On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas markets and see Europe dressed in its holiday best. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Explore Nuremburg, home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world. Float through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. Enjoy a Glühwein Party – a German holiday gathering with mulled wine. Join a local expert and explore historic Vienna. Relax as you are transported to beloved riverside towns and delve into local holiday traditions.
MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Experience the picturesque region of the Wachau Valley.
- Explore Regensburg, home of the first stone bridge built over the Danube.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Passau, a 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Enjoy unlimited wine with every dinner on board your cruise ship.
- Attend the Captain's Gala Dinner and a special holiday concert.
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
INCLUDED
- 9 Days
- 8 Nights
- 7 Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- 7 Dinners
Itinerary
-
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.
Accommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
Würzburg, Germany - Tour Begins
Start in a historic Bavarian town along the banks of the Main River. Enjoy time to unwind and soak in the charms of Franconia. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner and toast to your upcoming adventure.
Meal included: DinnerAccommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
Würzburg - Rothenburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship
Join a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour of Würzburg, an ancient wine town. Your journey takes you to Rothenburg, a town of medieval walls, fairy-tale houses, and Christmas markets. 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.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
Nuremberg
Stroll through historic Nuremberg with an expert guide and 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.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
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.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
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. Never conquered and never completely destroyed, the view of the city from above is breathtaking.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: MS Amadeus Brilliant -
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.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch -
Vienna
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. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer retreat. Celebrate the end of your trip at the Captain's Gala Dinner, followed by a special Christmas concert performed by the ship’s orchestra.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch -
Vienna - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the iconic Danube.
Meal included: Breakfast
