Christmastime on the Danube. This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of Czech Republic.
It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments.
Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.
9 DAYS | 3 COUNTRIES
Czech Republic | Germany | Austria
DAY1 - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
DAY 2 - PRAGUE (B)
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
DAY 3 - PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) (B, D)
The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
DAY 4 - NUREMBERG (B, L, D)
Legends and History Lessons
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and
Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
DAY 5 - REGENSBURG (B, L, D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
DAY 6 - PASSAU (B, L, D)
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.
Enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
DAY 7 - MELK, AUSTRIA - VIENNA (B, L, D)
Frescoes Above theWachau Valley
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland
his evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
DAY 8 - VIENNA (B, L, D)
Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
DAY 9 - VIENNA (DISMEBARKATION) (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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