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Salzburg

Magical Christmas Markets

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard MS Amacerto
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Few events are awaited with as much anticipation as Europe’s Christmas Markets. Be spellbound by Nuremberg and Regensburg’s Christmas Markets. In Linz, marvel at the small clay figurines representing the people of a typical village—the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker; and while in Vienna, visit four Christmas Markets. Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany and Austria where many Christmas traditions began on this magical journey through time.
Christmas Market in PragueDetailed ornament at a Christmas MarketAstronomical clock, PragueRathaus in ViennaEnjoy a carriage ride at the Christmas MarketViennaRegensburgSalzburg
Highlights
  • Explore Prague, considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities
  • Walk through Passau, a fairy tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago
  • Visit Melk’s magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey monastery
  • Enjoy the traditional Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz Christmas Markets at Vienna
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 Vienna, Austria

Arrive in Vienna and check-in to your hotel.

Day 2: Vienna

  • 1 Breakfast
Uncover “Vienna’s Royal Treasures” at the Hofburg Palace, the former residence of the Habsburgs. You’ll visit the lavishly decorated Imperial Apartments and Imperial Treasury, home to many of the Habsburg's treasures, including the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown. Cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market. 

Day 3: Vienna | Embarkation

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Check out of your hotel and transfer to your luxury ship. 

Day 4: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you'll visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the Karlsplatz (Artisans) Christmas Market, a local favorite, and the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. 

Day 5: DÜrnstein | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Alternatively, visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products. After your morning excursions, you have a choice to cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk or join a bike tour along the Danube. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. 

Day 6: Linz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever popular Linzer Torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is a full-day visit to magnificent Salzburg dressed in her holiday best. Enjoy a walking tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican and its Christmas Market, which is a feast for the senses. Alternatively, you can choose a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can join a half-day excursion to Salzburg or visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. 

Day 7: Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Picturesque Passau, a fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. During the season of Advent, the city dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Square— also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube.

Day 8: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to Walhalla where you will see the Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis Castle, where you can watch craftsmen make their unique arts and crafts. 

Day 9: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Browse through over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique treasures, toys and seasonal goodies. 

Day 10: Nuremberg | Disembark | Pilzen | Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart the ship to transfer to Prague. En route, stop at another one of Nuremberg’s Christmas Markets before driving through the countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer. While here, enjoy a highlights tour before continuing on to Prague, where you’ll check into your hotel. 

Day 11: Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
The fairytale city of Prague always enchants, but it really sparkles even more during the holiday season. See all the key highlights on a walking tour, including the National Museum and 1,000 year-old Prague Castle. Or get more active with a hike to the castle. You will then have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas Market in the Old Town Square. 

Day 12: Depart Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Prepare for your return flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amacerto

AmaCerto-Fitness
AmaCerto-Salon

Dates & Prices

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Cat E
Piano Deck, Fixed Window. 148 sq.ft.
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Cat D
Piano Deck, Fixed Windows. 148 sq.ft.
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Cat C
Violin & Cello Deck, French Balcony. 170 sq.ft.
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Cat BB
Cello Deck, French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
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Cat BA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 210 sq.ft.
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Cat AB
Cello Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
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Cat AA
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 235 sq.ft.
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Cat AA+
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 290 sq.ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French & Outside Balcony. 350 sq.ft.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 11 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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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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