Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the special winter atmosphere of this time of year. On arrival in Prague on Christmas Day, we’ll surprise you with a Christmas dinner. Other highlights include a visit to the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, a fun beer tasting, and a guided visit of the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties along the way! Ring in the New Year in Vienna with a gala New Year’s Eve dinner, then bundle up and watch the city’s marvelous fireworks display from the Sky Deck of your vessel.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic. Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Tonight, a Christmas dinner awaits you. (D)
Day #2 Prague. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4th with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)
Day #3 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation). After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day #4 Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day #5 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Historische Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Passau–Linz, Austria. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Melk–Vienna. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Marvel at the city’s fantastic fireworks display as you ring in the New Year. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. In the late afternoon, enjoy an included New Year’s Day concert. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Vienna (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
