Itinerary
- Day 1
Nuremberg
You'll arrive in Nuremberg and get settled into your stateroom on the ship. This is where your Danube river cruise officially begins, so take some time to familiarize yourself with the vessel and get comfortable for the week ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 2
Nuremberg
Spend your day exploring Nuremberg's Christmas markets and cultural sites. The Christkindelsmarkt in the main square is worth checking out, and you can visit the castle and local brewery if those interest you. World War II history buffs might head to Courtroom 600 instead. Later in the day, the ship sets sail across the Main-Danube Canal to continue the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walk through Nuremberg's main square and Christkindelsmarkt
- Visit to Sebalder Kirche
Optional Activities
- Tour of Nuremberg Castle
- Local brewery tasting of Franconian specialties
- Visit to World War II sites including Courtroom 600 (Nuremberg Trials location)
Landmarks/POIs Christkindelsmarkt Nuremberg Castle Sebalder Kirche Courtroom 600 - Day 3
Regensburg
You'll arrive in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former Bavarian capital. There's a guided walk through the Old Town where you'll see Roman gates and historic architecture, or you can check out the Christmas market on your own. If you prefer something different, consider a Bavarian tasting tour or a visit to Walhalla.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walk of Regensburg Old Town including Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria
- Free time at Christmas market
Optional Activities
- Bavarian tasting tour
- Visit to House of Bavarian History Museum
- Visit to Walhalla monument
Landmarks/POIs Old Town Hall Porta Praetoria Thurn and Taxis Palace House of Bavarian History Museum Walhalla - Day 4
Passau
The ship brings you to medieval Passau, situated where three rivers meet. A walking tour takes you through the Old Town to see baroque and Gothic architecture and the Christmas market. Alternatively, you can take a full-day excursion to Salzburg to experience its fairy-tale Old Town instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Passau Old Town
Optional Activities
- Browse Passau Christmas market
- Full-day excursion to Salzburg with Old Town walk
- Visit to Salzburg Christmas market at Mirabell Palace
- Visit to Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg
Landmarks/POIs Passau Old Town Salzburg Old Town Mirabell Palace Mozart's Birthplace - Day 5
Melk to Vienna
The morning starts with a visit to Melk Abbey, which sits above the Danube with its renovated museum and library showcasing medieval book restoration. After that, you'll cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley. By evening, you'll arrive in Vienna and have time to check out the Rathaus Christmas market.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on board with views of Wachau Valley), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Melk Abbey with museum and library
- Cruise through Wachau Valley
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour of Melk and surroundings
Landmarks/POIs Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Rathaus Christmas Market - Day 6
Vienna
Spend the day exploring Vienna's imperial landmarks like the reconstructed Opera House and Hofburg Palace. The Kunsthistoriches Museum holds a notable art collection if that's something you want to see. Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, and Schönbrunn Palace has been transformed into a winter wonderland with its own holiday market to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Vienna Opera House
- Visit to Hofburg Palace
- Guided tour of Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien
- Tour of Schönbrunn Palace
Optional Activities
- Visit to Christmas markets near museum
- Guided bike ride along the Danube
Landmarks/POIs Vienna Opera House Hofburg Palace Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien Schönbrunn Palace - Day 7
Budapest
You'll explore both sides of Budapest starting with Castle Hill on the Buda side, which gives you views and a chance to tour the area including Fisherman's Bastion. There's a private concert at Franz Liszt's former home to attend. After that, you'll tour Pest to see Parliament and visit the holiday markets. This evening wraps up with a farewell dinner onboard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Buda including Dózsa György Square and Fisherman's Bastion
- Private concert at Franz Liszt's former home
- Afternoon tour of Pest with Parliament building visit
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Jewish heritage walking tour including Europe's largest synagogue
- Visit to Shoes on the Danube memorial
Landmarks/POIs Castle Hill Fisherman's Bastion Dózsa György Square Franz Liszt's Former Home Parliament Building Great Synagogue of Budapest Shoes on the Danube Bank - Day 8
Budapest Departure
It's time to disembark from the ship in Budapest. You'll head to the airport for your return flight home, concluding your Danube river cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast
