Christmas Markets on the Danube
Ahoy, fellow wanderers! Join us as we recount the Sehy family's pre-Christmas escapade aboard the stunning Emerald Cruise Lines, along the picturesque Danube river, in search of the merriest Christmas markets!
How We Chose This Trip
We chose Emerald Cruise Lines because it is the right choice for our crew. It is not the most elite cruise and doesn’t have the largest collection of staterooms, but instead offers a very family-friendly experience along with a friendly price tag for your pocketbook. The cruises include well-appointed rooms on a modern ship with a surprising variety of delectable meals, airport transfer to and from the ship, port taxes and charges, and all tipping and gratuities. Above all of that, we really enjoyed all of the staff on the boat and the included guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Also the EmeraldPLUS experience which includes traditional dessert tastings, Hungarian folklore dancing and a band, really something special at each port that represents that city and country. Check them out at emeraldcruises.com. If you prefer more swanky check out a cruise line like Tauck or Crystal.
Setting Sail from Budapest with a Dash of London Flair
Our adventure commenced with a not-so-brief layover in London, England, of a whopping nine hours. Lots of travelers will spend their monster layover sleeping in the airport, but that wasn’t on the itinerary for this trip! With just a quick Google search it was easy to find that a train that made its way to downtown London.
If you too decide to leave the airport, take the Heathrow Express train downtown. Here’s the link for more information.
Paddington Station served as Joe and Cheryl’s link to the city to make a quick and delightful romp around Hyde Park, sipping hot chocolate and reveling in that distinct British charm. While not Charles Dicken’s version of England, it was still a much-needed leg stretch and fresh air before the final stretch to Budapest.
Carrying luggage?
We were. At Paddington Station, we were able to quickly and easily stow away our bags while we wandered. It was expensive, but worth it for the trip away from the airport.
Budapest Bonanza: Nick and Autumn Join the Fray
Our fearless co-travelers, Nick and Autumn joined us the day before the cruise began, with Nick arriving from Seattle and Autumn just a short flight away in France. On our extra day, we were guided by an ironically English tour guide (because, why not?), who unfolded Budapest for us, sharing tales of the city as we wandered among false-fronted buildings attempting a French façade but now serving as deteriorating architectural plaster falling on the unsuspecting passersby.
The guide led our tour group through a historical tapestry, unraveling stories of Holocaust survivors, Soviet takeovers, and monuments dedicated to the likes of American presidents Reagan and Bush senior, and sprinkled in a bit of Eastern European humor.
Especially moving are the Shoes on the Danube Sculpture, located on the Pest side near the Parliament building. The shoes represent the Jews who were massacred by the fascist Hungarian militia during the Second World War. The victims were told to take off their shoes and were then shot into the Danube. The bronzed shoes serve as a memorial, and many visitors light tea candles or lay flowers in memory next to the shoes.
Looking for your own tour guide?
We enjoyed this tour very much (even more than the good but much more brief tour Emerald provided the following day) and booked it through Viator: The Budapest Historical Sightseeing-Walking tour. It only cost us $4.55 USD per person (your cost may be different), though we gave the guide a generous tip for her tips and history lessons. Check it out at this link.
The tour ended at the beautiful parliament building, which was fashioned after that in London. Because of the surroundings, though, this building stands out far more than the similar one in England. Being that it was very cold and the wind making it even colder, we took our hungry selves to find a good restaurant. We walked into a lovely building along the Danube with huge windows filled with people enjoying the view, not realizing that we’d just entered the swanky Four Seasons in Budapest! The hotel takes you back to a glamorous time in Budapest with intricately tiled floors, grand chandeliers, and stained glass features. We enjoyed a sumptuous and eclectic meal in the hotel restaurant, with hot chocolate and nicely chilled wine. Check out the Four Seasons Budapest here: Four Seasons Budapest. With our noses and toes warmed up we embarked on our named reason for the vacation: Europe’s amazing Christmas markets.
Market Magic: Mulled Wine and Hungarian Delights
The family's introduction to Christmas markets was nothing short of magical. The air was filled with the aroma of mulled wine, stalls brimming with delectable treats, and an array of goods unique to Hungary were around every corner. It was a sensory feast, a symphony of flavors and festive cheer, and we immersed ourselves in the holiday spirit.
Goulash Galore and Dreams of River Cruising
After strolling the markets and the quaint narrow streets of Budapest our bellies were rumbling again! Time to dip into a quintessential Hungarian dinner, savoring the warmth of traditional goulash. No matter your culinary taste, Budapest will have something for you. Each restaurant was good, and we always had service with a smile. Hungarian people seemed to be very happy to serve Western tourists. Though we tried to speak a few words in the language, everyone spoke great English, making it easy to communicate. With bellies full and heart's content it was time to return, eager for the next morning's adventure – the commencement of our Danube River cruise.
And so, the Sehy family's Christmas cruise unfolds, a blend of history, humor, and holiday delights. Join us next time as we set sail from Budapest to Bratislava and Vienna, unraveling the treasures of the Danube's Christmas wonderland. Until then, happy trails and may your mulled wine be ever warm! 🚢🎄