Enjoy the splendor of the Danube at Christmas time with this mini itinerary. Experience the majesty of Budapest, uncover the eastern charm of Bratislava and wander the twinkling festive markets of Vienna.
Inclusions
- 4 nights river cruise aboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- 2 nights pre or post-cruise hotel in Prague
- 13 delectable meals including 6 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
- Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
- Excursions and guided tours
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All tipping and gratuities
- Airport transfers to and from the ship
- Port taxes and charges
- Exclusive Offer – Book by Sep 30: Second Guest Sails FREE! (pays taxes only)
| December 18, 2024 | Guest 1 | Guest 2 (pays taxes only) |
| Emerald Stateroom | from $3959 | FREE |
| Panorama Balcony Suite | from $4489 | FREE |
| Taxes & Fees | $426 | $426 |
Final Payment is due at booking
Looking for other 2 for 1 River Cruises, click here
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. The prices listed are for lead-in categories (oceanview or balcony cabins may be obstructed), but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit may be non-refundable; however, we also provide a refundable option at a slightly higher price, ensuring flexibility in your booking. Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
- Dinner & folklore show in Budapest
- Walking tour of Bratislava
- Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
- Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
- Local Slovakian entertainment on board
- A guided tour of Prague
- Guided tour of Vienna
December 18, 2024: Budapest to Prague
Day 1 Wed, 18 Dec Budapest (D)
Welcome to Budapest! You’ll be met by a friendly member of our welcoming team at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding and settling in, you’ll enjoy some leisurely time to explore Budapest.
In the evening, we invite you to join us and your fellow guests for a special dinner and a traditional folklore show in town; a truly immersive local experience and the perfect way to begin your Christmas adventure on the Danube.
Day 2 Thu, 19 Dec Budapest (B,L,D)
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sightscovering 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. 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 among others. This afternoon you will depart for your next capital on the Danube, Bratislava.
EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & folklore show in Budapest
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 3 Fri, 20 Dec Bratislava (B,L,D)
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 yuletide 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 has many charming Christmas markets throughout the city for you to enjoy. The main Christmas Market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, but there are plenty of smaller ones in the city centre as well, such as the square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. Whichever market you venture into, the irresistible scents and unique festive atmosphere will capture your attention for sure!
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian Entertainment on board
EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe (on board presentation)
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
Day 4 Sat, 21 Dec Vienna (B,L,D)
During the holiday season, Vienna’s most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The delightful aroma of Christmas cookies baking, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts allure many visitors this time of the year. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that create a whimsical atmosphere in Vienna.
Today, explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you’ll 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’ll have ample free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna’s Christmas markets, such sumptious Käsekrainer sausage, sweet donuts, salty pretzels, and Kartoffelpuffer – a savoury potato pancake.
As we stay overnight in Vienna, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the Viennese markets during the late afternoon hours while the magical Christmas atmosphere s settles in. In the evening, you’re invited to join us for an awe-inspiring optional visit to enjoy the delights of a Viennese concert.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Day 5 Sun, 22 Dec Vienna – Prague (B)
After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship to be transferred to Prague, home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable two-night stay in the city.
Day 6 Mon, 23 Dec Prague (B)
The centre of Prague is a true delight, where some of Europe’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages can be found. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then we walk down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. We finish the city sightseeing tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague
EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Day 7 Tue, 24 Dec Prague (B)
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and leave Prague’s idyllic centre for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of ancient wonders and idyllic panoramic views of UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas with you.
Flexible Booking Plan
| River Cruising | Yacht Cruising |
| $125 | $200 |
- Should you choose to defer or cancel your booking, the total monies paid to us (less third-party fees) will be applied as a Future Travel Credit which is valid for 24 months for you to use on an alternate tour/cruise.
- If you do not re-book within 24 months, your FTC it will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable. Non commissionable.
- Excludes Russia cruising.
- Not available to guests using COVID Future Travel Credits
Platinum Protection Plan
The Platinum Protection Plan (“PPP”) is available for new river and ocean cruising bookings for travel after 1 January 2022 for Scenic and Emerald Cruises (“Eligible Booking”). By adding this plan, you are covered if you unable to travel due to health reasons, or your travel plans are impacted by COVID-19, up to 31 days prior to departure with a 100% refund (less airline cancellation fees and PPP cost), or a 70% refund between 15 and 30 days prior to departure (less PPP cost). The PPP must be purchased together with the Eligible Booking at time such booking is made and may not be added at a later date. The PPP is provided at a cost of $395 per person per river cruise, $495 per person per cruise on Emerald Cruises yacht cruising and $595 per person per cruise on Scenic Eclipse voyages (“PPP Fee”).
Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders may require an ETIAS visa waiver from late 2023 when traveling to the E.U.
United Kingdom passport holders do not require visas (excluding tours that feature Russia and Turkey, where guests are required to obtain a Visa).
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, Scenic recommends that you contact the relevant Consulates for the latest information regarding visa requirements.
Clients must make their own enquiries regarding safety warnings and government warnings in relation to the destinations they are travelling to. These change quite regularly and can be found through your local government travel advisory. Scenic can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism etc in certain locations. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further advice.
