Europe : Christmas Time Cruise

Enjoy 2 nights in Prague, then visit the Fascinating Christmas Markets between Nuremburg and Budapest

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 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 2 - 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 cafés or restaurants. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Prague - Nuremburg, 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Vienna

A sightseeing tour includes HofburgPalace, 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 Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Nuremberg, Germany Indulge in sweets at the markets along Kärntnerstrasse, sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Prices

What's Included?

• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Nuremberg
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

What's NOT Included?

• Port Charges approx £46 per person
• Flights and transfers however these can be arranged through us. Please contact us for details.
• Optional Excursions

Itineraries for Dec 21 and Dec 27 departures will differ from the above day-by-day itinerary. At the time of creating this itinerary, many events during the Christmas and New Year 2008/2009 were still in a planning stage. Please refer back to this website at a later date for updated information regarding these 2 departures.

NOTE: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:

Choice A: Two twin beds

Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

* Most Christmas Markets are open Nov 19 - Dec 23

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