Prague to Budapest & Christmas Time on the Danube

When you arrive in Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay.

After a relaxing night in your hotel, embark on a guided walking tour of Prague. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then we walk down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and  we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. We finish the city sightseeing tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square.

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Vienna this morning, to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

During the holiday season, Vienna's most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The delightful aromas of Christmas cookies baking, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts allure many visitors at this time of the year. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that create a whimsical atmosphere in Vienna.

Today, explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you’ll see some of Vienna’s world-famous sights such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Then, you’ll have plenty of free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna’s Christmas markets, such sumptuous Käsekrainer sausage, sweet doughnuts, salty pretzels, and Kartoffelpuffer - a savoury potato pancake.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated in a wonderful location between the Carpathians and the Alps, just a few kilometres from Vienna. Pre-Christmas time in Bratislava is intrinsically connected with glowing streets, warm holiday spirit, traditional dishes, and yuletide drinks. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.

Alternatively, join an active guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Bratislava is also home to many charming Christmas markets, which are a joy to leisurely stroll through. The main Christmas Market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, but there are plenty of smaller ones in the city centre as well, such as the square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. Whichever market you venture into, the irresistible scents of Christmas time and the unique festive atmosphere will get you for sure!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Join a guided tour today, where you will be covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. During your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street, which showcases Hungarian craft products such as glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, candle making, pottery, leather trade, traditional Hungarian embroidery and lace work, etc.  

This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner and folk dancing with music in a local restaurant in Budapest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, leave the lush surrounds of your suite or stateroom and be transferred to your centrally-located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of the city, touching on its two distinctive faces and the ornamented Buda Castle district. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

From fairy lights to wooden ornaments, from spiced mulled wine to roasted chimney cake, Budapest is a wonderfully festive place to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Enjoy a guided tour of the city with our local guide learning more about the history and culture of the Hungarian capital.  Afterwards, Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to some Christmas markets and try some delightful Hungarian treats.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your centrally-located accommodation for your transfer to the airport.

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.

Please note: preview itinerary subject to change

Meals Included: Breakfast