Usher in the winter with a timeless trip down the Danube River, where you discover the beauty of Austria and Germany and mingle with the locals as they celebrate the season. Sail through the enchanting Wachau Valley and Bavarian countryside, where so many Christmas traditions began. And on most sailings, shop the Christmas markets in Vienna, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg for handicrafts and unique specialty items. This enchanting cruise is certain to provide lasting memories for years to come.

Day 1 Nuremberg

Welcome to Nuremberg. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship. * After boarding, use your free time to explore on your own-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Nuremberg

Your tour begins with a journey to see former Nazi rally grounds and the Palace of Justice, site of the historic Nuremberg Trials. From the walled section of downtown, walk up to the Imperial Castle grounds for amazing city views before descending into the Old Town, passing the Albrecht Durer House and the Main Market Square. Stay in the city to visit Nuremberg's world-famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market)? or enjoy free time. Back aboard, cruise through the 106-mile-long engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal and its many locks. Dinner is served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

?IMPORTANT NOTE: Christmas markets are seasonal and scheduled to be open from the last week of November through December 23. In lieu of Christmas market shopping, enjoy time at leisure for additional exploration.

Day 3 Regensburg

Arrive midmorning in medieval Regensburg, whose history dates back nearly 2,000 years to its founding by Marcus Aurelius. Take a walking tour through this well-preserved city and explore its historic splendor. See the Old Town, St. Peter's Cathedral and the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Eat lunch aboard or take free time to visit Germany's oldest restaurant, the 800-year-old Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). You have time at leisure to visit the Christmas market or explore the city further-your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner aboard, accompanied by a delightful performance of Bavarian folkloric music, is followed by an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Passau

Arrive during breakfast in beautiful Passau, set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Take a walking tour along narrow cobblestone streets and through graceful arcades to visit St. Stephan's Cathedral. Enjoy afternoon free time to explore the Christmas market or shops. Dine aboard as you cruise the scenic Danube, enjoying its quiet winter landscape and quaint riverside towns. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Linz

Wake up in Linz. After breakfast, take a walking tour past the city's baroque facades to the Hauptplatz. Continue through the medieval town and old market. From here, tour inside the cathedral and stroll other squares and markets before returning to the ship for lunch. Your afternoon is free to explore Linz's stores or Christmas market. Or instead of touring Linz, you may choose an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg, a jewel-like town famous as the setting for the film The Sound of Music. Explore the Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the birthplace and home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Melk

Arrive in Melk after breakfast and enjoy spectacular views as you ride to the top of the hill, where the abbey overlooks the river. Tour this 900-year-old Benedictine abbey and see its baroque splendor inside and out. The lavish interior is decorated with elaborate frescoes, and a highlight is the spectacular library with its comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts. Have lunch aboard and enjoy an apple strudel workshop. Depart midafternoon and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Vienna

After breakfast, embark on a tour of this "City of Waltzes," where Mozart and Strauss composed many of their finest works. Ride along the Ringstrasse to see the Opera House and beautiful Hofburg Palace. Lunch is served on the ship, then take the afternoon to shop along the Kartnerstrasse, visit one of the city's Christmas markets or people-watch at a quaint cafe. After dinner aboard, you may opt to attend an evening classical concert. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Vienna

After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight. * (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.