Itinerary
- Day 1
Overnight Flight to Germany
Your holiday kicks off with an overnight flight to Germany. Once you arrive, board your cruise ship and settle in for a journey through Europe's Christmas markets along the Danube River. This is mostly travel time, so get some rest and get ready for what's ahead.
- Day 2
Würzburg
You'll arrive in Würzburg, a historic Bavarian city on the Main River. Since arrival times vary throughout the day, there's no formal sightseeing scheduled. Instead, wander around the city on your own and get a feel for the place. Later this evening, meet the other travelers at the welcome dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Optional Activities
- Explore Würzburg independently
- Day 3
Rothenburg - Nuremberg
After breakfast, a local guide takes you on a walking tour through Würzburg's Baroque architecture and the famous Residence. From there, head to Rothenburg to check out the medieval walls, half-timbered houses, and Christmas markets. Later you'll board your ship in Nuremberg, which becomes your home for the next six nights. Dinner on board tonight is special.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Special dinner on board ship with wine)
Included Activities
- Leisurely paced walking tour of Würzburg
- Visit Würzburg Residence
- Explore Rothenburg's medieval walls and Christmas markets
- Special dinner on board ship
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Day 4
Nuremberg
Following breakfast, take a panoramic coach tour of Nuremberg and then walk through Old Town. You'll see 900-year-old ramparts and the Imperial Castle. Browse Germany's oldest Christmas market from the 17th century, where you can find handcrafted nutcrackers and famous Lebkuchen. The afternoon has you cruising through the Main-Danube Canal toward Regensburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Panoramic city tour of Nuremberg
- Walking tour through Old Town, ramparts, and Imperial Castle
- Visit Nuremberg's 17th-century Christmas market
Optional Activities
- Shop for handcrafted nutcrackers
- Taste Nuremberg's famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread)
Landmarks/POIs Nuremberg Old Town Imperial Castle, Nuremberg Nuremberg Christmas Market - Day 5
Regensburg
An expert guide leads you through Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. Stop at the first stone bridge over the Danube and see the Porta Praetoria, a Roman gate from A.D. 179. Wander through Old Town and the Christmas market, where you'll find festive lights, wooden huts, seasonal ornaments, and local handicrafts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Regensburg
- Visit Stone Bridge over the Danube
- Visit Porta Praetoria (Roman gate)
- Explore Old Town
- Browse Regensburg Christmas market
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg
Landmarks/POIs Stone Bridge, Regensburg Porta Praetoria Regensburg Christmas Market Thurn and Taxis Palace - Day 6
Passau
The ship cruises through scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to reach Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. You can choose between two activities: either take a leisurely guided walking tour through this 2,000-year-old city with its Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral (which has Europe's largest church organ), or join a local guide for a hike up to Mariahilf pilgrimage church for great views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Leisurely paced guided walking tour of Passau with Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Hike with local guide to Mariahilf pilgrimage church for views over Passau
Landmarks/POIs St. Stephen's Cathedral, Passau Mariahilf Pilgrimage Church - Day 7
Dürnstein - Melk Abbey - Vienna
You'll cruise to the quaint town of Emmersdorf, then explore the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein and visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. Spend some time wandering around this ancient town. Later, attend a Glühwein party before continuing through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. By evening, you'll arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit cobblestone streets of Dürnstein
- Visit 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey
- Glühwein party
Optional Activities
- Explore Emmersdorf
- Explore Dürnstein further
Landmarks/POIs Dürnstein Melk Abbey Wachau Valley - Day 8
Vienna
After disembarking, start with a panoramic city tour of Vienna that includes Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, and the Ringstrasse. Walk through charming cobblestone streets to St. Stephen's Cathedral and the festive Christmas market. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own or join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace with its courtyard Christmas market. Tonight features the Captain's Gala Dinner with holiday celebration.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Captain's Gala Dinner with holiday spirit and wine)
Included Activities
- Panoramic city tour of Vienna (Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse)
- Walking tour through cobblestone streets to St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Visit Vienna Christmas market
- Captain's Gala Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace and courtyard Christmas market
- Afternoon exploration of Vienna
Landmarks/POIs Hofburg Palace Vienna State Opera Ringstrasse St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna Vienna Christmas Market Schönbrunn Palace - Day 9
Disembark
Have breakfast on board, then disembark and say goodbye to the Danube River as your cruise ends. Head home with memories from the past week.
- Meals
- Breakfast
