Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris 2025|2026 - 18 Days (from Paris to Budapest)

Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Paris
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
12 years

Description

Embark on an extraordinary 18-day journey through Europe's most enchanting cities, where festive markets and historical wonders await. From the romantic streets of Paris to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam, this multi-day tour offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer. Experience the magic of Cologne's Christmas markets, explore the architectural marvels of Vienna, and savor the culinary delights of Budapest. With luxurious accommodations and guided excursions, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through Europe's most iconic destinations. Join us for a festive celebration of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie as you explore the heart of Europe during the holiday season.

Read more

Included

16 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners

Read more

Airport transfers outside Australia are included

Read more

14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

3 nights at a hotel in Paris

Emerald Sun: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom, Emerald Dawn: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Suite ,Emerald Stateroom

Read more

The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director

Read more

14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Airport transfers to and from the ship

The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director

Port taxes and charges

All tipping and gratuities

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

Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Christmas traditions in Europe (lecture on boarHome-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

41 superb 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

3 nights at a hotel in Paris

A guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise

3 Breakfasts (B)

Read more

Map

Attractions

Pullman City Western town
Photo of Corner of the Tuileries Garden with flower bed and alley with sculptures in Paris in springtime, France.Tuileries Garden
Photo of Champ de Mars view from top of Eiffel tower looking down see the entire city as a beautiful classic architecture, France.Champ de Mars
Photo of beautiful summer view of Louvre Museum, one of the world's most important museums, historic monument and parisian landmark, Paris, France.Louvre Museum
Weltenburg Abbey
Saint-Louis Roman Catholic Cathedral of Versailles - France .Versailles cathedral
photo of Nuremberg lock,Nuremberg Germany.Nuremberg lock
Würzburg Residence, Würzburg Altstadt, Würzburg, Bavaria, GermanyWürzburg Residence
Photo of Arc de Triomphe  Early in the morning with the French flag, France.Arc de Triomphe
Photo of Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest.Széchenyi Chain Bridge
St. Stephan's Church, Altstadt, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, GermanySt Stephan's Church
Weinvierteldraisine
Photo of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France best Destinations in Europe.Eiffel Tower
Thon-Dittmer-PalaisThon-Dittmer-Palais
Photo of Cologne Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral in Cologne, Germany.Cologne Cathedral
Melk AbbeyMelk Abbey
Marienberg FortressMarienberg Fortress
Cologne Zoological Garden, Riehl, Nippes, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyCologne Zoological Garden
Würzburger Cathedral, Würzburg Altstadt, Würzburg, Bavaria, GermanyWürzburger Cathedral
photo of Amsterdam Museum (Rijksmuseum) with I Amsterdam sign, Netherlands.Amsterdam Museum
Pálffy Palace
Beautiful sunrise at the Pont Alexandre III and Les Invalides in ParisLes Invalides
Bamberg Cathedral, Bamberg, Bavaria, GermanyBamberg Cathedral
photo of view of The Musikverein concert hall in Vienna,Vienna Austria.Vienna Music Society
Photo of entrance of the Budapest Zoo, Budapest, Hungary.Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Statue of king Maximilian in front of the dom St Stephan in Passau - BavariaSt. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Paris

  • Paris - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your enchanting journey in the heart of France with a warm welcome to Paris. Settle into your comfortable accommodation at Le Bristol Paris (or similar) for a three-night stay. Take the evening to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city, preparing for the adventures that await.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Paris

  • Paris
  • More
  • Versailles cathedral
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Les Invalides
  • More

Embark on a guided exploration of Paris, where the grandeur of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe await. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of the city's landmarks, culminating at the iconic Eiffel Tower. This immersive experience will leave you captivated by the charm of Paris.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Paris at Your Leisure

  • Paris
  • More
  • Tuileries Garden
  • Champ de Mars
  • Louvre Museum
  • More

Today, enjoy Paris at your own pace. Visit the renowned Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa, or wander through the festive streets adorned with holiday decorations. Stroll along the Champs-Elysées or be mesmerized by the enchanting displays at Galeries Lafayette. Your tour director is available to assist with your plans for a memorable day.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Paris to Amsterdam

  • Paris
  • Amsterdam
  • More

After a delightful breakfast, journey from Paris to Amsterdam, where you'll board your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy a warm welcome from the captain and crew, and settle in for an evening of fine dining on board as you prepare for an unforgettable European cruise.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Amsterdam's Winter Wonderland

