6 Night Christmastime on the Danube and Budapest Cruise and Land Tour from Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and the perfect introduction to Eastern Europe. You will be met at the airport in Hungary and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

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. Today, you will enjoy a guided coach tour of the storied capital of Budapest. The rest of the day 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.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a dinner onboard.

Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. During your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapest's main square near Vaci 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 afternoon, you will depart for your next capital on the Danube, Bratislava.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated in a wonderful location between the Carpathians and the Alps, just a few kilometers from Vienna. Pre-Christmas time in Bratislava is intrinsically connected with glowing streets, warm holiday spirit, traditional dishes and 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 also features charming Christmas markets throughout the city, which you can enjoy. The main Christmas market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square but there are smaller ones in the city center as well, such as the square in front of the Eurovea shopping center. Whatever market you decide to venture into, irresistible smell and a unique atmosphere will get you for sure!

During the holiday season, Vienna's most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The smells of Christmas baking, hot punch, and toasted chestnuts allure many visitors in this time of the year. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that create a Christmas atmosphere in Vienna. Today, explore Austria's capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will 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 will have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of the Christmas markets of Vienna, such Kasekrainer sausage, donuts, pretzels, or Kartoffelpuffer. As we stay overnight in Vienna, you will have plenty of time to discover Viennese markets during the late afternoon hours while the magic Christmas illumination settles in. This evening, join an optional tour to an exclusive Viennese concert.

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of the delightful Danube 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.