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Prague & Christmas Markets of Europe

Resort:Prague & Christmas Markets of Europe
Operator: Emerald Waterways
Destination:
Price From: £4220.00

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Prague

Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, this beautiful city is rich in history and is home to some of the worlds most pristine collections of architecture. Included is a three-night stay in Prague.

Day 2 – Prague

This morning we explore the sights of the Old Town Square on a guided walking tour. We see Mozarts Theatre, Little Square and Astronomical Clock. We continue our tour and walk across the Charles Bridge spanning the River Vltava and full of portrait artists and small vendors, to board our coach to drive to the 1,000yearold Prague Castle area. With our local guide we walk through Hradcany Square, for the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. See the magnificent Loreta Monastery, and arrive at Hradcany Castle. Here we see Old Kings Palace, St. Georges Monastery, and The National Gallery painting.
EmeraldPLUS: Local Dinner with Entertainment

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Prague

Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your days exploring. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter. You will no doubt return to the lively atmosphere around the Charles Bridge for another look. You can also take the time to visit Pragues famous street markets dressed up with Christmas themes.

DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Prague Budapest Embarkation

After breakfast transfer from Prague to Amsterdam and join your Emerald Waterways award-winning river cruise ship and be welcomed by your Captain and crew. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travelers. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Budapest

Budapest is Eastern Europes liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. On your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapests main square near Vci Utca Street. This afternoon you will depart for Bratislava.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk to Buda Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Bratislava

This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Alternatively, join an active guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Bratislava also charming Christmas markets throughout the city, which you can enjoy.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Vienna

Today, explore Austrias capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see some of Viennas worldfamous sights such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Then, you will have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of the Christmas markets of Vienna which are set up in 15 different squares in the city.

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schnbrunn Palace (extra expense)
AND / OR
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Drnstein – Melk

In the morning we arrive in Drnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Thereafter, you will drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austrias finest Italian baroque architecture.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Drnstein Castle
OR
EmeraldACTIVE:
A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Drnstein to Melk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Passau

Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoons walking tour, stroll through the ancient centres narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europes largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Passaus annual Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt, takes place in front of the St. Stephan Cathedral. Around 70 gingerbread-like stalls selling festive souvenirs, handmade gifts and delicious treats are illuminated by strings of twinkling fairylights, as the smell of Glhwein and fresh baking fills the cool air. Indulge on gingerbread as music groups and choirs take to the stage as the perfect accompaniment.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Passau or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Regensburg – Kelheim

After breakfast we arrive in magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Regensburg. On our guided walking tour, youll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the citys architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. Regensburg is also home to one of the loveliest Christmas market of the German-speaking countries. With its many quaint wooden stalls, the market is located around the Neupfarr Church and the city Guard House, adorned by row-upon-row of twinkling lights. Taste your way through the narrow streets and hidden passageways, picking up a mug of delicious Glhwein and treating yourself to homemade gingerbread and cookies.
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band on board
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Thurn & Taxis Christmas Market

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Nuremberg

Today, you will have a sightseeing coach tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. Your coach tour would pass by some of the historical parts of Nuremberg, such as the 900-year-old ramparts, the Nazi party rally grounds, where rallies were held from 1933 until 1938 among other sights.

DiscoverMORE: Gingerbread Cooking Class (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Bamberg

This morning we arrive at Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Boasting one of Europes largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Wrzburg

Known as the Pearl of the Romantic Road, Wrzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Join our guide for a walking tour of Wrzburg followed by a visit to the Bishops Residenz, one of Germanys largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour highlights the palaces unique staircase, elaborate 18th century frescoes and the amazing 3dimensional stuccowork.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Rothenburg (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either included visit to Bishops Residenz or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Wertheim – Miltenberg

Today we start from the stunning medieval glass-blowing town of Wertheim, where you have the opportunity to explore on your own. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg on the Main River. The village creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in the middle ages and the Old Town is lined with wellpreserved halftimbered buildings. The gothic Merchant Hall is an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike around Miltenberg area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Rdesheim- Koblenz

After breakfast arrive in Rdesheim, one of Germanys most popular towns. You will visit the Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. After the included visit, continue exploring and perhaps taste the famous Rdesheimer Coffee, made with Germanys most famous brandy Asbach Uralt.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 – Cologne

The ship sails from Koblenz in the early morning, cruising along the Rhine we arrive in Cologne. Seven markets transform picturesque Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Be sure to pay a visit to the stalls around the Alter Markt, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and the cathedral, beneath which youll locate the Christmas tree. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glhwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies. Be sure not to miss the mesmerising Stars at Night theme adopted around the Neumarkt, where looking up unveils a beautiful light display above your head. This evening, the captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captains Farewell Gala Dinner.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Drachenburg (extra expense)
OR
DiscoverMORE: Football Stadium Tour (extra expense)

*** Please note, you can only choose either the Drachenburg Castle or the Football Stadium Tour as both DiscoverMORE options run at the same time.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 – Amsterdam

The ship sails along the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal and into Amsterdam. This morning you will enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdams canal. After the canal tour, enjoy free time to visit some of Amsterdams other famous attractions, such as the Rijks or Van Gogh Museums, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere and watch the world go by.

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Haarlem (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 – Amsterdam > UK

After breakfast, your tour concludes and you will be transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight.

Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast