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Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris

17 Nights - 03 December 2025

Emerald Sun

Danube , Rhine

EMERALDEPAX031225-1

World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels

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(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update). Please click here to check the essential travel requirement before booking this cruise.

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Emerald Cruises under ATOL number 9294

Itinerary

Day 1

03 December 2025

Paris

Fly from the UK to Paris. Welcome to Paris, included is a three night stay.

Day 2

04 December 2025

Paris

Today, the wide and leafy boulevards of Paris are yours to discover with a local guide, as you witness the sheer majesty of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. After your walking tour, board a river cruise along the Seine to see the city from a different angle, finishing at the iconic Eiffel Tower. 

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Paris and a Seine river cruise

Day 3

05 December 2025

Paris

The storied beauty of Paris is yours to discover independently today, perhaps choosing to visit the mighty Louvre and witness the legendary Mona Lisa, or venturing along the streets decorated for the holiday season, stopping at some charming Christmas markets. You can also choose to have a stroll down the Champs-Elysées illuminated with twinkle lights or be enchanted by the Galleries Lafayette's windows displaying magical animated scenes. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your d... Read More

Day 4

06 December 2025

Paris

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Paris to Amsterdam to board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where you will be warmly welcomed by your captain and crew. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board as you prepare for a cruise through Europe.

Day 4

06 December 2025

Amsterdam

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every str... Read More

Day 5

07 December 2025

Amsterdam

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 sys... Read More

Day 6

08 December 2025

Cologne

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, stre... Read More

Day 7

09 December 2025

Rüdesheim

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 C... Read More

Day 8

10 December 2025

Miltenberg

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... Read More

Day 8

10 December 2025

Wertheim

Located at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim is a German town best known for picturesque medieval architecture, including the impressive Wertheim Castle overlooking the quaint Old Town. The cobblestone streets are testament to the town's rich history, and the timber-framed houses paint a vivid picture of Germany's past.

Day 9

11 December 2025

Würzburg

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 Würzbur... Read More

Day 10

12 December 2025

Bamberg

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 sev... Read More

Day 11

13 December 2025

Nuremberg

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

DiscoverMORE
Gingerbread cooking demonstration (extra exp... Read More

Day 12

14 December 2025

Kelheim

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... Read More

Day 12

14 December 2025

Regensburg

Regensburg is a medieval city of Bavaria in southeast Germany. It is situated on the northern point of the Danube River at its confluence with the Regen and Naab rivers. The city is famous for its iconic 12th Century stone bridge and sixteen arches, crossing the Danube into Old Town and is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. Regensburg is also noted for its 13th Century Regensburg Cathedral and Gothic twin spires that feature prominently on the city’s skyline. Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, the... Read More

Day 13

15 December 2025

Passau

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<... Read More

Day 13

15 December 2025

Linz

Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housin... Read More

Day 14

16 December 2025

Melk

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

Day 15

17 December 2025

Vienna

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. 

... Read More

Day 16

18 December 2025

Bratislava

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 the... Read More

Day 17

19 December 2025

Budapest

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 stunni... Read More

Day 18

20 December 2025

Budapest

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, taking memories of open squares adorned with Christmas stalls and crisp winter mornings with you. 

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.

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*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Map


View Other Dates For This Sailing


06 December 2025
Emerald Cruises
Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris
from £5054pp
22 November 2026
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24 November 2026
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Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris
from £4900pp
02 December 2026
Emerald Cruises
Christmas Markets of Europe & Paris
from £4900pp

What's Included

Entertainment
Return flights included (UK airports)
WiFi
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in a choice of dining venues
A daily programme of activities
Use of swimming pools, spa, hot tubs, fitness centre and leisure facilities where available
All airport taxes and port charges
A range of shore excursions in key ports
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
A Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
EmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS experiences
All tipping and gratuities