Home > All River Cruises > Europe River Cruises > Christmas Markets on the Danube

Christmas Markets on the Danube

4.3/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Christmas Markets on the Danube

4.3/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$3,895
Balcony
$4,895
Suite
$7,345
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Christmas Markets on the Danube Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Christmas Markets on the Danube Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWXD-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWXD-2

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. This special festive twist of our classic itinerary down the Danube lets you explore the majestic architecture and markets of Budapest, before joining a local Slovakian family in Bratislava for home-hosted coffee and cake. Marvel at the classical surrounds of Vienna then wander the Christmas markets of Regensburg, highly regarded as 'one of the loveliest'.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. An unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube & through the heart of old Europe. Walking tours, invitations into the homes of locals & sightseeing excursions showcase the magnificence of yesteryear.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure.

This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Join a local guide for a tour of the Hungarian capital today, 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.

Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the stalls of Budapest’s main Christmas market, where handcrafted ornaments are plentiful and colorful strings of lights line the streets. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest

Across Europe, different cultures intertwine at Christmastime, sharing their traditions, treats, and unique customs. The Slovakian capital is a truly charming city whose roots can be traced across the continent. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bratislava, including its enchanting historic district and some of its many bustling Christmas markets. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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 other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork, but because of its 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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Constructed in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from across the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
  • EmeraldPLUS Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

A blanket of powdered snow graces the European countryside at Christmastime, creating a magical setting as we cruise into Passau. On this afternoon’s included walking tour of the town, enjoy visiting the annual Christkindlmarkt, set in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Almost a hundred gingerbread-like stalls selling festive souvenirs and handmade gifts are found here, each connected to the next by strings of twinkling fairy lights. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, Regensburg. Our guided walking tour will explain the history behind this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, as you stroll across one of the oldest bridges on the Danube and witness its ancient fortifications. Stop to visit one of the loveliest Christmas markets in the region at Thurn and Taxis Palace, with its many quaint wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and festive goods adorning hidden passageways and narrow cobblestone streets. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to the Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Palace Grounds
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board
  • EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

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 handcrafted ornaments and gingerbread stalls with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 02:00 PM.

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. (B)

Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure.

This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board


Join a local guide for a tour of the Hungarian capital today, 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.

Following your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore the stalls of Budapest’s main Christmas market, where handcrafted ornaments are plentiful and colorful strings of lights line the streets. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest

Across Europe, different cultures intertwine at Christmastime, sharing their traditions, treats, and unique customs. The Slovakian capital is a truly charming city whose roots can be traced across the continent. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bratislava, including its enchanting historic district and some of its many bustling Christmas markets. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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 other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork, but because of its 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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Constructed in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from across 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. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • EmeraldPLUS Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting
  • DiscoverMORE Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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. Stephan’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies.

Back on board your Star-Ship, enjoy a live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian tradition. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided Tour of Passau
  • DiscoverMORE Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (extra expense)

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 handcrafted ornaments and gingerbread stalls with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 PM.

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. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Dawn

Emerald Dawn
Emerald Dawn

Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Wellness and Beauty
Wellness and Beauty

Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more

Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Christmas Markets on the Danube' Reviews

4.3
AVG. RATING 4.3 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
67%
4 Star
3 Star
33%
2 Star
1 Star
Splendour of Europe -Jul 2024 0 , New Zealand, Jul 2024
Trip was really good, though wasn't aware that there was a pick up from train station if arrived at start city via train. As a result we had to stay a night at start city unnecessarily.
A wonderful break 3 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Jun 2024
The Danube was flooded and the ship couldn't travel as planned but Emerald kept us well informed and provided excursions that were just as exciting as the cancelled ones. We had a great time, saw amazing things and met some lovely people. We did not feel we missed out on anything with the changes. Well done Emerald.
Fantastic European River cruise 4 , QLD, Australia, May 2019
We had a fantastic trip from the initial contact with Global Journeys to the final day of the cruise. Nothing was too hard for Hannah and her communication with us was excellent. Emerald were great, the organisation of the cruise left nothing wanting, from pickup in Amsterdam to drop off at Budapest Airport. The cruise itself was very well planned, ...read more the ship is only three years old which was great. Wonderful and friendly staff and of course the food: what can be said about it , other than excellent. We would highly recommend this cruise. Our Cruise Director could not have been better, she was very knowledgeable of all areas of the rivers travelled. The shore tour guides supplied by Emerald, also, were very good and enthusiastic about the towns they were showing us.

Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025) Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerizing rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $4,895
$4,895
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $9,603
$9,603
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Tuesday 24 Nov 2026
Tuesday 01 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $3,895
$3,895
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,895
$4,895
View Cabins
Suite
Save $7,345
$7,345
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Tuesday 08 Dec 2026
Tuesday 15 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $3,895
$3,895
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,895
$4,895
View Cabins
Suite
Save $7,345
$7,345
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $3,895
$3,895
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,895
$4,895
View Cabins
Suite
Save $7,345
$7,345
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Tuesday 24 Nov 2026
Tuesday 01 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $4,745
$4,745
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $9,603
$9,603
View Cabins
Suite
Save $14,503
$14,503
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Tuesday 08 Dec 2026
Tuesday 15 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $4,745
$4,745
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $9,603
$9,603
View Cabins
Suite
Save $14,503
$14,503
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $4,745
$4,745
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $9,603
$9,603
View Cabins
Suite
Save $14,503
$14,503
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar River Cruises

9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Bucharest Budapest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 3,770
Save 6,320
9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Budapest Bucharest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 3,770
Save 5,895
14 Day Lisbon to Madrid with Secrets of the Douro (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Lisbon Madrid

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,640
Save 5,245
14 Day Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Madrid Lisbon

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,640
Save 5,245

Travel Styles