Usher in the winter with a timeless trip down the Danube River, where you discover the beauty of Austria and Germany and are warmly welcomed by the locals. Sail through the enchanting Wachau Valley and Bavarian countryside, and experience the magic of the holiday season in the region where so many Christmas traditions began. And on select sailings, you can even shop the Christmas markets for handicrafts and unique specialty items. This enchanting cruise is certain to provide lasting memories for years to come.

Day 1 Vienna

Arrive in Vienna, capital of Austria. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take some time to explore-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 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)

?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 Melk

Dock during lunch and take a ride to the top of the hill where the abbey overlooks the river. Tour this 900-year-old Benedictine monastery 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. Depart late afternoon and cruise through this evening, arriving in Linz at about midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 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. The afternoon is free to explore Linz's stores or Christmas market-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, instead of touring Linz, you may choose an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg, home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dine aboard; remain docked overnight in Linz. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Passau

Cruise the scenic Danube this morning and enjoy its quiet winter landscape and quaint riverside towns. Arrive during lunch 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. Depart during dinner.
(B, L, D)

Day 6 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). Dinner aboard is followed by an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Nuremberg

This morning's cruise is highlighted by the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal and its many locks. This 106-mile-long waterway, completed in 1992, provides a navigable waterway all the way from the English Channel to the Black Sea, and is designed to have minimal impact on the region's plant and animal life.

Arrive during lunch in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city. Your afternoon 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, past 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. Dinner is served aboard; ship stays docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Nuremberg

After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic. Spend time exploring its famed Hradcany Castle, the Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived and worked, and the city's many architectural highlights. (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.