Christmas Markets on the Danube

Day One - Overnight Flight to Munich

Your adventure begins today! After a day of excitement and anticipation, it’s time to embark on your journey on an overnight flight to the enchanting city of Budapest.

Day Two - Munich

Welcome to the postcard-worthy destination of Munich. This afternoon and tomorrow spend free time at the Munich Christmas Markets which is an enchanting experience that brings the festive season to life. You’ll be greeted by the sight of a massive, twinkling Christmas tree in front of the Neo-Gothic town hall, surrounded by rows of wooden stalls. Here, local artisans showcase hand-carved wooden toys, delicate ornaments, and intricate nutcrackers. The aroma of roasted chestnuts, fresh gingerbread, and mulled wine (Glühwein) fills the air, inviting you to indulge in Bavarian holiday treats.

Day Three - Munich to Regensburg

You may want to start your day at the iconic Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, set in the heart of Munich’s old town or wander to the nearby Rindermarkt, known for its Nativity Market. You’ll find all the elements for a Bavarian nativity scene here, from hand-painted figurines to miniature stable animals. Strolling around, you may stumble upon live performances of Christmas carols and festive music, enhancing the joyful atmosphere. This afternoon you’ll transfer to your contemporary Star-Ship in Regensburg, starting your festive river cruise along the Danube.

Day Four - Regensburg

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.

Excursions:

• Visit to the Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds
• Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

Day Five -Passau – Engelhartszell

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. 

Excursions:

• Guided tour of Passau

Visit to Schuetz Museum Engelhartszell (extra expense)

Day Six -Durndtein – Krems

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. 

Excursions:

• Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey

hristmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

Day Seven - 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.

 Excursions:

• Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

Day Eight - 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.

Excursions:

• Walking tour of Bratislava
• Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

Day 9 - 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.

Excursions:

• Guided coach tour of Budapest
• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Day Nine - Fly Home

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.