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Christmas Market in Prague

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard MS Amasonata
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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.
Wander the colorful stalls of Christmas markets in GermanyDetailed ornament at a Christmas MarketTake a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas MarketLights brighten the evening at this bustling Christmas MarketRathaus in ViennaViennaChristmas Market in Prague
Highlights
  • Visit Shoes on the Danube, a memorial to the Budapest Jews who were shot between 1944 and 1945
  • Tour the Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling from food to souvenirs
  • Explore Vörösmarty Square, the oldest of all the Christmas markets in Budapest
  • Join a guided bike ride along the Danube in 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: Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Budapest

  • 1 Breakfast
Once the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire (along with Vienna), Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Today’s tour takes you to another side of Budapest to the Jewish Quarter, where there are some real treasures. The Great Synagogue, the largest Synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, located in Dohány Street represents the beating heart of this quarter. Other prominent attractions include the Holocaust Memorial, a weeping willow tree with the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust inscribed on each leaf; and the Shoes on the Danube, a memorial to the Budapest Jews who were shot by Arrow Cross militiamen between 1944 and 1945. 

Day 3: Budapest | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise around Budapest’s famed Parliament building as at night, the city virtually glitters as these landmarks are awash in lights. 

Day 4: Budapest

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture, tradition and even a secret labyrinth of caves and caverns under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest.

Day 5: Vienna, Austria

  • 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. 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 6: Vienna | Krems

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring more of Vienna’s splendid Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later in the day, set sail through the breathtaking Wachau Valley to Krems, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting or an evening walk.

Day 7: Weissenkirchen | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After reaching Weissenkirchen in the heart of the Wachau Valley, you’ll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then be treated to a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner as well as visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour from Weissenkirchen to Melk. For those not biking to Melk, you sail through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Melk. Once in Melk, you’ll visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts.

Day 8: 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 9: 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. Later in the day set sail for Vilshofen, where you’ll be treated to an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration.

Day 10: Vilshofen | Disembark | Regensburg | Prague, Czech Republic

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart the ship and drive through the countryside to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, which you’ll discover on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. After touring Regensburg, enjoy a visit to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis Castle, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. Later continue your journey on to Prague.

Day 11: Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. You will then have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas Markets in the Old Town Square.

Day 12: Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. 

Day 13: Depart Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amasonata

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,159
Amasonata E cabin
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Cat. E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata D cabin
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Cat. D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
Amasonata C
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Cat. C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
Amasonata BB cabin
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Cat. BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft
Amasonata BA cabin
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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
Amasonata AA cabin
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Cat. AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat. AA+
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 250 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
  • 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 12 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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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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