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10 Days Christmastime Cruise Tour Package
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Priced From: $1,699 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Nov, Dec
On this 10-day cruise, enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere as you spend two nights in Prague before driving to Nuremberg. There you board your luxurious river cruise vessel to sail gently down the Danube to Vienna. Delight in the Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna as Local Guides show you their cities. At the markets, sample Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other regional specialties.
Itinerary
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Days 2-3 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)
Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation)
After lunch drive to Nuremberg where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (BB,D)
Day 5 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 6 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen) dating back to the 12th century. (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Passau-Linz, Austria
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades, and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Melk-Vienna
Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D)
Day 9 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and aweinspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (FB,L,D)
Day 10 Vienna
(Disembarkation) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
Highlights
PRAGUE
Guided sightseeing;
Visit Hradcany Castle
NUREMBERG
Welcome reception;
Guided sightseeing
REGENSBURG
Guided sightseeing
MELK
Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey
VIENNA
Guided sightseeing
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/08
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