Enjoy this unique cruise through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands aboard this luxury river cruise vessel! Enjoy the wonders of the Rhine with Excite!

DAY 1 -  Depart the USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. 

DAY 2  - Budapest, Hungary Welcome to Budapest!

All flights must arrive prior to 5:00 pm. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Budapest. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner and enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance onboard. (D) 

DAY 3 - Budapest

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. During your free time, begin your Christmas shopping as you stroll through the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street. Marvel at the displays of unique handcrafted Hungarian ornaments and other Christmas items that await! This afternoon, the cruise begins as you set sail for Bratislava. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 - Bratislava, Slovakia

This morning, arrive in the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Slovak National Theater. Bratislava is also home to charming Christmas markets throughout the city, where you can shop for handmade ornaments and holiday craft items. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 - Vienna, Austria

This capital city is comprised of grand boulevards, ornate palaces, amazing architecture and storied history. Also famous for art exhibitions and museums, your included tour visits the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country. After the tour, enjoy free time to visit the wonderful Christmas Markets throughout the city. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 - Dürnstein

Today, enjoy a morning sailing on your Star- Ship as it sails through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wachau Cultural Landscape. This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Built in 1083, it’s one of Austria’s most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from around the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. As part of the tour you get to taste the delightful Göttweig wine, which is a tradition well kept by the monks throughout centuries. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 - Linz

Today you will be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. During your walking tour, you will have the chance to see the historical old town with a mix of baroque and Renaissance architecture. Hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, making for a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. A festive day for the senses, as you end with a Linzer torte tasting – the local delicacy that will add flavor to your Christmas time memories of this old Austrian town. (B, L, D)  

DAY 8 - Passau, Germany

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. You can enjoy the magical ambience in the St. Stephen Cathedral with its special organ concert or wander through the Christmas market of Passau right in front of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral and discover the unique Bavarian delicacies. (B, L, D)

DAY 9  - Passau / Munich / USA

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark the ship. Transfer to the Munich Airport, taking home warm memories of Europe at Christmastime. Flights depart Munich after 2:00pm.  (B)