Day 1, Depart USA.
Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
Day 2, Arrive In Prague, Czech Republic.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.
Day 3, 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 the St. Vitus, and then cross the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The remainder of your day is free to shop at the Christmas Markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments; mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
Day 4, Prague - Nuremberg, Germanyembarkation.
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Along the way, 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. Tonight, gather onboard your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B)
Day 5, 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. 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 a seemingly endless list of other goodies. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Regensburg.
Arrive in Medieval Regensburg after breakfast and take a guided city tour of the cities highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, where you can watch the craftsmen make their goods. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance onboard. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Passau - Linz, Austria.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairy tale city that was 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 onboard, 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. (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 magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight, return to town on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Vienna.
Your sightseeing tour includes the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Christmas markets at the Town Hall. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Perhaps, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which features over 60 Christmas Market stalls and provides a spectacular festive atmosphere with the scent of mulled wine and ginger bread. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Budapest, Hungary.
This morning, cruise the Danube Bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank to Budapest. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Depart Budapest.
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
*** Reverse
itinerary available ***
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