Day 1 Nuremberg | Embark
Arrive at Nuremberg Airport. Be greeted by a representative and transferred to the ship.
Day 2 Nuremberg
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
There is not a more perfect place to begin a celebration of the holiday season than Nuremberg. The historic Old Town is an archetypal German medieval city and is home to a world-renowned gingerbread called lebkuchen.
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour with Christmas market
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared this evening.
Day 3 Cruising the Main-Danube Canal | Regensburg
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend a leisurely day on board and cruise along a marvel of modern engineering, the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal. Tonight, celebrate Christmas Eve in the enchanting town of Regensburg, known for its stunningly preserved medieval quarter.
Day 4 Regensburg
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Old Town of Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations this time of year, adding to its already considerable charms and captivating architectural style. Check out the best and brightest cultural sights and plunge into the town’s ancient past.
Choice of “2,000 Years in One Hour” Regensburg walking tour or Jewish Regensburg walking tour
Day 5 Cruising the Danube River | Deggendorf (Theresienthal)
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take some time today to explore the beautifully expansive and heavily wooded Bavarian Forest. As the largest continuous forested region in Europe, there’s plenty to uncover—like unspoiled landscapes, abundant wildlife and idyllic atmosphere.
Featured Excursion: Bavarian Forest village with Theresienthal glass manufactory visit
Day 6 Cruising the Danube River | Passau
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Passau is a lovely place to take a stroll with a local expert who will regale you with stories about the town’s colorful (and ancient) past.
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour
Day 7 Linz (Salzburg)
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. This is the perfect time of year to explore this refined and much-loved city. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” all the better—you will recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town.
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salzburg tour
Day 8 Cruising the Wachau Valley | Dürnstein
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, reach the village of Dürnstein. Walk along the cobbled streets, browse the shops selling apricot schnapps and maybe take a quick jaunt up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own).
Featured Excursions: Dürnstein village stroll with spiced wine tasting and organ concert in a monaster and Private Artstetten Castle reception with a member of Habsburg Royalty
Day 9 Vienna
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Vienna is a city steeped in history, music and elegant architecture. Mozart, Austria’s most famous citizen, was at the height of his creative powers when he lived here, writing perhaps his best-known works, including “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Don Giovanni” and “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”
Featured Excursions: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum or Private Mozart and Strauss concert
Choice of Vienna city tour with Christmas market or “Taste of Christmas” Vienna walking tour
Day 10 Vienna
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to a palace that pays tribute to the taste and wealth of the Habsburg emperors. Spend some time exploring Vienna on your own and then ring in the New Year in style.
Featured Excursions: Bergl Rooms with Puppet Theatre or Private New Year’s Eve gala dinner and dance at a Viennese palace
Day 11 Vienna | Cruising the Danube River
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After enjoying some extra free time to explore Vienna on your own, relax on board as the ship cruises to Budapest. Have the morning at leisure. Have the option to either relax on board or ramble through glorious Vienna.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared this evening.
Day 12 Budapest
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital with a city tour that will show all the highlights.
Featured Excursion: Budapest panoramic highlights with Parliament visit
Day 13 Budapest | Disembark
Disembark the ship and be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.
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