  • Amsterdam
  • More
  • Amsterdam Museum
  • More

Experience the magic of Amsterdam during the festive season, with its streets aglow with fairy lights. Delight in a glass-top canal boat cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, where snow-dusted scenes and warm cups of hot chocolate create a cozy winter atmosphere.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Cologne's Festive Charm

  • Cologne
  • More
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Cologne Zoological Garden
  • More

Arrive in Cologne, where the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Explore the vibrant Christmas market beneath the majestic Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover handcrafted goods and festive treats as you immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations

Day 7: Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations

  • St Stephan's Church
  • More

Step into the enchanting Rhine Gorge and explore Rüdesheim's 'Christmas Market of Nations.' Discover a diverse array of stalls showcasing festive traditions from around the world. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and savor a warming Rüdesheim coffee, a local specialty.

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Miltenberg's Festive Spirit

Day 8: Miltenberg's Festive Spirit

  • Marienberg Fortress
  • More

Discover the picturesque town of Miltenberg, adorned with festive decorations. Visit one of Germany's oldest pubs and explore the boutique market. Enjoy an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim, adding a unique touch to your holiday experience.

Read more
Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Würzburg's Baroque Beauty

Day 9: Würzburg's Baroque Beauty

  • Würzburg Residence
  • Würzburger Cathedral
  • More

Explore the historic city of Würzburg, home to the magnificent Würzburg Residence. Wander through the enchanting Christmas market, where wooden stalls offer seasonal delights. Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque palace, a testament to the city's rich history and architectural splendor.

Read more
Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Bamberg's Festive Delights

  • Bamberg
  • More
  • Bamberg Cathedral
  • More

Immerse yourself in the charm of Bamberg, a town renowned for its delightful Christmas markets. Explore the Baroque nativity scenes and sample the town's famous beer, brewed using traditional methods. A guided tour will reveal the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town.

Read more
Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Nuremberg's Historic Wonders

  • Nuremberg
  • More
  • Nuremberg lock
  • More

Discover the historic city of Nuremberg, where architectural marvels and a rich history await. A guided tour will take you through the city's highlights, including its renowned Christmas market. Explore the festive stalls and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city.

Read more
Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Regensburg's Historic Treasures

  • Kelheim
  • Regensburg
  • More
  • Weltenburg Abbey
  • Thon-Dittmer-Palais
  • More

Explore the historic Old Town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guided tour will introduce you to the city's treasures, followed by a visit to the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas Market. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and traditional Bavarian music on board.

Read more
Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Passau's Riverside Charm

  • Passau
  • Linz
  • More
  • Pullman City Western town
  • St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
  • More

Discover the charming town of Passau, where three rivers converge. A walking tour will lead you through narrow alleys to the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Conclude your day at the festive Passau Christmas Market, sampling warm Glühwein and freshly baked treats.

Read more
Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Melk's Architectural Marvels

  • Melk
  • More
  • Melk Abbey
  • More

Explore the quaint village of Melk, home to the magnificent Melk Abbey. A guided tour will reveal the beauty of this Baroque monastery and its historic library. Discover the architectural wonders of Melk and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this picturesque village.

Read more
Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Vienna's Cultural Splendor

  • Vienna
  • More
  • Weinvierteldraisine
  • Vienna Music Society
  • More

Welcome to Vienna, the 'City of Dreams.' A guided tour will take you around the magnificent Ringstrasse, showcasing the city's opulent buildings. Enjoy free time to explore Vienna's Christmas markets, where you can savor delicious hot chocolate and festive treats.

Read more
Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Bratislava's Cultural Tapestry

  • Bratislava
  • More
  • Pálffy Palace
  • More

Explore the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, where Gothic architecture and a rich history await. A walking tour will reveal the city's highlights, including the neo-Renaissance Episcopal Summer Palace. Experience the festive atmosphere of Bratislava's Christmas markets, offering handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.

Read more
Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Budapest's Cultural Fusion

  • Budapest
  • More
  • Széchenyi Chain Bridge
  • Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • More

Discover the vibrant city of Budapest, where Buda and Pest offer a blend of history and culture. A guided tour will take you across the Chain Bridge, exploring the city's highlights. Enjoy free time to explore Budapest's Christmas markets, followed by a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner.

Read more
Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Farewell to Budapest

  • Budapest - Departure day
  • More

Conclude your unforgettable journey with a farewell breakfast in Budapest. Reflect on the memories of festive markets and winter landscapes as you prepare for your departure. Transfer to the airport, taking with you the cherished moments of this enchanting European tour.

Read more

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.