Celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating luxury river cruise beginning in historic Prague. Continue on your small ship cruise to Nuremberg, crossing the Continental Divide on the Main-Danube Canal. Visit charming towns where so many Christmas traditions began, visiting enchanting Christmas markets and sharing local traditions in medieval Regensburg, musical Salzburg, vibrant Vienna and more. Conclude your special holiday luxury cruise in magnificent Budapest.
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 Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Exploring Prague
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)
Day 3: Prague / Nuremberg, Germany / Embark
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B)
Day 4: 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 5: 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. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Passau / Salzburg, 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 7: 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 8: Exploring Vienna
A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Christmas markets at the Town Hall and also a visit to the National Library. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse, sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum. (B,L,D)
Day 9: 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 10: Disembark / Return Home
Your fascinating 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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.5 | 102 reviews
TrustScore 4.5 of 5
Based on 102 reviews on
3 hours ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
3 hours ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.
Douglas Wilson
6 hours ago
Hannah Gulgren and her assistant Nur are both delightfully helpful and extremely efficient. A pleasure to deal with.
ALWYNNE DEMETRIOU
10 hours ago
Kassandra was knowledgeable and attentive
Chesley Crosbie
17 hours ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.