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 started and marvel at beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the charming Wachau Valley. On select dates shop at Christmas markets or celebrate the holiday season with the locals.
All local TaxesDetailed Itinerary
Day 1, Thu. DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Prague.
Day 2, Fri. ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 3, Sat. PRAGUE.
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
Day 4, Sun. PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY.
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B)
Day 5, Mon. NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT.
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches. See the storybook 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After your tour, visit the world's largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and everything else imaginable. At lunchtime rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks to stop in the Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Tue. REGENSBURG.
Arrive in medieval Regensburg. A tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or you can decide to visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, with craftsmen making the goods in front of you. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Wed. PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. See the major sights including a visit to Mozart's birth house. Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Thu. MELK - VIENNA.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight return to the Christmas market, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Fri. VIENNA.
A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Christmas markets at the Town Hall and also a visit to the National Library. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse, sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Sat. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
This morning, cruise around the Danube Bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank, arriving in Budapest in time for lunch on board. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, 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 marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. You have the balance of the day to explore the Christmas markets. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Sun. DEPART BUDAPEST.
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest. (B)
