15-Day Christmas Markets of Europe

Embark on a Christmas adventure through Europe discovering local traditions in holiday spirit.

Originating in Germany and dating back as far as the late middle ages, Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkt as they are also known, have become a popular European tradition. Our 15-Day Christmas Markets of Europe itinerary takes you through the market towns and cities, exploring festive delights against a backdrop of imperial architecture. Enjoy delicious mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, hand-crafted gifts, and a delicious array of seasonal food.

Amsterdam to Budapest

Departing: December 2024

Day 1 Amsterdam

Day 2 Amsterdam Cruising

Day 3 Cologne

Day 4 Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim

Day 5 Miltenberg – Wertheim

Day 6 Würzburg

Day 7 Bamberg

Day 8 Nuremberg

Day 9 Regensburg

Day 10 Passau

Day 11 Melk – Dürnstein

Day 12 Vienna

Day 13 Bratislava

Day 14 Budapest

Day 15 Budapest

Extend your stay in Prague

Ask for details

Cruise Facts

n Distance covered (approx): 1050 mi n UNESCO sites: 5 n Countries visited: 5 n Ports: 15 n Locks: 68 n Bridges: 647 n Christmas markets visited: 10

Our suite of generous inclusions:

n Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship n 14 nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice, all with a river view n 41 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner n Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner on board n Complimentary tea & coffee on board n Complimentary bottled water in your suite or stateroom, restocked daily n A variety of on board evening entertainment n Complimentary Wi-Fi on board n Complimentary bicycles on board n First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides n Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points n Complimentary River Cruise Cover n All port charges, taxes and overseas transfers n All gratuities on board and onshore

Number of nights 14

River cruise Coach transfer Map is a guide only

EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to your itinerary:

EmeraldPLUS

Traditional Bavarian band performance on board

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

Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family Hungarian folklore show performance on board

Exclusive visit to the Glass Art museum in Wertheim with presentation

Christmas Traditions in Europe lecture

Included Excursions

13 excursions, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites

DiscoverMORE

11 optional excursions, available at an additional cost – see pages 114-117

See page 27 for EmeraldACTIVE difficulty level details

Cologne Christmas Market, Germany

Day 1 Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, the 700-year-old city that rose to prominence in the Dutch Golden Age. Several old masters found their inspiration here; and today, galleries showcase their masterworks. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, enjoying time to explore after boarding.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a wonderful destination all year round, but during Christmas time, the entire city sparkles with fairy lights and Christmas cheer. Snow covers the narrow-cobbled streets, and festive treats fill the many market stalls. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system during a glass-top canal boat cruise, passing areas covered in white powdered snow and watching people relax with warm cups of traditional hot chocolademelk in hand.

A canal cruise

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 Cologne

Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine welcome you to Cologne. Enjoy a walking tour of the colorful Christmas market outside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cathedral. Stalls feature local arts, crafts, and delightful treats. In the heart of Cologne, you’ll find an enchanting Christmas market. A traditional mug of Glühwein fights the chill. The markets of Cologne showcase artisans crafting handmade goods and fresh produce. Enjoy a mulled wine from a festive mug and soak in the views of one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Rüdesheim

Step into the beautiful landscape of the Rhine Gorge, where Rüdesheim’s houses display dazzling fairy lights. Rüdesheim hosts the ‘Christmas Market of Nations’, where hundreds of stalls represent over a dozen nations. Enjoy an excursion to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Later, return to the plush surroundings of your Star-Ship, for a special on board performance.

A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 Miltenberg - Wertheim

Welcome to Miltenberg, a postcard-worthy town set against the backdrop of the Odenwald forest. Delightful market stalls are full of local arts, crafts, and delicacies. Perhaps try an apple strudel kuchen during your time here, a type of apple cake famous in the area and join an Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with a presentation.

A guided tour of Miltenberg

Exclusive visit to the Glass Art museum in Wertheim with presentation

Vineyard visit & Franconian wine

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 Würzburg

Enjoy a guided tour of Würzburg and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, where you’ll find an enchanting Christmas market. More than 100 wooden stalls showcase seasonal decorations and delectable treats, all adorned by the soft glow of Christmas lights. Built by the prince bishops centuries ago, the opulence displayed is breathtaking. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe.

A walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop’s Residence

Excursion to Rothenburg

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 Bamberg

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg is home to not just one, but four delightful Christmas markets, each acting as sparkling gems set among half-timbered surroundings in this quaint little town. Here, you’ll be able to find some of the loveliest Baroque nativity scenes that Germany has to offer.

While you enjoy a guided tour of all of Bamberg’s main highlights, make sure to stop and try a glass of Bamberg’s famous beer. Nine breweries call the town their home, and several of their world-famous products are still made using traditional Franconian brewing methods.

A guided tour of Bamberg

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Nuremberg

Your included excursion today is a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, and the wonderful city center Christmas market.

Included Excursion

Guided tour of Nuremberg with Christmas Markets

The undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire and former residence of many German Kings, Nuremberg is home to splendorous gothic architecture and spectacular Christmas markets. When it comes to traditional German markets, it doesn't get much better than Nuremberg, deserving its reputation for being one of the best market cities of its kind in the world.

World War II tour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 Regensburg

This morning, cruise along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, admiring the views as you pass over several aqueducts. Regensburg’s delightful past is yours to discover as your local guide introduces the treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas market.

Visit the Christmas market in the Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds

On the grounds of the Thurn and Taxis Palace, you'll discover one of the world's finest Christmas markets. The royal gardens provide the perfect festive backdrop as local artisans produce unique wares in traditional Bavarian wooden huts. A cozy Christmas atmosphere awaits as open fires roar, lights twinkle, and the scent of delicacies permeates the air.

A traditional Bavarian band on board

A guided tour of Regensburg

Sausage-making workshop

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 Passau – Linz

Welcome to Passau, a town at the confluence of three rivers. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll down old narrow alleys and look up to see the hilltop Veste Oberhaus 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.

A guided tour of Passau

Excursion to Salzburg

Excursion to Český Krumlov

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 Melk – Dürnstein

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 Wachau Valley, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular landscape and splendid holiday spirit.

A tour of Melk Abbey

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 Vienna

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, visit Vienna’s many Christmas markets.

Included Excursion

Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local Slovakian family

A walking tour of Bratislava

Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 Budapest

Guided tour of Vienna with Christmas Markets

In Vienna, the baroque cityscape and imperial palaces set the stage for the Christmas markets. Experience a guided tour through the vibrant streets, as choral performances, gospel groups, and brass bands will act as the musical backdrop to the festivities.

Viennese evening concert

Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 Bratislava

Welcome to Bratislava, a place of Gothic architecture and tales of a communist past. Once home to political turbulence, today, the Slovakian capital boasts a laidback atmosphere. Stroll down peaceful streets soaking in the neo-Renaissance glory of ancient architecture. The Christmas season adds extra layers to the city, where a blend of distinctive cultures comes together to showcase handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.

Budapest is a relatively new capital compared to others, yet, it has quickly made a name for itself as a city steeped in history, where the ancient and modern exist together seamlessly. Your tour will touch on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle district, alongside Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On board, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show.

A traditional Hungarian folklore show

A guided coach tour of Budapest

Excursion to Szentendre

Jewish heritage tour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 Budapest

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to the airport, taking magical Christmas memories with you.

Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary is only a guide. Our itineraries are regularly reviewed by our journey planners and may be revised once

2024 Pricing And Special Offers

15-Day Christmas Markets of Europe

Journey Code: EWXS Nov 26

Stateroom D, E from Full Fare $5,495

Earlybird $5,345

Super Earlybird Including Economy Class Flights $5,345 Panorama Balcony Suite C, B, A from Full Fare $7,495

Earlybird $7,195

Super Earlybird Including Economy Class Flights $7,195 Grand Balcony Suite S from Full Fare $9,495 Earlybird $9,195

Super Earlybird Including Economy Class Flights $9,195

Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite SA from Full Fare $11,195 Earlybird $10,895 Super Earlybird Including Economy Class Flights $10,895

*These

Terms & Conditions: All prices are per person, based on double occupancy (excluding ES Emerald Single Stateroom). Earlybird and Super Earlybird savings are limited in number, cabin category and departure date, once sold out the full fare shown above applies. Super Earlybird offer: full payment is due 12 months prior to departure, or within 72 hours of booking for departures within 12 months. Please refer to p. 32 for detailed terms and conditions.