zChristmas Time Cruise

Depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Visit the world's largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and myriad other holiday treats and gifts. Tonight, celebrate the start of your holiday cruise as you gather with fellow ship’s passengers for a Welcome Dinner. Your ship will moor overnight here in Nuremberg. Meals D

Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city, still surrounded by its 900-year-old rampart walls. See Nuremberg’s fabulous Gothic churches, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After your tour, there will be time to return to the Christmas Market. Enjoy a complimentary drink of hot mulled Glühwein in a souvenir mug to ward off the chill. Enjoy lunch onboard as your ship ascends to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through the stair-step locks of the Main-Danube Canal. Meals B,L,D

Arrive in Medieval Regensburg after breakfast and step ashore for a guided tour through one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Your sightseeing ends on a high note with a visit to the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market where you can browse and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. In the alternative this afternoon, you can visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, where you can watch the craftsmen make their goods. Meals B,L,D

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairytale German city that was founded more than 2,000 years ago, strolling along the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town to see the city’s ancient fortifications and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the classic film - The Sound of Music. You’ll see the major sights like Mozart's birth house and join in the festive atmosphere at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday gifts. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. Meals B,L,D

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the picturesque Wachau Valley early this morning. Step ashore in Melk for a guided tour to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in all of Europe. Return to your ship for lunch as your cruise continues through the romantic landscapes of the Valley. Late this afternoon, you’ll arrive in Vienna – the glorious capital of Austria. After dinner, you can step ashore to explore the city at your own pace or come along for an optional concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s sightseeing tour takes you along the famous Ringstrasse to see the city’s best known highlights including the Vienna Opera House. Marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and continue on a walking tour through the historic city center. Then spend some time enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets at the Town Hall. This afternoon, you can join an optional tour to the imposing Schönbrunn Palace, where over 60 Christmas Market stalls promise a truly festive atmosphere with the aroma of Glühwein and gingerbread. Or enjoy your afternoon at leisure - maybe strolling along the bustling Kärntnerstrasse and stopping to sample Vienna's famous pastries. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s scenic cruising along the Danube Bend reveals beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank. Arrive in Budapest and step off ship for a guided city tour. From the historic Buda Castle, you’ll have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread across both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. You have the balance of the day at leisure to explore the city’s Christmas markets at your own pace. After this evening’s Gala Farewell Dinner onboard, your ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the magically illuminated river front of Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Your holiday Danube River cruising comes to an end this morning upon disembarkation here in Budapest. Meals B