9-Day Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube River
December 8 – 16, 2026
starting at $3,899 per person
FREE Roundtrip Airfare
Get into the holiday spirit with a relaxing cruise on the Danube, Europe’s most popular river, during the holiday season. Explore the wonderful Christmas Markets of four countries with ports of call in the enchanting cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, and Passau, each specially decorated for the season. Roam the markets of each port in search of special handmade ornaments and crafts to bring home and cherish at holiday time for years to come.
Itinerary
December 8 – Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.
December 9 – Munich/Passau, Germany
Welcome to Germany! All flights must arrive Munich by 2:00pm. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Passau. After boarding, explore the ship and become acquainted with the amenities. Later, enjoy dinner onboard.
Meals Included: Dinner
December 10 – Passau
Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 11 – Linz, Austria
Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 12 – 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. 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. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 13 – Vienna
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 Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 14 – Bratislava, Slovakia
Learn about Slovakian culture during a visit to Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Slovak National Theater and the Episcopal Summer Palace. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas markets where you can shop for handmade ornaments and holiday craft items. This afternoon, a highlight of the day may be a home-hosted visit where you are treated to tasty home-made specialties in the home of local Slovakians. What a unique opportunity to meet the locals and learn about life in Slovakia!
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 15 – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan capital, is known for the rich architecture and historic monuments along both sides of the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a true delight during the season with its Christmas Market and festive display of holiday decorations. Your guided coach tour will introduce you to the city as it passes the ornate Parliament Building and travels along Andrássy Avenue – the main shopping area lined with spectacular Neo-Renaissance townhomes, cafés, boutiques and theaters, among them the State Opera House. This evening you’ll be delighted by a traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
December 16 – Budapest, Hungary/USA
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark the ship. Transfer to the Budapest airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at Christmastime.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What’s Included
- 20 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
- Visit Christmas Markets in four different countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany
- Seven night cruise on an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- First-class service by an English-speaking crew
- Onboard Activity Manager will host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
- Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
- Personal listening device for shore excursions
- All meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
- Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
- Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
- Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
- Variety of onboard entertainment
- All gratuities included
Accommodations
Days 2 through 8 – Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
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