Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a festive European river cruise that boards in Nuremberg. You will cruise through the charming region where so many of today's most beloved Christmas traditions originated. Experience a number of enchanting Christmas markets in places such as Regensburg, Salzburg, and Vienna, each with its own local flavor and traditions. Conclude your holiday cruise in 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.
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, you will have time to visit the Christmas Market. Enjoy a complimentary drink of hot mulled Gluhwein in your own souvenir mug to ward off the chill. After lunch continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks.
Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast and enjoy a guided tour of one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Marvel at beautiful churches, the famous towers of the wealthy families, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Your tour ends with a visit to the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market, where you can shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Alternatively, this afternoon visit the 'royal' Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, where you can watch the craftsmen make their goods.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairytale city that was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan's Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Afterwards, take some time to experience the traditional Christmas Markets. Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for 'The Sound of Music.' 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.
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 town on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
This morning, start your excursion with a driving tour of Vienna including the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, followed by a walking tour of the city center. Afterwards, spend some time enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets at the Town Hall. This afternoon, you can join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, which features over 60 Christmas Market stalls and provides a spectacular festive atmosphere with the aroma of Gluhwein and gingerbread. Alternatively, you can stroll along the Karntnerstrasse and stop to sample Vienna's famous pastries.
This morning, cruise the Danube Bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank to Budapest. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest is spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. You have the balance of the day to explore the Christmas markets. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. After dinner, your ship will sail a special 'Illuminations Cruise' past the illuminated river front of Budapest.
Day 8: Disembark / Return Home
1 Breakfast
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner