MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Experience the picturesque region of the Wachau Valley.
- Explore Regensburg, home of the first stone bridge built over the Danube.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Attend the Captain's Gala Dinner and a special holiday concert.
- Enjoy unlimited wine with every dinner on board your cruise ship.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Browse the famous Christmas markets along the Danube.
- Join a local expert as you discover Würzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg and Vienna.
- Explore the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey.
HOTELS
- NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower, Frankfurt
- MS Amadeus Silver II, Nuremberg
INCLUDED
- 9 Days
- 8 Nights
- 7 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 7 Dinners
Overnight Flight
Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River. Board your cruise and relax as you are transported along beloved cities, where age-old culture is interwoven into seasonal specialties. Peruse handcrafted trinkets, traditional sweets, and infectious holiday cheer as you make your way though some of Europe’s most renowned Christmas markets. Your holiday tour begins with an overnight flight to Germany.
Frankfurt, Germany - Tour Begins
Start in Frankfurt-on-the-Main, a vibrant city with a historic center, numerous parks, and unique museums. This afternoon, join a city tour that will take you in the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town: the Römerberg. Enjoy some time here, as it is widely regarded as the most picturesque public square in town. It is also the home of the local Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and toast your upcoming adventure.
Frankfurt - Würzburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship
This morning, enjoy the views on your way to Würzburg. Join a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour and visit Würzburg Residence Palace, known for its lavish baroque and rococo architecture. Spend some free time exploring the Christmas markets before sitting down to an included lunch in a local restaurant. Continue on to Nuremberg to board your ship. Your home for the next six nights, this vessel has modern amenities such as the newest technology, panoramic deck café, panorama salon and bar, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine and wine with every dinner. This evening, enjoy a special dinner onboard.
Nuremberg
A walking tour of Nuremberg will take you on a stroll through the historic city for more than an hour with an expert guide. See Old Town, the 900-year-old ramparts, and the Imperial Castle. Your city tour concludes at Nuremberg’s 17th-century Christmas market, which is Germany’s oldest. Wander along the local goods and perhaps you’ll shop for handcrafted nutcrackers or treat your taste buds to Nuremberg’s famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Cruise across the continental divide and through the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg.
Regensburg
With an expert guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. See the first stone bridge built over the Danube and the Porta Praetoria – a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through 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 holding seasonal ornaments, wooden toys, and local handicrafts. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg.
Passau
Amid the early morning light, cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy a leisurely paced guided walking tour of Passau, the 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city also known as the “City of Three Rivers” and take in its ornate Baroque architecture, the cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ -OR- spend time at one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe, the Veste Oberhaus, perched high above the old town of Passau.
Wachau Valley, Austria - Emmersdorf - Dürnstein - Vienna
Cruise to the quaint town of Emmersdorf. Relax and take in the scenery before visiting Dürnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. Take a sip of local traditions at a Glühwein Party and then continue through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. As the day draws to a close, say hello to Vienna, Austria's capital city.
Vienna
It is time to step off the ship and explore. After walking along the pier to reach your coach, join a local expert and explore Vienna's architecture, including Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral on a panoramic city tour. Then, discover Vienna on foot while walking through the city’s charming cobblestone streets. (Use caution, as these cobblestones may become slick with frost.) The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer retreat that shines a little differently in the magical winter months. Celebrate the end of your trip at the Captain's Gala Dinner, followed by a special Christmas concert performed by the ship’s orchestra.
Vienna - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the iconic Danube.
