Celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating trip from historic Prague through the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe's second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg on the Main- Danube Canal across the Continental Divide through many of the Danube's great cities. Along the way, visit charming towns where so many Christmas traditions began and marvel at beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the captivating Wachau Valley. Shop at the Christmas markets or celebrate the holiday season with the locals.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.
DAY 3, PRAGUE
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of your day is free to shop at the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments; mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
DAY 4, PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
Spend a day at your leisure to return to the Christmas Markets, stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 5, PRAGUE, REGENSBURG, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Regensburg, which is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. You will have some free time to explore the town on your own or visit Christmas Markets around the Gothic cathedral. After lunch on your own, continue your drive to the charming 1200-year old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, on the confluence of the river Vils and Danube river. Here, docked in the center of town, your luxurious ship awaits you. Late this afternoon join your fellow passengers as we celebrate "Oktoberfest" in Vilshofen. Beer, oom-pah-pah band, music, song and dance Bavarian style, a perfect way to celebrate the start of your cruise. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
This morning relax onboard or explore Vilshofen's beautiful old town, which is located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. From the river the old town gives the impression of a floating peninsula. In the background above the town the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg is dominating the scenery. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, where this afternoon enjoy your walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairytale city and visit Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau has been given the nickname, "Venice on the Danube." For those that wish, you can join an optional tour this afternoon to Munich. Departing in mid morning from Vilshofen you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch at the Hofbrauhaus. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre, seeing its famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz and see Frauenkirche and "devils footprint" before rejoining the ship in Passau. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LINZ - CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city of Austria. This morning you will tour this historic city and visit Christmas Markets, before returning to the ship for lunch onboard. This afternoon, enjoy excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, MELK - KREMS (DUERNSTEIN)
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau Valley to Krems. From here you will visit Durnstein, for a walking tour through cobblestone streets that reveal quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. Then tonight, after dinner onboard, you will sample the local wine as we visit a local "weingut" for wine tasting. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, VIENNA
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy a free afternoon to visit festive Christmas Markets, stroll along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Perhaps, return to the Christmas Markets to sample a mug of gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and traditional gingerbread, or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, BRATISLAVE, SLOVAKIA
This morning enjoy a scenic cruise to Bratislava followed by a walking tour, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Perhaps, return to the Old Town Hall to visit charming Christmas Markets and sample a mug of gluhwein (warm spiced wine) or traditional gingerbread. Tonight, there is an evening music performance onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, BUDAPEST - HUNGARY
Your morning is free for last minute shopping. After lunch, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and Christmas Markets, where you will be surrounded by the scent of traditional honey cookies, cinnamon and fir. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. (B)
DAY 12, BUDAPEST
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.(B)
