Christmas on the Danube - Itinerary
Take a timeless holiday cruise along the Danube and visit some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets. Begin in Wurzburg, known as “the jewel of the Main River.” Visit the well-preserved medieval city of Rothenburg; Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas Market in Nuremberg, dating back to 1628; and the hundreds of historic buildings in magnificent Regensburg.
Continue to the fairytale city of Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers converge. You may choose to visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, once a strategically important fortress, on your way through the historic and picturesque Wachau Valley. In Vienna, admire the marvelous architecture of the Hofburg Palace, the imposing State Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Nibble on pastries as you stroll among the booths of Vienna’s Christmas Market.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: 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 2: Würzburg Germany - Tour Begins -
Your tour begins in the ancient town of Würzburg, known as "the jewel of the Main River," and reputed to be one of Germany’s loveliest towns. Meet your fellow travelers before tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Würzburg - Rothenburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship
This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Würzburg. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century residenz 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 either the MS Amadeus Princess or the MS Amadeus Classic. These beautiful ships offer the newest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. This evening’s welcome dinner is followed by 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). (B, D)
Day 4: 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. 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. (B, L, D)
Day 5: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6: 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. (B, L D)
Day 7: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 8: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
After breakfast, you disembark the ship as your tour comes to an end. (B)
