Classic Prague & Christmas Markets on the Danube: 11 days Prague to Budapest

Welcome to the Czech Republic and the enchanting capital, Prague. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for your included three-night stay. This evening, enjoy meeting your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.

Soak in the festive sights of Prague on your included morning tour.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Prague with Christmas market visit
On today's included excursion, you can explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped by the wonder of the seasonal period. Your local guide will take you through the Old Town Square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage and where you can see the famous Astronomical Clock.

You'll also be able to soak up the festive atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas Market. Amongst the locals, stroll through the colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen, brimming with hand-crafted ornaments and freshly baked festive treats.

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Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Here, freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.

You may choose to continue exploring independently today or join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent explorations in Prague, regarded as one of Europe’s most magical cities and renowned for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture.

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Tastes of Czechia
During this fascinating tour, you’ll learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short walk from your hotel will take you through some of the city's interesting hidden corners, before arriving at a local restaurant. Meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and Rosé wines; each is accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement each glass.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll depart your hotel and transfer by coach from Prague to Passau, within the charming Bavarian region of Southern Germany. Here, you'll board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, warmly greeted by the friendly crew, ready for your memorable river cruise ahead.

This important historic trading centre, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ – where three of Europe’s main waterways converge – borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. Its beautiful historic centre features charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. In front of the green-domed façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau’s annual Christkindlmarkt can be found. Here, you can sample some delicious warm Glühwein and freshly baked goods.

Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship tonight, enjoy live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian musical traditions.

Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Passau
On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.

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Traditional Bavarian Band on board
Make your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band, who will play traditional music and wear their authentic Lederhosen.

Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. The historical old town has a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, creating a serene and contemplative Christmas experience.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting
Rug up for a walking tour of Linz, where you can admire its unique mix of historic and contemporary buildings. Finish with a tasting of Linzer torte (a rich tarte filled with fruit preserves), where you’ll learn more about Europe’s most popular desserts named after the town of Linz.

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Full day Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
The birthplace of Mozart and the picturesque setting for the theatrical masterpiece, The Sound of Music, Salzburg has a unique charm and is surrounded by the breathtaking Alps. Spend a full day exploring this Austrian city, wandering its historic downtown district, exploring the Linzer Gasse shopping street and visiting the home of Mozart.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 10 hours

Situated within Austria’s famed Wachau Valley, the county’s premier wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey. Melk sparkles over Christmas, from the beautifully decorated buildings to the lively festive market.

Later, your Emerald Star-Ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region.

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Göttweig Abbey with organ recital
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. Later, sit down to a moving organ recital.

Welcome to the ‘City of Music’, Vienna. This ornate cityscape was home to famous musicians and composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It has a magical atmosphere over Christmas, with elaborate decorations and more than 20 festive markets.

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
For art lovers, there’s no place like the Austrian capital. Not only is the city packed with museums and artwork, but there is a huge variety across styles and time periods. 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.

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March’. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Gothic architecture and fascinating tales of a Communist past welcome you to Bratislava, a capital that has seen much turbulence over the past century. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, this is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. The Christmas season adds an extra layer to the city, where a blend of distinctive cultures comes together to showcase their handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Be invited into the home of a local Slovakian family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake. Get an insight into their history, culture and traditions as they show you how they live every day.

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when it becomes a magical winter wonderland of decorations, lights and festive cheer. The locals soak in the city’s many thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season.

This evening, an on board traditional Hungarian folklore show is certain to delight.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Explore the World Heritage-listed centre, travelling through the chapters of architecture through the ages from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market.

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, followed by Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Visit the picturesque village of Szentendre, where cobblestone streets evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired many artists. Take a walking tour through the pedestrian city centre to admire the Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square, Fo Tér, and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)
During this thoughtful tour, your local guide will introduce you to some of the most significant Jewish events that have shaped Budapest's culture. See the buildings that once played important roles in the flourishing Jewish trade that existed prior to World War II. In Pest, the 'Shoes on the Danube' memorial stands as a striking reminder of what happened to the Jewish communities in Budapest during wartime.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

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 colourful Christmas markets 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.