Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2024
9 Day River Cruise Prague to Vienna
Tour Description:
This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. See famous sights like Old Town’s Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge, but also get the unique chance to stroll through the Christmas markets. It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.
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Destination & Sightseeing
Day 1 Prague: | Welcome to Prague |
Day 2 Prague: | Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds; Christmas market |
Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
Day 4 Nuremberg: | Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market |
Day 5 Regensburg: | Guided tour; Christmas market; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture |
Day 6 Passau: | Guided tour; Christmas market |
Day 7 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna: | Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; onboard Austrian cookies tasting; free time in Vienna |
Day 8 Vienna: | City sightseeing; Christmas market |
Day 9 Vienna (Disembarkation): | Your vacation ends this morning |
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
ITINERARY
Breakfast
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch Dinner
Accommodations
Prague | Prague | Prague | Prague | Vienna |
Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.