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. (B)
Day
3 PRAGUE -
NUREMBERG, 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. (B)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
Day
8 VIENNA.
A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, 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 along Kärntnerstrasse,
sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B)
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