Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Days 2-3 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River
with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See its
best-known treasures such as the Old Town's ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of
all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge.
Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, and stroll through the
Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree
ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a
cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of
the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive
sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most
Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and
celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)
Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome
you on board. (B,D)
Day 5 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was
restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous
gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany's most
famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628, and the Old Town is
illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city's traditions include
famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Bamberg
Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking
tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River
Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.
At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas and especially
interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and
exhibited throughout the town. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Würzburg is surrounded by sloping
hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. After lunch, set off on the most scenic section of the
Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This ancient walled city with its
ramparts, fountains, and cobbled lanes is steeped in history. Although known for
its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an
experience you won't want to miss. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local
specialty not at all suitable for a diet! (B,L,D)
Day 8 Wertheim-Miltenberg
This morning, stop in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are
grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town
and, especially in winter, they produce ornaments that hang on Christmas trees
all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop
windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. Miltenberg is a
picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its
cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and
renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you
during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship,
as is the Christmas market. After lunch, learn how to bake a local soft cookie
specialty. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Frankfurt
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) |
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