Christmas Time on the Danube 5 Night River Cruise

Michael Graham 2021 Trips, River Cruise, Travel Club Globetrotters, Travel Club Tuscany, Vacations

Enjoy the splendor of the Danube at Christmas time with this mini itinerary. Wander the twinkling festive markets of Vienna, uncover the eastern charm of Bratislava, before sailing into the majesty of Budapest.

2021 Vienna -> Budapest

Starting in Vienna on November 27, 2021 and ending in Budapest December 1st, this is a lovely way to experience a short river cruise and the best way to see the Christmas markets of Europe! Want to make it a longer trip? No problem we have several land add-on extensions.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vienna Welcome to Vienna! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Vienna. Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Vienna 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 Käsekrainer sausage, donuts, pretzels or Kartoffelpuffer.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Bratislava Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated in a wonderful location between the Carpathians and the Alps, just a few kilometres 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 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!
Included Excursion: Walking Tour of Bratislava Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Budapest 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 Váci 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 evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. As we stay overnight in Budapest, you will have plenty of time to discover the markets during late afternoon hours or join us on our DiscoverMore tour to Szentendre Island for one of Budapest’s most traditional markets with local art and crafts.
Included Excursion: Guided Bus Tour of Budapest
DiscoverMORE: Tour of Szentendre (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Budapest 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. Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES

4 nights on board an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from the ship
The services of an Emerald Waterways Cruise Director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Guided tour of Vienna
Guided tour of Bratislava
Guided tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS

Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

11 superb meals including 4 Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L), 4 Dinners (D)
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Pricing & Availability on the Emerald Destiny

Profile Image

Riviera Deck (1)

11-Lift 16-Hairdresser

F – Single Stateroom – SOLD OUT

D – Emerald Stateroom – $1595 Per Person*

E- Emerald Stateroom – $1710 Per Person*

Emerald Stateroom162ft²

Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins.

Picture window
Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
Mini-bar available at own expense
Complimentary water, restocked daily
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Flat screen TV and infotainment system
Individual climate control
Personal safe
Umbrella
Telephone
Walking sticks

Vista Deck (2)

11-Lift. 12-Reception 13-Wellness Area 14-Fitness Area. 15- Restaurant

C – Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – $1995 Per Person*

B – Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – $2245 Per Person*

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite 180ft²

These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window drops down to unveil uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables and plenty of storage.

Indoor balcony with open-air system
Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
Mini-bar available at own expense
Complimentary water, restocked daily
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Flat screen TV and infotainment system
Individual climate control
Personal safe
Umbrella
Telephone
Walking stick

Horizon Deck (3)

8-Daytime Pool & Bar / Evening Cinema 9-The Terrace 10-Horizon Bar & Lounge 11-Lift

A – Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – $2295 Per Person*

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite 180ft²

Indoor balcony with open-air system
Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
Mini-bar available at own expense
Complimentary water, restocked daily
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Flat screen TV and infotainment system
Individual climate control
Personal safe
Umbrella
Telephone
Walking sticks

S – Grand Balcony Suite – $2595 Per Person*. 210ft²

SA – Owner’s One-bedroom Suite – $3045 Per Person*. 315ft²

Sun Deck (4)

1-Sun Deck with Deck Chairs 2-Navigation Bridge 3-Sky Barbecue 4-Golf Putting Green. 5-Games Area. 6-Retractable Glass Roof 7-Walking Track

Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy and availability – call 843-279-0310 for details.

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