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Lights brighten the evening at this bustling Christmas Market

Christmas Time Cruise with Prague

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard MS Amabella
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Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a festive European river cruise that kicks off in Prague. After boarding your ship in Nuremberg, your holiday cruise journeys through the charming region where so many of today's most beloved Christmas traditions originated. Experience a number of enchanting Christmas markets in places such as Regensburg, Salzburg, and Vienna, each with its own local flavor and traditions. Conclude your holiday cruise in Budapest.
Gorgeous evening view of PragueTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas MarketEnjoy a carriage ride at the Christmas MarketEnjoy this beautiful basilica while traveling through EuropeLights brighten the evening at this bustling Christmas Market
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Prague, Czech Repblic

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2: Exploring Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle courtyard and the St. Vitus, and then cross the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. The remainder 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 cafes or restaurants. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now serving as a memorial to those who perished. The evening is at your leisure or alternatively, experience an unforgettable optional dinner and folklore event that is a celebration of Czech food, music, dance and world-famous Czech beers.

Day 3: Prague / Nuremberg, Germany / Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. In Nuremberg, 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 everything else imaginable. Tonight, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Day 4: Nuremberg / Continental Divide

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. After lunch continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks.

Day 5: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. Alternatively, 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.

Day 6: Passau / Linz, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. For those staying on board, 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.

Day 7: Melk / Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 8: Exploring Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Schonbrunn Palace, which features over 60 Christmas Market stalls and provides a spectacular festive atmosphere with the aroma of Gluhwein and gingerbread. Alternatively, you can stroll along the Karntnerstrasse and stop to sample Vienna's famous pastries.

Day 9: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 day to explore the Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. After dinner, your ship will sail a special 'Illuminations Cruise' past the illuminated river front of Budapest.

Day 10: Disembark / Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amabella

Bicycles outside the Amabella.
Stay in a luxurious suite while touring Eastern Europe aboard the AmaBella.

Dates & Prices

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Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Cabins Category D and E
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Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Cabin Category C
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Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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