The Enchantment of Advent with Emerald Cruises
As the festive season approaches, European cities transform into fairy-tale destinations, filled with the sweet aroma of spiced treats and the warmth of glowing lights and welcoming atmospheres. There’s truly no better time to embrace the magic of Advent than with a journey along the Danube, designed to celebrate the rich traditions, elegant culture, and festive charm of Central European Christmas.
The “Prague & Christmas Time on the Danube” itinerary by Emerald Cruises, departing in late November, is the perfect way to start the holiday season in style. This enchanting cruise visits some of the most captivating capital cities in Central Europe — from Prague to Budapest, via Vienna and Bratislava — offering a harmonious blend of guided tours, cultural discoveries, regional tastings, and the opportunity to explore some of the most magical Christmas markets on the continent.
Itinerary Emerald River
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The holiday adventure begins with two nights in romantic Prague, one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, where every street corner feels like a scene from a snow globe. Upon arrival at the airport, guests are met and transferred to a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city. The next day, an included guided walking tour takes you through the highlights of the Czech capital, beginning with the majestic Prague Castle and the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral, continuing down the scenic Castle steps to the iconic Charles Bridge, and ending at the Old Town Square, in front of the famous Astronomical Clock.
As part of the EmeraldPLUS programme, guests enjoy a delightful coffee and cake break at the Lobkowicz Palace, a refined moment to savour the sweetness of local traditions. For those wishing to delve deeper, the optional DiscoverMORE tour “Tastes of Czechia” offers the chance to sample craft beers, local cheeses, and traditional specialties.
Next stop: Vienna, the Austrian capital, which during Advent becomes a true winter wonderland. Its Christmas markets are among the most celebrated in the world: decorated stalls, sparkling lights, and the scent of warm punch and cinnamon pastries create a dreamlike ambiance. The included guided tour explores the city’s main sights — from the Opera House and National Theatre, to City Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Palace — before guests enjoy free time to explore the festive markets independently. To enrich your Viennese experience, Emerald Cruises offers two optional DiscoverMORE excursions: a visit to the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the former Habsburg winter residence, and an unforgettable evening at a Viennese concert, featuring waltzes and the timeless music of Strauss.
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Christmas market Budapest, Hungary Emerald
The journey continues to Bratislava, the charming Slovak capital nestled between the Alps and Carpathians. During the festive season, its cobbled streets sparkle with Christmas lights and ring with holiday melodies. The included walking tour takes you through the heart of the Old Town, stopping at the Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin. For a more active option, a guided hike to Bratislava Castle offers sweeping views over the Danube. Bratislava’s Christmas markets are smaller and more intimate, yet full of authentic charm — from Main Square to Hviezdoslav Square, visitors are drawn in by the scent of mulled wine, honey pastries, and handmade Slovak crafts. Onboard the ship, guests enjoy more EmeraldPLUS experiences, such as live Slovak folk entertainment and a special presentation on European Christmas traditions, perfect for immersing yourself even further in the holiday spirit.
The final stop is Budapest, a city that beautifully blends imperial elegance with modern vibrancy. The included guided tour introduces guests to the dual identities of Buda and Pest, with their historical landmarks, Art Nouveau architecture, and panoramic views of the Danube. In the afternoon, there’s free time to explore one of Central Europe’s largest Christmas markets, located near Váci Street. Here, visitors can browse stalls offering traditional Hungarian handicrafts like blown glass, embroidered linens, candles, and culinary delights such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and lángos (fried flatbread). To end the journey on a high note, EmeraldPLUS invites guests to a traditional Hungarian dinner with folk dancing and live music in a local restaurant — a heartwarming and unforgettable way to bid farewell to this magical cruise.
The “Prague & Christmas Time on the Danube” cruise by Emerald Cruises is an invitation to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas — a time for wonder, beauty, and meaningful connections. Departing in late November, this itinerary is the ideal way to usher in the holiday season with elegance, culture, and pure festive magic.
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