Christmas Markets on the Danube

11 Days Prague/Budapest
from $1699 cruise only

YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES

• Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Prague on day 2 and Budapest on day 11 when Brendan issues the airline tickets
• Two nights hotel accommodation in Prague including buffet breakfast daily
• Transfer from Prague to the ship in Nuremberg
• Seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation in outside cabin with hotel-style beds
• Superb dining with all meals included while cruising, quality wine and beer with dinner
• Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• Special highlights including local ­entertainment and enriching lectures
• Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your cruise
• On board amenities including fitness center, beauty salon, ­massage, souvenir shop and Club Lounge
• All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking only on the Sun Deck)
• All local taxes
• Brendan flight bag and portfolio of ­travel documents

ITINERARY

• Day 1 BOARD YOUR OVER­NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.
• Day 2 ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. at Prague Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city and wander through the Christmas markets.
• Day 3 PRAGUE. at Prague Morning sightseeing reveals why Prague is con­sidered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. See ­thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle, the Old Town, the Charles Bridge and many other major sights. The afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring on your own or to do more shopping in the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. (B)
• Day 4 PRAGUE / NUREMBERG, GERMANY. at Nuremburg Drive from Prague through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, home of Europe’s oldest and largest Christmas market. Your crew is waiting to welcome you on board your ship. There is time to visit the Christmas market before a Welcome Dinner on board. (B,D)
• Day 5 NUREMBERG / ­CONTINENTAL DIVIDE / ­DIETFURT. at Nuremburg Enjoy a tour of this ­historic city with its Gothic churches and ­elegant ­patrician houses. After your tour, there is time to shop in the delightful Christmas Market. Rejoin the ship ­further along the Main-Danube Canal and con­tinue to the highest point of your cruise – 1,332 feet above sea level – before descending through stair-step locks to stop in the Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
• Day 6 REGENSBURG. at Regensburg Stop in Regens­burg. A walking tour will show you the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Then visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls. Or, you can visit the “royal” Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, with craftsmen making the goods in front of you. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance on board. (B,L,D)
• Day 7 PASSAU / LINZ, ­AUSTRIA. at Linz After breakfast, arrive in Passau. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. You may want to take the optional full-day tour to Salzburg with its popular Sound of Music sights and enticing Christmas ­markets. For those staying on board, enjoy a relaxing day of cruising. On arrival in Linz, there is time to visit the jolly Christmas Market. (B,L,D)
• Day 8 MELK / VIENNA. at Vienna Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk’s grand Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. Continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley to Vienna, the “City of Music.” Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian ­capital on your own. (B,L,D)
• Day 9 VIENNA. at Vienna A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive National Library, majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterward, there is plenty of time to shop in the festive Christmas markets throughout the city. (B,L,D)
• Day 10 BUDAPEST, ­HUNGARY. at Budapest This afternoon, arrive in Budapest, the liveliest and most cosmopolitan ­metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. One last afternoon to stroll in the delightful Christmas markets. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Fare­well Dinner to ­celebrate your Christmas cruise. (B,L,D)
• Day 11 DEPART BUDAPEST. at Budapest Transfer to the airport your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe. (B)

2008 Cruises