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Immerse yourself in the pageantry of Christmas the European way. An extra special treat awaits you on our Christmas Markets Cruise. Celebrate the festive season in style cruising from Budapest to Amsterdam (or in reverse), stopping in Cologne, Wurzburg, Nuremberg, Vienna and Bratislava for visits to some of the most iconic Christmas markets.

Inclusions
  • 14 nights all-inclusive river cruise aboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • 3 night pre or post-cruise hotel in Prague
  • 44 delectable meals including 17 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 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
  • Book by Apr 30: FREE 3 night pre or post-cruise hotel and save up to $6400 per cabin! (price reflects discount)
November 23 or 26, 2024 Cruise Only
Emerald Stateroom from $7779  $5079
Panorama Balcony Suite from $9779  $6049
Taxes & Fees $976

New Bookings Only – Final Payment is due at booking
Promotion is subject to change without notice.

Dining Highlights:
  • 41 delectable meals including 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Included Excursions
  • Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • Walking tour of Bratislava
  • Guided tour of Vienna
  • Tour of Melk Abbey
  • Guided tour of Passau
  • Guided tour of Regensburg
  • Guided tour of Nuremberg
  • Guided tour of Bamberg
  • Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
  • Guided tour of Miltenberg
  • Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
  • Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam
  • Emerald Plus
    • Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
    • Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
    • Traditional Bavarian band on board
    • Visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn und Taxis Palace grounds
    • Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
  • EXTENSION INCLUSIONS
    • 3 nights at a hotel in Prague
    • A guided tour of Prague
    • Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
    • Transfer from the ship and to the airport
    • 3 Breakfasts

November 23, 2024: Prague to Amsterdam (this itinerary)
November 26, 2024: Amsterdam to Prague (reverse itinerary)

 

Day 1 Prague
Welcome to Prague home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city.

Day 2 Prague (B)
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped by the wonder of the seasonal period. Your local guide will take you through the old town square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague

EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace

Day 3 Prague (B)
Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration today. We would recommend going to one of Prague’s memorable Christmas markets, where colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen are full of handcrafted ornaments and freshly baked Czech Christmas treats.

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Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

Day 4 Prague – Budapest (B,D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Budapest to embark your Star-Ship and cruise through the heart of Europe, exploring many different sights.

Day 5 Budapest (B,L,D)
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.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

Day 6 Bratislava (B,L,D)
Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Wander down cobblestone streets and witness the sheer majesty of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure, perhaps perusing some of the quaint boutiques that line the streets. This afternoon, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Day 7 Vienna (B,L,D)
A wave of culture paves the way for life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most prestigious composers once walked the streets and found their inspiration. Today, by coach and on foot, you will have the opportunity to pass the iconic imperial palaces and noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.

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 8  Dürnstein – Melk (B,L,D)
This morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle, perhaps stopping to imagine how it would have looked when Richard the Lionheart was held captive following the Third Crusade.
After visiting Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its ancient monastic library and medieval manuscripts saved from fires by the monks in the 13th century.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

Day 9 Passau (B,L,D)
Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy destination that has been shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and magical promenades adorned with classical boutiques.

This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau and discover a peppering of delightful Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century. Stop to admire the silhouette of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and witness St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home of the largest church organ in Europe.
Later, return for an afternoon spent peacefully cruising through the heart of Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

Day 10 Regensburg – Kelheim (B,L,D)
After breakfast, set out on an exploration of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, where more than two millennia of history is yours to discover. Your local guide will lead you through the heart of Regensburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, once home to the seat of parliament. Delightful historic patrician houses line the streets, a visible testament to the area’s importance as a trading centre hundreds of years ago. As part of one of your EmeraldPLUS features, you will also have a chance to visit the wonderful Christmas Market inside the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds.

Later, return to your Star-Ship to sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you make your way to Nuremberg.

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn und Taxis Palace grounds

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg

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Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)

Day 11 Nuremberg (B,L,D)
Today, the historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during an included sightseeing tour, touching on the architectural wonders that have acted as an inspiration for famous artists from around the world for generations.

After your guided tour, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure, passing idyllic houses that were lovingly reconstructed following the destruction of the war years.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg

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Gingerbread Cooking Demonstration (extra expense)

Day 12 Bamberg (B,L,D)
This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town centre, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.

Admire hundreds of ornamental façades as you explore the town with your local guide, passing the New Residence, a building that truly captures the opulence that was enjoyed by the prince bishops. Relax in the Rose Garden before witnessing the opulence of medieval Altenburg Castle overlooking the town.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bamberg

Day 13 Würzburg (B,L,D)
Set alongside the Main River, Würzburg offers a perfect introduction to the Romantic Road, one of Bavaria’s most popular tourism routes that links stunning medieval locations throughout the country. Your own charming journey of discovery will touch on the sloping vineyard-laden hills of one of the biggest wine-producing areas in Germany.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, perhaps stopping to admire the Viennese Baroque architecture and secular features from Italy. Your local guide will teach you about how the architects behind the Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different popular styles. After the tour, enjoy a guided walking tour of Würzburg, including the Gothic Marienkapelle and Town Hall.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence

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Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)

Day 14 Wertheim – Miltenberg (B,L,D)
This morning, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a place that perfectly encapsulates traditional Bavarian life.

Enjoy a guided tour of the village, as your local guide leads you down an intricate network of cobblestone streets, each adorned with colourful houses. Centuries ago, this area benefited from trade that was brought by river traffic, and this past affluence can still be seen today.

EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Miltenberg

Day 15 Rüdesheim – Koblenz (B,L,D)
Relax on your Star-Ship this morning until we reach Rüdesheim, a town with a rich history of viticulture. When you arrive, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum to see spectacular rare music boxes that have stood the test of time, showcased in a postcard-worthy building with a half-timbered façade.

After lunch, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, perhaps standing on the Sun Deck and watching for the castles and fortresses that pepper the surrounding hilltops.

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 16 Cologne (B,L,D)
Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning, where an illustrious 2,000-year-long history awaits.

One of the oldest cities in the country, the Romans founded Cologne in 50AD and you’ll find a number of ancient ruins, monuments and medieval structures as reminders.

Enjoy a walking tour of the city today, as your local guide takes you through the Old Town, passing ancient bridges that survived the air raids of WWII, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral and its filigree twin towers, an iconic part of the city’s skyline.

This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town

Day 17 Amsterdam (B,L,D)
This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a cruise down the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system that weaves across Amsterdam, passing elegant merchant’s residences that reflect the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when Amsterdam was an important trading centre. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

Day 18 Amsterdam (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and depart your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the postcard-worthy Rhine Gorge and idyllic Dutch countryside 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.

 

 

Flexible Booking Plan
Our Flexible Booking Plan has been introduced for complete peace of mind. We understand you may need to adjust your plans, so we’re offering the flexibility to change your travel arrangements or re-book for a more suitable time if needed.
Our Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date, or cancel your journey, up to 90 days prior to departure, less third-party fees. We will provide you with a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, which is valid for 24 months.
This plan is available to purchase for a wide range of destinations* for departures in 2022 and onwards.
*Excludes Russia, Galapagos and Amazon Cruises
River Cruising Yacht Cruising
$125 $200
Terms and conditions:
  • 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”).

The PPP is not available on Oberammergau, Amazon and Galapagos cruises or land tours and the PPP is also not available to new bookings using a Future Travel Credit.

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.

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy in Canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) New bookings only. Space and price may be limited and subject to availability at the time of booking.  Errors or omissions may occur on the above information with no guarantee of being honoured. Terms and conditions apply. Tax is not included in the above base fare. Above tax amount includes non-refundable $30 per adult Booking Management Fee. $50 per adult cancellation fee. Not included in the above rates: Xpresspost fee, recommended medical, cancellation or baggage insurance. Child rate is applicable when travelling with 2 paying adults sharing 1 hotel room, using the existing bedding. Price Match Policy: Travel Best Bets makes every effort to remain competitive by offering our ‘Match or Beat Any Price’ offer however due to certain restrictions  there will be some product we cannot match or beat. Please note the star ratings found on www.travelbestbets.com are determined by Travel Best Bets based on a number of factors and may not match the star rating found in the Tour Operator’s brochure. Please view our star ratings by clicking here. Due to an increasing volume of disputed bookings, we will only accept payment for air only travel to India, the Philippines and the continent of Africa through the following means: book and pay cash in person or by direct deposit into our business account – once the transaction is verified and a copy of the receipt emailed or faxed to our office, we will confirm the booking. Please contact us for details on how to book using this method. Please contact [email protected] for photo credit information. BPCPA #3287