Christmas Markets of Europe 2025|2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a magical multi-day tour through Europe's most enchanting cities and towns during the festive season. From the historic canals of Amsterdam to the vibrant streets of Budapest, this journey offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer. Enjoy luxurious accommodations aboard your contemporary Star-Ship and indulge in guided tours, exclusive excursions, and delightful Christmas markets. Savor local delicacies, experience traditional festivities, and create unforgettable memories on this extraordinary European adventure.
Included
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Emerald Sun: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom, Emerald Dawn: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Suite ,Emerald Stateroom
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Canal cruise in Amsterdam
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
Guided tour of Miltenberg
Walking tour of Wurzburg & Visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bishop Residence
Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bamberg
Guided tour of Nuremberg
Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Regensburg
Guided tour of Passau
Tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Melk Abbey
Guided tour of Vienna
Walking tour of Bratislava
Guided tour of Budapest
Christmas traditions in Europe (lecture on boarExclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
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
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Amsterdam, a city rich in history and culture. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your luxurious Star-Ship. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Amsterdam's Christmas Charm
- Amsterdam
- More
- BODY WORLDS Amsterdam
- More
Experience the magic of Amsterdam during the festive season. Enjoy a glass-top canal boat cruise through the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cologne's Festive Spirit
- Cologne
- More
- Cologne Cathedral
- More
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Cologne. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and the bustling Christmas market beneath its shadow.
Day 4 – Day 4: Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations
Day 4: Rüdesheim's Christmas Market of Nations
- Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater
- More
Explore the enchanting town of Rüdesheim and its 'Christmas Market of Nations'. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum and savor a cup of Rüdesheim coffee.
Day 5 – Day 5: Miltenberg's Festive Cheer
Day 5: Miltenberg's Festive Cheer
- Marienberg Fortress
- More
Discover the picturesque town of Miltenberg, adorned with festive decorations. Attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim.
Day 6 – Day 6: Würzburg's Baroque Beauty
Day 6: Würzburg's Baroque Beauty
- Würzburg Residence
- More
Explore the historic city of Würzburg and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Residence. Wander through the enchanting Christmas market in the heart of the Old Town.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bamberg's Christmas Markets
- Bamberg
- More
Discover the charming town of Bamberg, home to four delightful Christmas markets. Enjoy a guided tour and sample Bamberg's famous beer.
Day 8 – Day 8: Nuremberg's Historic Wonders
- Nuremberg
- More
Explore the historic city of Nuremberg on a guided tour. Visit the city's Christmas market and discover the architectural marvels that have inspired artists for centuries.
Day 9 – Day 9: Regensburg's Historic Treasures
- Kelheim
- Regensburg
- More
- Thon-Dittmer-Palais
- More
Discover the historic city of Regensburg on a guided tour. Visit the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas market and enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Day 10 – Day 10: Passau's Confluence of Rivers
- Passau
- Linz
- More
- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
- More
Explore the charming town of Passau, where three rivers converge. Enjoy a guided tour and visit the Christkindlmarkt at St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Day 11 – Day 11: Melk's Architectural Marvels
- Melk
- More
- Melk Abbey
- More
Visit the historic village of Melk and tour the magnificent Melk Abbey. Discover the treasures within its historic library and admire its monumental beauty.
Day 12 – Day 12: Vienna, the City of Dreams
- Vienna
- More
Explore the elegant city of Vienna on a guided tour. Drive around the Ringstrasse and enjoy some free time to visit the city's Christmas markets.
Day 13 – Day 13: Bratislava's Cultural Blend
- Bratislava
- More
Discover the rich history of Bratislava on a walking tour. Experience the city's festive atmosphere and enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a local Slovakian family.
Day 14 – Day 14: Budapest's Striking Contrasts
- Budapest
- More
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
- More
Explore the vibrant city of Budapest on a guided tour. Cross the iconic Chain Bridge and enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner with a folklore show.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell to Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark your Star-Ship. Transfer to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of your European river cruise.
Similar tours
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.