Celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating luxury river cruise from historic Nuremberg 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 started and marvel at beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the charming Wachau Valley. On select dates shop at Christmas markets or celebrate the holiday season with the locals.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Nuremberg and embark on your ship. Tonight, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (D)
Day 2: 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. 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 everything else imaginable. 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 3: Regensburg
Arrive in medieval Regensburg. A tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or you can decide to visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, with craftsmen making the goods in front of you. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Passau / Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city 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 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5: 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 the Christmas market, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Exploring Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You will also visit 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 Glühwein and gingerbread. In the alternative, you can stroll along the Kärntnerstrasse and stop to sample Vienna's famous pastries. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Budapest, Hungary
This morning, cruise around the Danube Bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank, arriving in Budapest in time for lunch on board. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest 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. After dinner, your ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Disembark / Return Home
Your special holiday river cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest. (B)
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.