Join this 8-day Christmas markets river cruise from Budapest to Munich aboard Emerald Sky, offering a seasonal journey through Central Europe. Begin in Hungary with a traditional folklore show, then visit Bratislava’s historic old town and Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum. In Dürnstein, explore Göttweig Abbey and sample local wine. Linz offers baroque architecture and Linzer torte, while Passau presents gingerbread aromas, a grand cathedral, and festive Bavarian music. Each port features guided tours and access to local Christmas markets, known for handcrafted ornaments and regional specialties. Cultural presentations and live entertainment on board add depth to the festive experience before disembarking in Munich.
Highlights
Explore Budapest on a guided tour of historic landmarks
Visit Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, Austria’s premier art institution
Tour Gottweig Abbey and enjoy a traditional Austrian wine tasting
Experience Passau’s cathedral, markets, and scenic riverfront setting
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Budapest. An Emerald Cruises representative meets you at the airport and arranges your transfer to the ship. After boarding, there is free time to explore the city on your own.
This evening, enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music and dance on board.
EmeraldPLUS:
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.
Join a local guide for a tour of Budapest, covering key landmarks and offering insight into the city's history, architecture, and cultural influences. After the tour, there is free time to visit the main Christmas market, where stalls feature handmade ornaments and seasonal decorations.
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.
Included Excursion:
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS:
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
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 includes a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
Included Excursion:
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
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.
EmeraldPLUS:
Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
EmeraldPLUS:
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Today you are docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you 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 adds flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town.
Included Excursion:
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting
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.
EmeraldPLUS:
Traditional Bavarian band on board
Included Excursion:
Guided Tour of Passau
Day 8: Passau - Munich | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
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 the terms and conditions for further information.
Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 PM.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,3902-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
