Experience Christmas Markets on the Danube

Specs:

• Destination: European cities on the Danube River

• Cruise line: Emerald River Cruises

• Duration: 7 nights / 8 days

• Dates: December 15-22, 2025

Pricing:

This deal features highly-discounted covert rates that we’re not allowed to publish on our website. Access full pricing for this trip by joining our email newsletter, private Facebook group, or by inquiring via the button below.

The Emerald Cruises Difference

Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.

• Day 1: Munich - Regensburg Embarkation

  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. 

  EmeraldPLUS:
  Traditional Bavarian band on board

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

  Inclusions: Dinner

• Day 2: 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. 

  EmeraldPLUS
  Visit to the Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds

  EmeraldPLUS
  Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3: Passau

  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

  EmeraldPLUS
  Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4: Melk-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, 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

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 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

  DiscoverMORE
  Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 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)

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 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

  DiscoverMORE
  Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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

  Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 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.

  Inclusions: Breakfast