Christmastime on the Danube
7 Day River Cruise
Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your ship 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, and 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 lovely 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 sparkling time of year on the Danube River.
Countries: Austria, Germany
River(s): Danube
Pricing
River cruise starting at $3,565* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
7 Days – Nuremberg to Vienna(reverse itinerary available)
Your stateroom includes
- Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane bath products
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- USB Ports
Onboard amenities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows
- Elegant, contemporary design & décor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Excursions
- CLASSIC – Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
- DISCOVERY – We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
- ACTIVE – Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go!
Health & Fitness
- Bikes
- Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Fitness and wellness activities
- Fitbits®
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Nuremberg, Germany
Meals
Dinner
Description
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.
Overnight docking in Nuremberg
Day 2
Nuremberg
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legends and History Lessons
Classic – Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic – Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
Evening/overnight cruise to Regensburg
Day 3
Regensburg
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
Classic – Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
Discovery – Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
Evening/overnight cruise to Passau
Day 4
Passau
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
Classic – Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
Overnight cruise to Melk
Day 5
Melk, Austria – Vienna
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
Classic – Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
Discovery – Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Overnight docking in Vienna
Day 6
Vienna
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
Discovery – Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
Overnight docking in Vienna
Day 7
Vienna
Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Vienna to Nuremberg.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Christmastime on the Danube” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.