Christmas on the Danube featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise

Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenberg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a toy making center, known for its fanciful nutcrackers and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and small riverside towns. Discover Wurzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Delight in the fairytale, baroque architecture in Passau. In Vienna, join a local expert in exploring the historic sights where you'll indulge in the city's atmosphere of opulence and elegance.

Highlights
Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Christmas Markets

Collette Experience

  • Visit and shop in the famous Christmas markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Vienna.
  • Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise.
  • Explore Wurzburg, Germany, known as "the jewel of the Main River", and the lovely medieval town of Rothenburg.
  • Cruise through the Wachau Valley, the most picturesque region of the Danube River.
  • Experience an up-close look at the historic cities that adorn the Danube.
  • Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.

    • Details

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 12/31/2009
    Duration
    9 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight Flight Overnight Flight : Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River. Your holiday tour begins with an overnight flight to Europe.
    Day 2Wurzburg Wurzburg, Germany - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in the ancient town of Wurzburg, known as "the jewel of the Main River," and reputed to be one of Germany's loveliest towns. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner.
    Day 3Nuremberg Wurzburg - Rothenburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship : This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Wurzburg. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sites, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. Proceed to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany. Enjoy free time to explore the town's hidden treasures and its charming Christmas Market. Late afternoon, you arrive in Nuremberg to meet your cruise ship. Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace cafe, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner on board.
    Day 4Nuremberg Nuremberg : A local expert provides an interesting city tour of historic Nuremberg featuring the old town, the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Your city tour concludes with a visit to Nuremberg's Christmas Market, Germany's most famous and oldest, dating back to 1628. Nuremberg is a toy making center and you will have the opportunity to shop for traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and sample its famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, your cruise continues across the continental divide and through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. After a delightful dinner, the onboard orchestra provides a musical Christmas concert for your enjoyment. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals.
    Day 5Regensburg Regensburg : A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg reveals one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities with nearly 1,400 historic buildings. Some of the architectural highlights include the old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. From the 12th century 1,400-foot long medieval bridge, you will have spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. This afternoon, take a stroll through the old town to Regensburg's charming Christmas Market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Browse and shop at the brightly lit wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and local handicrafts. Late evening your ship departs for Passau.
    Day 6Passau Passau : Early morning you cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairytale city, exploring the ornate baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, cathedral and charming Christmas Market. After dinner, enjoy a delightful music concert in the ship's panorama lounge.
    Day 7Vienna Wachau Valley, Austria - Krems - Vienna : View the picturesque landscapes as you cruise to the charming town of Krems. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or if you wish, join an optional excursion to the nearby town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Early afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns. Late afternoon you arrive in Vienna, Austria's beautiful capital city. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain's Gala Dinner. After dinner, you are invited to visit Vienna's most famous Christmas Market, located near the town hall.
    Day 8Vienna Vienna : Join a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna's baroque elegance, stroll along the Kartnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. Celebrate the end of your magical cruise with a wonderful dinner followed by an enchanting musical performance.
    Day 9Tour ends Disembark Ship - Tour Ends : After breakfast, you disembark the ship as your tour comes to an end.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    December 02, 2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    December 09, 2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    December 14, 2010$1,499.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Novotel Wurzburg
    M/S Amadeus Diamond
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your Travel Agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
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