Experience the holiday season on this festive Christmas river cruise vacation from Prague to Frankfurt, featuring a deluxe 5-night river cruise on the Main River. Enjoy guided city sightseeing in Wurzburg, Bamberg, and in the Bavarian village of Miltenberg. In Wurzburg, visit the Bishop's Residenz; take an included excursion to Rothenburg on the famed Romantic Road; and enjoy a baking demonstration in Miltenberg. In 1,000-year-old Prague, see the city's best-known treasures and stroll through the impressive Christmas market in the Old Town.

INCLUDED FEATURES

Cruise:
Deluxe 5-night cruise from Nuremberg to Frankfurt in outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Prague:
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany Castle

Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting

Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing, Old Town Hall

Wurzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg

Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Notes:

• Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25 (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January)
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered

  MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

  Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

  SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

  Prague Hilton (SF)

  INSIDE VISITS

  Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

  Itinerary
  

  Day 1

  Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

  Day 2 Prague, Czech Republic

  Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.

  Day 3 Prague

  Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)

  Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)

  After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)

  Day 5 Nuremberg

  Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany's most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)

  Day 6 Bamberg

  A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceis medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. (B,L,D)
  
  

  Day 7 Wurzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg

  Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceAfter lunch, set off on the most scenic section of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This ancient walled city, with its ramparts, fountains and cobbled lanes, is steeped in history. Although known for its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an experience not to be missed. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty that's not at all suitable for a diet! (B,L,D)
  
  

  Day 8 Wertheim-Miltenberg

  This morning, stop in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship, as is the Christmas market. Before lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)

  Day 9 Frankfurt

  Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)