DAY 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore and wander through the Christmas markets.
DAY 3 PRAGUE
Morning sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. See thousand year old Hradcany Castle, the Old Town, the Charles Bridge and more. The rest of the day is free to continue exploring on your own or to do more shopping in the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys and ornaments. (B)
DAY 4 PRAGUE / NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Drive from Prague to Nuremberg, home of Europe's oldest Christmas market. Your crew is waiting to welcome you on board your ship. There is time to visit the Christmas market before a Welcome Dinner on board. (B,D)
DAY 5 NUREMBERG / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE / DIETFURT
Enjoy a tour of this historic city with its Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Then, there is time to shop in the Christmas market. 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 fascinating stairstep locks to stop in the town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 REGENSBURG
Stop in Regensburg. A walking tour will show you the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Then visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market. Or, you can visit the 'royal' Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance on board. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 PASSAU / LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in Passau. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. You may want to take the optional full day tour to Salzburg with its popular Sound of Music sights and enticing Christmas markets. For those staying on board, enjoy a relaxing day of cruising. On arrival in Linz, there is time to visit the jolly Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 MELK / VIENNA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's grand Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Continue cruising through the Wachau Valley to Vienna, the 'City of Music.' Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 VIENNA
A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of Vienna. A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the National Library, majestic Ringstrasse and t. Stephen's Cathedral. Afterward, there is time to shop in the festive Christmas markets throughout the city. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This afternoon, arrive in Budapest, the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. Enjoy one last afternoon in the Christmas markets. Tonight gather on board for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate your Christmas cruise. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 DEPART BUDAPEST
Transfer for your onward flight. (B) |
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