15-day Amsterdam to Budapest Christmas Markets River Cruise - Including Return Flights!

Day 1 Tue, 01 Dec Amsterdam (D)

Welcome to Amsterdam, a 700-year-old city that has seen legends form and prospered from the Dutch Golden Age, a time at which Dutch art was among the world’s most acclaimed. Here, a number of old masters found their inspiration, and modern galleries showcase the work that they created. When you arrive, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where you will enjoy some time to explore the city at leisure after boarding.

Day 2 Wed, 02 Dec Amsterdam (B,L,D)

Amsterdam is a wonderful destination year-round, but during the Christmas period the entire city sparkles with fairy lights and Christmas cheer. Snow blankets the narrow cobbled streets and the Dutch indulge on oliebollen and appelbeignets, deep fried sweets that can be purchased from stalls that look like traditional alpine huts in one of Amsterdam’s many Christmas markets. Today, you will have the opportunity to take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system during a glass top canal boat cruise, passing areas that are covered in white powdered snow and people relaxing whilst drinking warm cups of traditional hot chocolademelk.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A canal cruise

Day 3 Thu, 03 Dec Cologne (B,L,D)

The wafting aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts and mulled wine welcomes you in Cologne, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland can be found during the holiday season. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Cologne and visit the colourful Christmas market that sits underneath the shadows of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that effortlessly creates a striking backdrop to the nativity-like scene below. More than a hundred half-timbered stalls are swathed in light, streaming down from the twinkling canopy of bulbs that criss-crosses above. In Cologne’s many Christmas markets, you can find glittering ornaments, artisans creating handcrafted goods and freshly baked produce, including lebkuchen, a beloved round or heart-shaped type of gingerbread that usually includes honey, cardamom or candied fruit. Enjoy drinking mulled wine from a festive mug as you soak in the views of what is arguably one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided city walking tour

Day 4 Fri, 04 Dec Rüdesheim (B,L,D)

Today, set foot into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical landscape of the Rhine Gorge, where the beams of Rüdesheim’s half-timbered houses are covered in fairylights. Rüdesheim hosts the “Christmas Market of Nations”, where more than a hundred stalls effortlessly represent more than a dozen nations, each showcasing their own Christmas specialities, customs and celebrations. Whilst in Rüdesheim, enjoy an excursion to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, and perhaps indulge in some Rüdesheim coffee, a famous drink that is made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt brandy, served with whipped cream and sprinkled with vanilla sugar and chocolate flakes. This festive drink is certain to warm you on a frosty winter’s day. Later, return to the plush surrounds of your Star-Ship for a special on-board performance.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 5 Sat, 05 Dec Miltenberg - Wertheim (B,L,D)

Welcome to Miltenberg. This postcard-worthy town can be found set against a lush backdrop created by the Odenwald forest. Christmastime swathes the area with festive cheer, and decorations and colourful window displays as far as the eye can see are all illuminated at dusk by twinkling fairylights. Miltenberg is home to one of the oldest pubs in Germany, and its delightful boutique market features stalls full of local arts, crafts and delightful treats. Perhaps try an apple streusel kuchen during your time here, a type of apple crumb cake that the area is famous for.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Miltenberg

Day 6 Sun, 06 Dec Würzburg (B,L,D)

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Würzburg and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence. Nestled in the heart of the old town, you will find an enchanting Christmas market. Steeped in 19th-century beginnings, more than 100 wooden stalls showcase seasonal decorations and delectable treats, all coated by the soft glow of Christmas lights. A traditional mug of Glühwein, a hot red wine infused with spices, is the best way to fight off the chill of a cold day. The Würzburg Residence is a true icon, built by the prince bishops’ centuries ago. The opulence that it displays is truly breathtaking. Enjoy a guided tour of what is quite possibly one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe, as its gardens are blanketed by fresh snow.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Würzburg and the Würzburg Residence
• Discover More: Tour to Rothenburg (extra expense)

Day 7 Mon, 07 Dec Bamberg (B,L,D)

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 amongst half-timbered surrounds in this quaint little town. Here, you will 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 that you stop to 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.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Bamberg

Day 8 Tue, 08 Dec Nuremberg (B,L,D)

Your included excursion today is a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, touching on the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had. You will also have time to explore the wonderful Christmas Market in the city centre.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Nuremberg
• Discover More: Gingerbread Cooking Demonstration
• Day 9 Wed, 09 Dec Kelheim - Regensburg (B,L,D)

This morning, cruise along the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal, admiring the view as you pass over a number of aqueducts. Regensburg’s delightful past is yours to discover today, as your local guide introduces you to the treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. After your tour, your EmeraldEXCURSION will take you right into the heart of the Thurn und Taxis Palace Christmas market, one of the loveliest in the country where traditional stalls are illuminated by twinkling lights.

