Europe's Most Famous Christmas Markets by Cruise

This morning’s sightseeing coach tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, then cross the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The remainder of your morning is free to shop at Prague’s renowned Christmas Market with its tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys and local delicacies; mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square; or relax at a coffeehouse. This afternoon, you may take an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp that now serves as a memorial to those who perished (not included).

Join a shared coach transfer from Prague to your awaiting ship in Nuremberg.

This evening, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Port charges are included in your itinerary pricing.

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, you will have time to visit the Christmas Market. Enjoy a complimentary drink of hot mulled Gluhwein in your own souvenir mug to ward off the chill.

Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast and enjoy a guided tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Marvel at beautiful churches, the famous towers of the wealthy families, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Your tour ends with a visit to the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market, where you can shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. In the alternative this afternoon, 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.

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairytale city that was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Afterwards, take some time to experience the traditional Christmas Markets.

Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents.

To participate in the optional tour, please contact your sales specialist.

After dinner, take a walk through the delightful town of Linz, Austria’s third largest city and a major river port.

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey.

This evening, you may explore Vienna on your own, or take an optional excursion to a Mozart and Strauss concert.

To participate in the optional activity, please contact your sales specialist.

This morning, start your excursion with a driving tour of Vienna including the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by a walking tour of the city center. Afterwards, spend some time enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets at the Town Hall.

This afternoon, you can join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which features over 60 Christmas Market stalls and provides a spectacular festive atmosphere with the aroma of Gluhwein and gingerbread.

If you wish to participate in the optional activity, please contact your sales specialist.

In the alternative, you can stroll along the Kärntnerstrasse and stop to sample Vienna’s famous pastries.

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 of Buda and Pest is spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

You have the balance of the day to explore the Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast, you'll disembark your ship this morning in Budapest, as your cruise journey has come to an end.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.