Itinerary
- Day 1
Frankfurt
Your adventure in Germany starts today. Make sure your flight gets you to Frankfurt by 3 pm, then head to the ship for a 5 pm boarding. You'll want to allow time for check-in and settling into your suite before the evening departure.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 2
Main River Village to Würzburg
Start your morning with a German cookie baking demonstration right on the ship. Later, you'll take a guided tour through a charming village along the Main River, seeing local sights and getting a feel for the region. The ship keeps things entertaining in the evening with live performances as you sail toward Würzburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board
- Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River
- Day 3
Würzburg
Würzburg is known as the Pearl of the Romantic Road, and a guided tour shows why with stops at the Old Main Bridge, the fortress, and the baroque Bishop's Residence. After that, you have time to walk through the festive Christmas markets. If you want something different, an optional trip to Rothenburg lets you visit the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with Old Main Bridge, fortress, and Bishop's Residence
- Free time to enjoy Würzburg's Christmas markets
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Rothenburg with visit to Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum (world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations)
Landmarks Old Main Bridge Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum 
- Day 4
Bamberg
The morning starts with an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture. Then you'll explore medieval Bamberg on a guided sightseeing tour, where the city displays dozens of nativity scenes throughout. You'll have free time to browse the Christmas markets and try traditional food like dumplings, sausage, and Bavarian ale.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Christmas Traditions Lecture on board
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg with nativity scenes
Landmarks Bamberg Christmas Markets 
- Day 5
Nuremberg
You get to choose your day here. Either join a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, including the gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or see the historic Rally Grounds instead. Afterward, head to the Christmas markets to sample bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled blueberry wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle OR Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds (choice of one)
Landmarks Kaiserburg Castle Nuremberg Rally Grounds Christkindlesmarkt Nuremberg - Day 6
Nuremberg to Munich
A guided city tour takes you to Munich to see Nymphenburg Palace, where Bavarian monarchs once lived, plus the Old and New Town Halls at Marienplatz. You'll return to Nuremberg for the night after exploring Bavaria's capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Tour of Munich with Nymphenburg Palace and Marienplatz Town Halls
Landmarks Nymphenburg Palace Marienplatz - Day 7
Nuremberg to Regensburg
This day is yours to structure however you like. Wander through Nuremberg's lit streets at your own pace, pick up last-minute gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for recommendations on what to see. Back on the ship, there's live entertainment this evening before you sail to Regensburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Free time to explore Nuremberg
- Day 8
Regensburg
A guided city walk shows you the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria, an ancient fortress entrance from 179 AD. Then you can browse the sparkling Christmas markets for hot mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, and bratwurst. Before sailing to Passau, there's a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk of Regensburg with Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria
- Free time to explore Regensburg's Christmas markets
- Christmas Traditions Lecture on board
Landmarks Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) Porta Pretoria 
- Day 9
Passau to Melk
A guided walk explores Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers converge. You'll have free time in the Christkindlesmarkt near St. Stephen's Cathedral, or you can take an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg for Austrian Christmas celebrations. The ship offers live entertainment before heading to Melk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Walk of Passau
Optional Activities
- Full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg with Austrian Christmas celebrations
Landmarks St. Stephen's Cathedral - Day 10
Melk to Vienna
You'll tour Melk's Benedictine Abbey with its frescoed ceilings, statues, an impressive library, and ornate pipe organ. While sailing to Vienna, there's an Austrian cookie tasting on board. This evening, you can opt for an optional Royal Waltz Concert if you want something special.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of Melk's Benedictine Abbey with frescoed ceilings, statues, library, and pipe organ
- Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing
Optional Activities
- Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert in Vienna
Landmarks Melk Benedictine Abbey - Day 11
Vienna
A guided city tour walks you through Vienna's gilded landmarks from the Habsburg empire, including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. You'll have free time to browse the Christkindlesmarkt or relax in a Viennese café. An optional trip to Schönbrunn Palace is available before sailing to Budapest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Tour of Vienna with Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Free time to enjoy Christkindlesmarkt or Viennese cafés
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace (summer home of the Habsburg Empire)
Landmarks Imperial Palace Vienna Opera House St. Stephen's Cathedral Schönbrunn Palace 
- Day 12
Budapest
A guided sightseeing tour includes the iconic Heroes' Square. From there, you can choose between a scenic hike above the Danube or exploring Budapest's cafes, pubs, and nightlife scene. The unique Christmas market running during the season is worth checking out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided City Sightseeing of Budapest with Heroes' Square
Optional Activities
- Scenic hike above the Danube
- Explore Budapest's cafés, pubs, or nightlife
- Browse Budapest's Christmas market
Landmarks Heroes' Square 
- Day 13
Budapest
Your cruise ends this morning. Have a final breakfast on board, then it's time to disembark and head home with memories of the Danube and Christmas markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