• You’re Invited: A traditional Bavarian band on board
• You’re Invited: A visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn und Taxis Palace grounds
• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Regensburg
• Discover More: Excursion to Kuchlbauer brewery (extra expense)

Day 10 Thu, 10 Dec Passau – Linz (B,L,D)

Welcome to Passau, a town where three of Europe’s main rivers converge underneath the castle. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll down old narrow alleys and look up to see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress as it overlooks 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.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau
• Discover More: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)
• Discover More: Tour to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

Day 11 Fri, 11 Dec Melk – Dürnstein (B,L,D)

History is yours to discover and enjoy during a river cruise through Europe, but the quaint village of Melk offers a wonderful introduction of some of the historic architecture that can be found on the continent. Your included EmeraldEXCURSION 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 of its historic library. Later, your Star-Ship will sail through the Rhine Gorge, a landscape steeped in fairytales where the winter months only add an ethereal layer to your surroundings.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Melk Abbey

Day 12 Sat, 12 Dec Vienna (B,L,D)

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, enjoy some time to explore at leisure, perhaps sampling some delicious hot chocolate and baked goods in one of Vienna’s many Christmas markets.

• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and Vienna
• Discover More: An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)
• Discover More: A tour of Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

Day 13 Sun, 13 Dec Bratislava (B,L,D)

Gothic architecture and tales of a communist past welcome you to Bratislava, a capital that has seen much in the way of turbulence over the past century. Today, you will discover that that turbulence is nowhere to be seen, as you stroll down peaceful streets and soak in the neo-Renaissance glory of ancient theatres and the sheer opulence of the Episcopal Summer Palace. The Christmas season adds an extra layer to the city, where a blend of distinctive cultures come together and showcase their handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats.

• You’re Invited: Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local Slovakian family
• EmeraldEXCURSION: A walking tour of Bratislava

Day 14 Mon, 14 Dec Budapest (B,L,D)

Budapest is a relatively new capital when compared to other European capitals, and yet it has quickly made a name for itself as a city steeped in history and culture, where the ancient and modern exist together seamlessly. Your guided tour of the capital will touch on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle district, as well as Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. This evening, a night-time cruise along the Danube and a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner are certain to delight the senses.

• You’re Invited: A traditional Hungarian folklore show
• You’re Invited: A Budapest evening cruise
• EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided coach tour of Budapest
• Discover More: Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

Day 15 Tue, 15 Dec Budapest (B)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of open squares adorned with Christmas stalls and crisp winter mornings with you.

1 December 2020 to 15 Dec 2020

• Book your 2020 Europe Rive Cruise by 31 January 2020 and FLY FREE*
• PLUS pay in full 9 to 11 months prior to your holiday SAVE $500 per couple!
• BONUS SAVING - Travel at 60 exclusive saving of $500 per couple!

Usually $9,400 pp twin share NOW from $6,970 pp twin share in an Emerald Stateroom (Cat D)

All prices are inclusive of savings listed subject to change until booked and paid in full. The advertised price based on finals payment due 11 - 9 months prior to departure.

Emerald Dawn is at the forefront of design with spacious Owner's One Bedroom Suites, full balcony suites and innovative drop-down windows. While on board, relax in the swimming pool and enjoy enchanting and unimpeded views of the spectacular rivers and countryside. Amazingly, this whole space converts into an evening cinema for your viewing pleasure.

Emerald Stateroom - All Staterooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with infotainment system, individual air conditioning system, a personal safe, fridge, hairdryer, hotel-style beds, an ensuite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi and bottled water daily.

Discover More
Excursions are subject to minimum numbers. The confirmed status refers to the confirmed price in the stated currency. Excursions may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

River Cruise Cover
On every Evergreen European river cruise you will be automatically covered, once your cruise commences, for any delays or cancellations that occur due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or strikes. This river cruise cover does not replace travel insurance and we strongly recommend all guests take out a comprehensive travel insurance that meets their individual needs. If a claim is rejected or only partially paid by your travel insurer, you may then be eligible for coverage under our River Cruise Cover.

Tour Variations
We will take all reasonable efforts to operate the tour as close as possible to your itinerary however we may be required to change or vary your itinerary for reasons outside our control, these circumstances may include but are not limited to: high or low water levels, weather conditions, flooding, lock closures, unscheduled vessel maintenance, national or local holidays, strikes, civil disturbances or other force majeure events. These circumstances may result in a substitution (at the nearest reasonable standard) of another vessel, accommodation or motorcoach for all or part of your itinerary, where we make a variation to the itinerary, we are not liable to you for such variations.

Noise, Vibration and Odour
While we take reasonable steps to minimise noise, vibrations and odours on the cruise ships, you acknowledge and accept that some noise, vibration and intermittent odours may be experienced on vessels and that we will not be liable to you in relation to any such noise, vibration or odours.

Sun Deck
Operation hours may be limited due to the passage of low bridges or other restrictions by local authorities during your cruise.

Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, US and United Kingdom passport holders do not require visas (excluding tours that feature Russia and Turkey, where guests are required to obtain a Visa).
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. Evergreen Cruises & Tours can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism etc in certain locations. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further advice.

Arrival and Departure Transfers
Airport transfers are included on the day of the tour's commencement and the day the tour terminates at designated times. Clients who have purchased pre and/or post tour accommodation with Evergreen, will be provided with airport transfers to/from their hotel in tour start or end city only. No refund will be given for unused transfers. Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Clients who miss their pre booked transfer will be responsible for making their own way to from the ship or hotel at own expense. Transfers must be booked and flights advised to Evergreen Cruises & Tours by final payment date.

In certain locations, a transfer from rail stations may be available. Please enquire for details.

Onboard Accounts
Onboard accounts can only be settled with cash OR credit cards. Travelex cash passports and travel money will NOT be accepted.