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Rathaus in Vienna

Magnificent Europe (Christmas Cruise) - Cruise Only

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard MS Amastella
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Follow the route of emperors and kings on a magnificent European journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries. From Amsterdam, travel on the Rhine river to Cologne, with its breathtaking cathedral. Continue cruising along the beautiful Rhine Gorge and then through the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering masterpiece, as you traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Discover the culture and traditions of such grand old capitals as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, see perfectly preserved medieval towns, Europe's lovely countryside, and some of the most beloved Christmas markets during the holiday season.
Enjoy a carriage ride at the Christmas MarketRudesheimWander a cozy Christmas MarketTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas MarketBambergWestern Church with water canal view in AmsterdamRathaus in Vienna
Highlights
  • Enjoy some of Europe's renowned Christmas markets
  • Tour Vienna, and see its markets and famous landmarks, like the Opera House
  • Visit Nuremberg's medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle
  • Take optional excursions, such as wine tastings and guided tours
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 In Budapest, Hungary | Embark

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship, moored near the city center. Start exploring Budapest’s unique Christmas markets on your own before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. Tonight, the ship sails a special “Illuminations Cruise” along Budapest’s illuminated riverfront, then returns to moor overnight. 

Day 2: Budapest, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city. See Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. Rejoin the ship in Esztergom and depart for Vienna. 

Day 3: Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start your day with a driving tour of Vienna that includes the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by a walking tour of the historic city center. Afterwards, spend some time enjoying the festive Christmas Markets located around the Town Hall. The ship heads towards Melk late tonight. 

Day 4: Melk | Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, cruise through the narrow Strudengau en route to the incredibly scenic Wachau Valley. Your guided tour today takes you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries, with a medieval library that inspired Umberto Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose. Rejoin the ship around lunchtime and continue cruising towards Passau. 

Day 5: Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau. You have a choice of a walking tour of Passau’s Old Town, past the old city fortifications, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz town squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or more active guests may join a guided bike tour from Passau to Erlau or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking Passau. 

Day 6: Regensburg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Regensburg and enjoy a guided walking tour of this exquisitely preserved medieval city. Marvel at the beautiful churches, the homes of wealthy families, and one of Germany’s oldest bridges across the Danube. Your tour ends with a visit to the Old Kornmarkt Christmas Market, with its festive stalls adorned with fir branches. If you’d like to explore on your own in lieu of our city tour, perhaps you will enjoy visiting the “royal” markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas Market, where you can watch craftsmen at work.

Day 7: Nuremberg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning your ship enters the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering that traverses the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of historic Nuremberg with its fabulous Gothic churches, elegant patrician houses, the Imperial Castle, and 900-year-old city ramparts. After your tour, visit the world’s largest Christmas Market, with over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique toys, tinsel angels, dolls, gingerbread and other treats, and an endless variety of other seasonal goodies. The ship overnights in Nuremberg. 

Day 8: Nuremberg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, travel by train from Nuremberg to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities. Your guide offers suggestions on what to see during your free time in town and takes you to lunch in a local restaurant. Back on board the ship tonight, meet newly arrived travelers embarking from Prague.

Day 9: Nuremberg | Bamberg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy breakfast as you cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal, which traverses the Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is free time to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before you return to the ship. The ship departs this evening and cruises overnight. 

Day 10: Kitzingen | Würzburg, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After arriving in Kitzingen, your walking tour includes the city’s famous 13th-century Leaning Tower, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church, and the Renaissance-style Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen welcome you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar for a tasting of several different wines and an overview of wine production in the region. In the afternoon, you have a choice of three different excursions. Take a guided tour of Würzburg showing you all of the major sights or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. Rejoin the ship in Würzburg and cruise overnight. 

Day 11: Wertheim, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, you have a walking tour of Wertheim, a town that has retained much of its medieval charm and character. The ship depart for Miltenberg during lunch, arriving early evening for a brief walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with steeply gabled, half-timbered houses. Later, the ship leaves Bavaria and the Main River behind. 

Day 12: Rüdesheim | Koblenz, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Early this morning, cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle. Don't miss the legendary Lorelei Rock, where legend says sweet songs of local beauties once lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, board a miniature train that takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. Arrive in Koblenz in the evening and enjoy a walking tour through this charming town, lead by your Cruise Manager. 

Day 13: Koblenz | Cologne, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise from Koblenz to Cologne today, arriving this afternoon. After lunch on board, enjoy a walking tour of Cologne and visit the spectacular 13th-century Medieval Gothic cathedral. Depart late tonight for Amsterdam. 

Day 14: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy your last morning leisurely cruising to Amsterdam, arriving after lunch. You have a guided canal cruise, a city tour with a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, and free time to explore on your own. 

Day 15: Amsterdam, Netherlands | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amastella

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$6,999
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Cat. E
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.D
Piano Deck Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
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Cat.CB
Violin Deck French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
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Cat.CA
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.BB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.BA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.AB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat.AA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

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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
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