CRUISE FROM : VILSHOFEN TO BUDAPEST
Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Let iconic capital cities—Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague—decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees illuminated by thousands of lights, bells pealing from cathedral towers and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols, dazzle you. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Regensburg (as part of the motorcoach transfer journey to Prague) and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.
COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA
RIVERS: DANUBE
Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel
Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. You will then have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas markets in the Old Town Square. (B)
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B
Check out of your Prague hotel and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets, then drive to Vilshofen where you will board the ship for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (B,D)
During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure during your time in Passau, enjoy a guided hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf. (B,L,D)
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. You may also opt for a full-day excursion over the Czech-Austria border to the charming mountain village of Česky Krumlov, known for its exquisite castle, the second largest in all of Bohemia. Alternatively, join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz’s Christmas markets. Or participate in a guided bike tour along the Danube River. (B,L,D)
In the morning, sit back and relax as the Captain navigates the ship along the Danube River through Austria's narrow yet scenic Strudengau and Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you’ll enjoy a tasting of local apricot treats. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley’s finest wine. (B,L,D)
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. You will also have the chance to enjoy the festivities of the city’s Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava’s charming Christmas Market, or an invigorating castle hike from Vienna up to Bratislava castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, may choose to hike through the city up to the Castle, which offers magnificent views across the town of Bratislava, or you can visit the the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its festive atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Cruise into Budapest, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square. This city offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)