River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Amsterdam

   Sat, Dec 06, 2025

   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 to Amsterdam, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where you’ll enjoy some time to explore the city at leisure after boarding.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Amsterdam

   Sun, Dec 07, 2025

   Amsterdam is a wonderful destination all 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 in oliebollen and appelbeignets, deep fried sweets that can be purchased from stalls that look like the traditional alpine huts in one of Amsterdam’s many Christmas markets. 

   Today, you’ll 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 watching people relax with drinking warm cups of traditional hot chocolademelk. 

   Included Excursion
   A canal cruise

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cologne

   Mon, Dec 08, 2025

   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’ll 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. 

   Included Excursion
   Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

   EmeraldPLUS
   Christmas traditions in Europe (lecture on board)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Rüdesheim

   Tue, Dec 09, 2025

   Today, take a step into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical landscape of the Rhine Gorge, where the beams of Rüdesheim’s half-timbered houses are covered in fairy lights. 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 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. 

   Included Excursion
   A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Miltenberg - Wertheim

   Wed, Dec 10, 2025

   Welcome to Miltenberg, postcard-worthy town which can be found set against the lush backdrop of 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 fairy lights.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.  

   Today, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Miltenberg

   EmeraldPLUS
   Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

6. Day 6
   Würzburg

   Thu, Dec 11, 2025

   Today, enjoy a guided tour of Würzburg and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, you’ll 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, And 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. 

   Included Excursion
   A walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishops Residence

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   Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bamberg

   Fri, Dec 12, 2025

   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’ll 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 to stop and 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. 

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Bamberg

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Nuremberg

   Sat, Dec 13, 2025

   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 here. You’ll also have time to explore the wonderful Christmas market located in the city centre. 

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Nuremberg

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   Gingerbread cooking demonstration (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Kelheim - Regensburg

   Sun, Dec 14, 2025

   This morning, cruise along the final stretch of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, admiring the views 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 EmeraldPLUS experience will take you right into the heart of the Thurn and Taxis Palace Christmas market, one of the loveliest in the country where traditional stalls are illuminated by twinkling lights. 

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Regensburg

   EmeraldPLUS
   A visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn and Taxis Palace grounds

   EmeraldPLUS
   A traditional Bavarian band on board

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   Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Passau – Linz

    Mon, Dec 15, 2025

    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 overlooking 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. 

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Passau

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    Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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    Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Melk

    Tue, Dec 16, 2025

    History is yours to discover and enjoy during a river cruise through Europe, and the quaint village of Melk offers a wonderful introduction of some of the historic architecture that can be found on the continent. Your included excursion 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 its historic library. 

    Included Excursion
    A tour of Melk Abbey

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Vienna

    Wed, Dec 17, 2025

    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. 

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Vienna

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    Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

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    Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Bratislava

    Thu, Dec 18, 2025

    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’ll discover that this turbulence is now 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 comes together to showcase their handcrafted ornaments and delicious treats. 

    Included Excursion
    A walking tour of Bratislava

    EmeraldPLUS
    Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local Slovakian family 

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    Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Budapest

    Fri, Dec 19, 2025

    Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital. 

    Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Enjoy, some free to continue exploring some of beautiful Christmas Market in Budapest. 

    This evening, a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner is certain to delight the senses. 

    Included Excursion
    A guided coach tour of Budapest

    EmeraldPLUS
    A traditional Hungarian folklore show

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    Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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    Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Budapest - Prague

    Sat, Dec 20, 2025

    After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship to be transferred to Prague, home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
16. Day 16
    Prague

    Sun, Dec 21, 2025

    Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Prague as it is effortlessly enveloped by the wonder of the seasonal period. Your local guide will take you through the old town square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage.

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Prague

    EmeraldPLUS
    Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace

    
    Meals: Breakfast
17. Day 17
    Prague

    Mon, Dec 22, 2025

    Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration today. We would recommend going to one of Prague’s memorable Christmas markets, where colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen are full of handcrafted ornaments and freshly baked Czech Christmas treats.

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    Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast
18. Day 18
    Prague

    Tue, Dec 23, 2025

    Depart today after breakfast.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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