Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and head to your centrally-located hotel for a two-night stay. After you get settled, you can rest up following your journey.
- Day 2
Budapest
A guided coach tour takes you through Budapest's historic sights this morning. Later, you'll have the rest of the day to yourself. Check out the Christmas markets, try some Hungarian treats, or cross the Chain Bridge to see both the Buda and Pest sides of the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
Optional Activities
- Visit Christmas markets
- Cross Chain Bridge to explore Buda and Pest
- Sample Hungarian treats and traditional foods
Landmarks Chain Bridge - Day 3
Budapest to Danube River
After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel and board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once you're settled in, you'll join other guests for dinner on board this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 4
Budapest
A guided coach tour shows you Budapest's highlights, architecture, and landscape. You'll see the city's unique cultural blend and vibrant atmosphere. During free time, wander through the Christmas market on the main square near Vácí Utca Street to browse Hungarian crafts. By evening, you'll have a special dinner and traditional folklore show in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner in Budapest with Folklore Show)
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
- Dinner in Budapest with Folklore Show
Optional Activities
- Visit Christmas market on Budapest's main square near Vací Utca Street
- Browse Hungarian craft products including glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, candle making, pottery, leather trade, traditional embroidery and lace work
- Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Landmarks Vací Utca Street - Day 5
Bratislava
You'll arrive in Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. A walking tour takes you through the Old City, showing you the Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. After that, you can explore Christmas markets around the city, including the main market at Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, plus smaller ones near Eurovea shopping centre.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava
Optional Activities
- Active guided hike to Bratislava Castle
- Visit Christmas markets at Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square
- Browse Christmas markets at Eurovea shopping centre
- Local Slovakian Entertainment on board
- Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Landmarks Bratislava Castle Cathedral of St Martin Mirbach Palace Main Square - Day 6
Vienna
Vienna's day starts with a drive along the Ringstrasse to see the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Hofburg Imperial Palace. You'll have plenty of free time to wander through Christmas markets, where you can try Käsekrainer sausage, donuts, pretzels, and Kartoffelpuffer potato pancakes. The late afternoon is when the festive atmosphere really kicks in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna
Optional Activities
- Visit Christmas markets
- Sample Käsekrainer sausage, donuts, pretzels, and Kartoffelpuffer
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
- Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Landmarks Vienna State Opera House Burgtheater Vienna City Hall St. Stephen's Cathedral Hofburg Imperial Palace Schönbrunn Palace - Day 7
Vienna to Prague
After breakfast, you'll leave the Star-Ship and transfer to Prague, known for some of Europe's best-preserved architecture. You'll check into your hotel for a two-night stay in this historic city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 8
Prague
A guided tour takes you through three castle courtyards and St. Vitus Cathedral. From there, you'll walk down the Castle Steps for city views, then cross Charles Bridge to the Old Town. You'll end at the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. Before you finish, grab coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague
- Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Charles Bridge Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Lobkowicz Palace - Day 9
Prague to Airport
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to Prague and head to the airport, taking with you memories of the ancient sites and UNESCO World Heritage areas you've seen.
- Meals
- Breakfast
