Welcome to Vienna! You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our welcoming team and transferred to your Emerald Cruises contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding and settling in, you’ll have time to explore Vienna at your leisure.

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.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

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!

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Local Slovakian Entertainment on board

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Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)

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 to name just a few.

On the last evening of your cruise, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show in town for a truly immersive local experience; a fantastic way to bid farewell and Merry Christmas to your fellow travellers before heading home.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Dinner & folklore show in Budapest

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. 

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, touching on its two distinctive faces and the ornamented Buda Castle district. And then, the storied capital of Hungary 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. 

Included Excursion
A guided coach tour of Budapest

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.