Exclusive Offer on 2027 Festive Season River Cruise Including Roundtrip Air & Transfers

Join Midwest Travel Solutions on December 8, 2027 for a festive Holiday Themed River Cruise visiting Christmas Markets while traveling through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and finishing up in the Czech Republic. We will be sailing on Emerald Destiny for an unforgettable European Holiday experience that will have you home in Kansas City to share your holiday finds and memories with your friends and family.

Itinerary

Wed, December 8, 2027
Budapest – Welcome to Budapest. You’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. After boarding, you’ll have time to enjoy Budapest at your leisure and visit one or more of its charming Christmas markets.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

Thu, December 9, 2027
Offering an abundance of historical whimsy, Budapest is known for its architectural diversity and famed monuments that pepper both sides of the Danube. This World Heritage-listed city is a true delight at Christmas, when it becomes a magical winter wonderland of decorations, lights and festive cheer. The locals soak in the city’s many thermal baths to beat the crisp chill of the season. (Optional Add-on Experience)

Enjoy an included guided coach tour of Budapest with your local guide this morning. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking
tour showcases Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market. This evening we depart Budapest for Bratislave, Solvania.

Fri, December 10, 2027
Bratislava with its gothic architecture and fascinating tales of a Communist past welcome yo, a capital that has seen much turbulence over the past century. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, this is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. 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. Today your included excursion is a walking tour, including the enchanting Old City. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, passing by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

EmeraldPLUS – Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Be invited into the home of a local Slovakian family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake. Get an insight into their history, culture and traditions as they show you how they live every day

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Carpathian wine route (Additional Expense) Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local
wines in a historic wine cellar. (Duration 4hr 40min)

Sat, December 11, 2027

Welcome to the ‘City of Music’, Vienna. This ornate cityscape was home to famous musicians and composers including Mozart and Beethoven, and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. It has a magical atmosphere over Christmas, with elaborate decorations and more than 20 festive markets.

Included Excursion – Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
For art lovers, there is no place like the Austrian capital. Not only is the city packed with museums and artwork, but there is a huge variety across styles and time periods. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

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Viennese evening concert ($122 per person)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March’. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.

Sun, December 12, 2027
Dürnstein & Melk – Make a short stop in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Later, cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. After your excursion, you’ll have some free time to explore the town’s Christmas market on your own.

EmeraldPLUS
Göttweig Abbey with organ recital 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. Later, sit down to a moving organ recital.

Mon, December 13, 2027
Linz – Today you’ll be docked in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria and Austria’s third biggest city after Vienna and Graz. The historical old town has a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and hand-carved nativity scenes are on display in many of its churches, creating a serene and contemplative Christmas experience. Included Excursion
Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting.

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Full day Excursion to Salzburg ($119 per person)
The birthplace of Mozart and the picturesque setting for the theatrical masterpiece, The Sound of Music, Salzburg has a unique charm and is surrounded by the breathtaking Alps. Spend a full day exploring this Austrian city, wandering its historic downtown district, exploring the Linzer Gasse shopping street and visiting the home of Mozart.
The drive time one-way is approximatley an hour and half, so this will be a long day, well worth it, but a long day (10 hours).

Tue, December 14, 2027

Passau – This important historic trading centre, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’ – where three of Europe’s main waterways converge – borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures. Its beautiful historic centre features charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. In front of the green-domed façade of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau’s annual Christkindlmarkt can be found. Here, you can sample some delicious warm
Glühwein and freshly baked goods. Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship tonight, enjoy live local entertainment showcasing typical Bavarian musical traditions.
Included Excursion today is a guided tour of Passau where we will stroll
stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.

EmeraldPLUS
Make your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band, who will play traditional music and wear their authentic Lederhosen.

Wed, December 15, 2027
Passau – Today, after breakfast, you’ll depart Passau and transfer by coach to the Czech Republic and the delightful capital, Prague. Here, you’ll settle into your centrally-located hotel for your included three-night stay. This evening, enjoy meeting your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink.

Thu, December 16, 2027
Prague – Soak in the festive sights of Prague on your included morning tourr of Prague with Christmas market visit. Your local guide will take you through the Old Town square, a cobblestoned area that perfectly captures the city’s architectural heritage, where you can see the famous Astronomical Clock. You’ll also be able to soak up the festive atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas Market. Amongst the locals, stroll through the colourful stalls owned by local craftsmen, brimming with hand-crafted ornaments and freshly baked festive treats.

EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Here, freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.

Fri, December 17, 2027
Prague
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Tastes of Czechia
During this enthralling tour, you’ll learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short stroll from your hotel will take you through some of the city’s most interesting hidden corners, before arriving at a local restaurant. Here, meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and Rosé wines; each one, accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement each glass.

Midwest Travel Solutions Exclusive – Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland From Prague-Travelers’ Choice 2026

Sat, December 18, 2027
Prague – This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to leave Prague as you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. You will arrive home filled with the Christmas Spirit and relaxed enough to really enjoy the time you get to spend with your family over the next week.

Merry Christmas 2027