Magical Christmas - Vienna To Nuremberg - Luxury Cruise

DAY 1 

EMBARKATION – VIENNA, AUSTRIA 

Embark your ship in Vienna and later this evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D).

DAY 2 

VIENNA 

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 before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you’ll visit  the Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna’s  majestic Ringstrasse. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through  Vienna. Later in the day, visit the Christmas Markets at Schönbrunn Palace. Cap the evening off  at the beautifully decorated and illuminated Rathaus Square and the Christkindlmarkt, where  you’ll have the opportunity to explore Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 

DÜRNSTEIN – WACHAU VALLEY – MELK 

After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in  Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue facade of the  Baroque Stiftskirche, its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar.  Alternatively, visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products.  For a more active adventure, hike the storied hill to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard the  Lionheart was once imprisoned, or bike through the charming village, taking in the scenery. Later,  enjoy scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley on your way to Melk. During the afternoon, you’ll  have a choice to take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. (B,L,D) 

DAY 4 

LINZ 

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever popular Linzer Torte. While  here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is a full-day visit to magnificent Salzburg  dressed in her holiday best. Enjoy a walking tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town, its  magnificent cathedral, inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican and its Christmas Market,  which is a feast for the senses. Alternatively, you can choose 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 you can go on a guided bike tour through  Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can visit  the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.  (B,L,D)

DAY 5 

PASSAU, GERMANY 

Picturesque Passau, a fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago is noted for its Gothic and  Italian Baroque architecture. During the season of Advent, the city 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, join a guided bike ride along the Inn River or choose instead to climb to the Mariahilf  pilgrimage church and monastery that offers magnificent views across the old town and  surrounding countryside. (B,L,D) 

DAY 6 

REGENSBURG 

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World  Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including  the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an  alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to  Walhalla where you will see the Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in  Athens. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 

NUREMBERG 

Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the  Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the  world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Browse through over 100 red and white  canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique treasures, toys and seasonal goodies. If  you prefer to experience the world through your taste buds, join our Tastes of Franconia Special  Interest Tour to sample Nuremberg specialties including bratwurst, rotbier and lebkuchen  gingerbread. (B,L,D) 

DAY 8 

NUREMBERG – DISEMBARKATION 

Bid farewell to Nuremberg as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)