise

 9 Days Cruising the Danube River

On this River Cruise, you’ll enjoy a relaxing time on the Danube; Europe’s most popular river. We travel onboard our modern ship, exploring the wonderful Christmas Markets of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany with ports of call in the enchanting cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Passau and Regensburg – all decorated for the holidays.  What a beautiful way to celebrate!

Highlights

• Visit the region’s Christmas Markets
• Airport transfers on tour dates
• First-class English-speaking crew
• Shore excursions using English audio sets
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners – 20 in all
• All meals served with a variety of International cuisine
• Complimentary wines, beer and soft drinks with meals
• Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
• Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
• Variety of onboard entertainment
• All gratuities included
• $45 in on board credit

The Itinerary 

Day 1 Depart the USA: Today we depart the USA for your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary

Day 2 Budapest, Hungary:  Welcome to Budapest! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening join your fellow travelers with a traditional Hungarian welcome dinner. Later, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. Meal: D

Day 3 Budapest, Hungary: Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. During your free time, stroll through the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street. This afternoon departs for Bratislava. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia: This morning you arrive in the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. 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

Day 5 Vienna, Austria: Explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, seeing the sights of 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 free time to visit the wonderful Christmas markets of Vienna which are set up in 15 different squares in the city. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Dürnstein – Melk, Austria: In the morning, arrive in 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. Enjoy free time to stroll through this picturesque town. Sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, famous for its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Passau OR Salzburg, Austria: Cruise along the Danube this morning, reaching Passau this afternoon. 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. During your leisure time, visit the traditional Christmas market in front of the Cathedral. Meals: B, L, D DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)

Day 8 Regensburg, Germany: After breakfast arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On your guided walking tour, see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s 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! Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Nuremberg Disembarkation – Munich, Germany:  After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark the ship for your transfer to Munich Airport. Meal: B

TravelKatz will be more than happy to help you celebrate Christmas on the Danube.  Make family gift purchases – but be sure to bring extra luggage!  The Christmas Market cruises in Europe are very sought after and tremendously popular, so book this one early for 2020!