- Riviera Deck, Stateroom From £2,069pp
- Vista Deck, Balcony suite from £2,525pp
- 4 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
- The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
- Port taxes and charges
- All tipping and gratuities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
- Walking tour of Bratislava
- Guided tour of Vienna
- Dinner & folklore show in Budapest
- Local Slovakian entertainment on board
- 11 delectable meals including 4 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
- Including a Highlight Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
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Christmas time on the Danube
Emerald Astra
24th Nov 26
4 Nights
1
Budapest
Welcome to Budapest! You’ll be met by a friendly member of our welcoming team at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises contemporary Star-Ship. After boarding and settling in, you’ll enjoy some leisurely time to explore Budapest.
2
Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sightscovering 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. During your free time, stroll the Christmas market on Budapest’s main square near Váci Utca Street, which showcases Hungarian craft products such as glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, candle making, pottery, leather trade, traditional Hungarian embroidery and lace work, etc. In the evening, we invite you to join us and your fellow guests for a special dinner and a traditional folklore show in town; a truly immersive local experience and the perfect way to begin your Christmas adventure on the Danube.
3
Bratislava
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is situated in a wonderful location between the Carpathians and the Alps, just a few kilometres from Vienna. Pre-Christmas time in Bratislava is intrinsically connected with glowing streets, warm holiday spirit, traditional dishes, and yuletide drinks. 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 has many charming Christmas markets throughout the city for you to enjoy. The main Christmas Market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square, but there are plenty of smaller ones in the city centre as well, such as the square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre.
4
Vienna
During the holiday season, Vienna's most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The delightful aroma of Christmas cookies baking, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts allure many visitors this time of the year. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights that create a whimsical atmosphere in Vienna.
Today, explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where you’ll see some of Vienna’s world-famous sights such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Then, you’ll have ample free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna’s Christmas markets, such sumptuous Käsekrainer sausage, sweet donuts, salty pretzels, and Kartoffelpuffer - a savoury potato pancake.
As we stay overnight in Vienna, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the Viennese markets during the late afternoon hours while the magical Christmas atmosphere s settles in. In the evening, you’re invited to join us for an awe-inspiring optional visit to enjoy the delights of a Viennese concert.
5
Vienna
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of the delightful Danube with you.
Why Book
Emerald Astra
Overview
Experience the luxurious Emerald Astra
Launching in 2026 the Emerald Astra has been built, designed and will be operated by our expert team. With luxurious interiors and cutting-edge features, the ship debuts a refreshed look and feeling having taken inspiration from our luxury yachts, with art installations in partnership with leading European galleries and collaborations with luxury design houses such as Missoni and Freifrau. Guest suites and staterooms feature luxurious ESPA toiletries, premium linens, pillows (with an expanded pillow menu), towels, mattresses, and toppers from top European brands, with select suites incorporating Missoni soft furnishings.
Other firsts on Emerald Astra will include complimentary guest laundry facilities and a reimagined Sun Deck with new furniture and refreshed outdoor spaces that maximise panoramic views.
Food & Drink
Indulgent regional flavours
Indulge in the rich regional flavours of Europe, from epicurean five-course dinners to light bites on deck. Each meal takes inspiration from local produce and the authentic tastes of your destination. Enjoy a celebratory welcome and farewell dinner, with friendly hospitality from the moment you step on board to when you leave. With no formal dress code, you can step straight from ship to shore and return to a smart-casual evening of beautifully prepared cuisine.
Entertainment
As you cruise through Europe, your dedicated Activity Manager curates a programme of activities and engagingm entertainment. Enjoy an afternoon of trivia, an insightful on board lecture, or a lively evening performance, with each journey as unique as the region you’re in. Local entertainers will join you on board bringing the spirit, sounds, and stories of each European destination to life for a truly immersive experience. Between events, enjoy relaxed conversation with fellow guests and the welcoming, sociable atmosphere.
Health & Fitness
If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.
Terms & Conditions
Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost. All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Hays Travel reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in this brochure. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting.
Christmas time on the Danube
FROM £2,525PP
Emerald Astra
24th Nov 26
4 Nights
From
£2,525PP
