2 nights in Pargue and 7 nights cruise from Nuremberg - Budapest

Click here for Currency Converter

Christmas Time Cruise Map

Included in your Amadeus Waterway Cruise

Celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating trip from historic Prague through the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg on the Main- Danube Canal across the Continental Divide through many of the Danube’s great cities. Along the way, visit charming towns where so many Christmas traditions began and marvel at beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the captivating Wachau Valley. Shop at the Christmas markets or celebrate the holiday season with the locals.

 
ITINERARY

Day 1    PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.

Day 2    PRAGUE
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of your day is free to shop at the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments; mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)

Day 3    PRAGUE / NUREMBERG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
Spend a day at your leisure to return to the Christmas Markets, stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)

Day 4    NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic ?churches. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After your tour, visit the world’s largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children’s toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and a seemingly endless list of other goodies. At lunchtime rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise -1,332 feet above sea level -before descending through stair-step locks to stop in the Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)

Day 5   REGENSBURG
Arrive in Medieval Regensburg after breakfast and take a guided city tour of the cities highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, where you can watch the craftsmen make their goods. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance onboard. (B,L,D)

Day 6    PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairy tale city that was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. See the major sights including a visit to Mozart's birth house. Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. For those staying onboard, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)

Day 7    MELK - VIENNA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight, return to town on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

Day 8    VIENNA
Your sightseeing tour includes the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Christmas markets at the Town Hall. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Perhaps, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which features over 60 Christmas Market stalls and provides a spectacular festive atmosphere with the scent of mulled wine and ginger bread. (B,L,D)

Day 9   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning, cruise the Danube Bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank to Budapest. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. You have the balance of the day to explore the Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10   DEPART BUDAPEST
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Email: enquiry@rivercruising.com
www.rivercruising.com