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Christmas Markets on the Danube

Sit back, relax and enjoy the festivities surrounding you on this eight-day Christmastime adventure along the picturesque Danube river.

Enjoy an expertly-crafted itinerary, designed to conduct guests through a selection of bustling Christmas markets, as well as a variety of tours, tastings and guided visits to coveted attractions.

Designed by Emerald Cruises, these 182-guest Star-Ships provide stunning contemporary accommodation over the course of their journey. Guests enjoy comfortable suites, spacious social areas, excellent customer service and a wide variety of features designed for entertainment.

4.7
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from 223 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
  • Ship: Star-Ship
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: Nov - Dec
FROM
£2,583 pp
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Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise Prices

Price per person
Nov 24, 2026
£2,988 pp
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Nov 25, 2026
£3,442 pp
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Dec 01, 2026
£3,119 pp
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Dec 02, 2026
£2,583 pp
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Dec 08, 2026
£2,767 pp
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Dec 09, 2026
£2,988 pp
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Dec 15, 2026
£2,859 pp
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Dec 16, 2026
£2,638 pp
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Nov 24, 2027
£2,645 pp
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Dec 01, 2027
£2,645 pp
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Dec 08, 2027
£2,645 pp
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Dec 15, 2027
£2,645 pp
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Dec 24, 2026
Price on Request
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More Dates

Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise Itinerary

Let this itinerary guide you across a selection of stunning Christmas markets, picturesque scenery and coveted tourist attractions. Guests enjoy the opportunity to sample local foods, learn about different cultures, tour bustling cities, shop at festive markets and much more.

Day 1

Arrive to Budapest (EMBARK)

Welcome to Budapest. Enjoy a greeting from your Emerald Cruises representative and transfer to your luxury Star-Ship.
Your first EmeraldPLUS experience will be a traditional Hungarian folk music performance,

Day 2

Budapest

Today, kick off your adventure with a guided coach tour of Budapest conducted by your local guide followed by some free time to explore independently.

Day 3

Bratislava

Begin your day with a walking tour of Bratislava, before enjoying an EmeraldPLUS home-hosted coffee and cake experience with a Slovakian family.
*DiscoverMORE: Carpathian wine route.

Day 4

Vienna

Join an included art tour of Vienna, which includes a visit to the Kunsthistorisches .
*DiscoverMORE: Viennese evening concert

Day 5

Durnstein / Melk

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Gottweig Abbey. Return to your ship for an EmeraldPLUS presentation on Christmas traditions in Europe.

Day 6

Passau

Enjoy a guided tour of festive Passau – including some free time to visit the annual Christkindlmarkt.

Day 7

Regensburg

Today, visit the Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis Palace Grounds. Guests may also wish to embark on a walking tour of the city that includes a sausage tasting. Later, on board, enjoy a performance by a traditional Bavarian band.

Day 8

Depart Regensburg / Munich (DISEMBARK)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your crew and begin journeying home.

Day 1

Budapest

An Emerald Cruises Representative will meet you at the airport so you can transfer to your luxury Star-Ship and get settled on board. Passengers are free to explore this charming city before returning to the cruiser for dinner.

Day 2

Budapest

Discover Buda and Pest, situated on either side of the Danube, on a guided coach tour of the city, or take a hike to the famous Gellert Hill. In the evening, guests enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show after the farewell dinner on board ship.

Day 3

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, has a fascinating history located at the crossroads of some of Europe’s most significant trading routes. Take an informative walking tour or a guided hike, or enjoy time in the home of a local Slovakian family.

Day 4

Vienna

For culture vultures, Vienna is brim full of musical history, remarkable architecture, and internationally renowned artists. Take a walking or coach excursion or a guided bike tour with the option to enjoy a classic Viennese evening concert.

Day 5

Melk – Dürnstein

In the heart of Austria’s wine-producing region, Melk is home to a magnificent Benedictine Abbey and a high point on your guided walk. Later, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Wachau Valley on the way to Dürnstein, with a choice of tour options.

Day 6

Passau

Known as the City of Three Rivers, Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. This picturesque city has a fascinating history and is full of Baroque architecture. Guests can also choose an excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov.

Day 7

Regensburg

Regensburg lies on the Main-Danube Canal and is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Explore the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town with your guide before a traditional Bavarian band performance on board ship after dinner.

Day 8

Nuremberg

Disembark your Star-Ship and say goodbye to the delightful Danube. Guests transfer to the airport, ready to start the journey back to the UK.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE DANUBE CRUISE SHIPS

Live Ship Tracking & Recent Routes

This shows the ship’s current location and recent routes. Actual sailing itineraries may vary by departure date.

Trustpilot Reviews

CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy festive highlights along the Danube

Budapest

Vienna

Bratislava

Melk

Christmas Markets on the Danube Deals

Embark on an immersive Christmas journey along the Danube

Emerald
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Budapest Bratislava Vienna Dürnstein / Melk Passau Regensburg
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM £ 2,583 pp
Emerald
Departure: Jun to Nov
VISITING: Vienna Bratislava Budapest
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM £ 2,145 pp
Emerald
Departure: Nov to Dec
VISITING: Basel Breisach Kehl / Strasbourg Heidelberg Koblenz Cologne Amsterdam
BENEFITS: Flights IncludedFree Drinks & Wi-FiAll Inclusive
FROM £ 2,445 pp

Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise Review

“A nice Christmas cruise! I had a great time exploring all the markets honestly, and I liked that there was still some room left over for normal tourism activities as well.”

Finley James, Preston

Christmas Markets on the Danube FAQ

What does my cruise include?

Your Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise affords guests nine nights aboard a luxury yacht, 24 expertly-prepared meals, airport transfers and included excursions.

What months is this itinerary available?

You can book this adventure for: November and December 2026.

How many guests will be booked onto a yacht?

The maximum capacity for our Emerald Cruises Star-Ships is 182 guests.

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