Welcome to Nuremberg, a charming Bavarian chocolate box city. Here, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. After boarding, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city and its architectural wonders, which have been inspiring famous artists such as Albrecht Dürer for centuries.
This evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Nuremberg prior to 01:00 PM.

This morning, cruise along the final stretch of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, admiring the views as you pass over a number of aqueducts. Regensburg’s delightful past is yours to discover today, as your local guide introduces you to the treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.

After your tour, your EmeraldPLUS experience will take you right into the heart of the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas market, one of the loveliest in the country where traditional stalls are illuminated by twinkling lights.

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A traditional Bavarian band on board

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A visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Regensburg

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Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)

Welcome to Passau, a town where three of Europe’s main rivers converge underneath the castle. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll down old narrow alleys and look up to see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress overlooking the town. Your tour will conclude at the green-domed façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Passau’s annual Christkindlmarkt can be found. Here, perhaps sample some delicious warm Glühwein and freshly baked goods.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Passau

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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

History is yours to discover and enjoy during a river cruise through Europe, and the quaint village of Melk offers a wonderful introduction of some of the historic architecture that can be found on the continent. Your included excursion today is a tour of the Benedictine Melk Abbey, an ancient Baroque monastery that is known for its monumental beauty and the treasures that are kept inside its historic library.

Later, your Star-Ship will sail through the Rhine Gorge, a landscape steeped in fairy tales where the winter months only add an ethereal layer to your surroundings.

Included Excursion
A tour of Melk Abbey

Welcome to the ‘City of Dreams’, Vienna. This ornate cityscape was home to famous musicians, composers and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Today, you can explore the capital with a drive around the magnificent Ringstrasse, where opulent buildings can be seen peppering the area.

After your guided tour, enjoy some time to explore at leisure, perhaps sampling some delicious hot chocolate and baked goods in one of Vienna’s many Christmas markets.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Vienna

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

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Visit of Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

Gothic architecture and tales of a communist past welcome you to Bratislava, a capital that has seen much in the way of turbulence over the past century. Today, you’ll discover that this turbulence is now nowhere to be seen, as you stroll down peaceful streets and soak in the neo-Renaissance glory of ancient theatres and the sheer opulence of the Episcopal Summer Palace.

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.

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local Slovakian family

Included Excursion
A walking tour of Bratislava

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital.
Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour 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. Enjoy, some free to continue exploring some of beautiful Christmas Market in Budapest.

This evening, a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner is certain to delight the senses.

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A traditional Hungarian folklore show

Included Excursion
A guided coach tour of Budapest

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of open squares adorned with Christmas stalls 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.