Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where all products sold in the market are guaranteed as traditionally handmade; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; and Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic, are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where all products sold in the market are guaranteed as traditionally handmade; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; and Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic, are yours to explore. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, HungaryAustria, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic
RIVERS:
Danube
Iconic Christmas Markets
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Board the ship in Budapest for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market |
|
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 and tradition. Your city tour begins
with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. 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 and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Town Hall Christmas Market |
|
| | Schönbrunn and illuminated Christmas Markets |
|
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 through Vienna. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey visit |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Strudengau |
|
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion and Christmas market |
|
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas market. Alternatively,
you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in
Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas
markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Regensburg | UNESCO city tour, Thurn and Taxis Christmas Market |
|
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans
make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
| | Nuremberg Christmas Market |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Nuremberg | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Nuremberg | City Tour & Christmas markets |
|
| | Nuremberg Christmas market |
|
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to some of the local Christmas markets. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You will also cross the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal as the day ends. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Regensburg | UNESCO city tour and Royal Christmas Market |
|
| | Thurn & Taxis Christmas markets |
|
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets, including Hellbrunn Palace |
|
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas market. Alternatively,
you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in
Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas
markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| Wachau Valley | UNESCO scenic cruising |
|
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Town Hall Christmas Market |
|
| | Schönbrunn illuminated Christmas markets |
|
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 along the Danube River.
During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents
a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas market |
|
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. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B, L, D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Budapest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Budapest | “Hidden Budapest” tour |
|
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 on 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. (B)
Board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market |
|
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 and tradition. Your city tour begins
with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall. 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 and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Town Hall Christmas Market |
|
| | Schönbrunn and illuminated Christmas Markets |
|
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 through Vienna. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey visit |
|
| Scenic Cruising | Cruising the Strudengau |
|
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. During the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion and Christmas market |
|
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas market. Alternatively,
you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in
Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas
markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Regensburg | UNESCO city tour, Thurn and Taxis Christmas Market |
|
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans
make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
| | Nuremberg Christmas Market |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Pilzen | Nuremberg Christmas Market |
|
Disembark the ship and enjoy the wonder of Nuremberg’s Christmas markets before departing for Prague, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 11 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
Discover Prague on 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. Later in the day, visit Prague’s festive Christmas markets. (B)
| Day 12 | Prague | Czech Beer Tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
| Day 13 | Prague | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Check into your hotel in Prague for the beginning of your hotel/land extension.
| Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour and Christmas markets |
|
The fairytale city of Prague always enchants, but it really sparkles even more during the
holiday season. Prague offers a collection of Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, which
you’ll get to see on your tour. You will see Rudolfinum, the National Museum and Wenceslas Square, as well as
visit 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old
Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and the statue of Jan
Husek. You may also hike to Prague Castle. Later in the day, you will have free time to explore Prague’s renowned Christmas markets in the Old Town Square. (B)
| Day 3 | Prague | Czech Beer Tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery established in 993. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
| Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Nuremberg |
|
Check out of your hotel in Prague and drive through the pastoral countryside to head to Nuremberg where you will board the ship for your Iconic Christmas Markets cruise. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Nuremberg | City Tour & Christmas markets |
|
| | Nuremberg Christmas market |
|
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to some of the local Christmas markets. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You will also cross the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal as the day ends. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Regensburg | UNESCO city tour and Royal Christmas Market |
|
| | Thurn & Taxis Christmas markets |
|
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour and Christmas Market |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets, including Hellbrunn Palace |
|
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas market. Alternatively,
you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in
Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas
markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| Wachau Valley | UNESCO scenic cruising |
|
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Town Hall Christmas Market |
|
| | Schönbrunn illuminated Christmas markets |
|
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 along the Danube River.
During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents
a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour and Vörösmarty Square Christmas market |
|
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. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B, L, D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home. (B)