Christmas on the Danube
On a boat cruise along the Danube, explore charming Christmas markets and see Europe dressed in its holiday best. Discover WUrzburg, a Bavarian city famous for its old town and Baroque architecture. Explore Nuremburg, home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world. Float through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. Enjoy a GlUhwein party - a German holiday gathering with mulled wine. Join a local expert and explore historic Vienna. Relax as you are transported to beloved riverside towns and delve into local holiday traditions.
Call 800-747-0368 for more information or to book today! Mention code 19101455
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Duration
- 9 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Wurzburg | Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River. Board your cruise and relax as you are transported along beloved cities, where age-old culture is interwoven into seasonal specialties. Peruse handcrafted trinkets, traditional sweets, and infectious holiday cheer as you make your way though some of Europe's most renowned Christmas markets. Your holiday tour begins with an overnight flight to Germany. |
| Day 2 | Wurzburg | Start in WUrzburg,* a historic Bavarian city along the banks of the Main River. Enjoy time to unwind and soak in the charms of Franconia. As arrival times will vary, there's no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight's welcome dinner and toast to your upcoming adventure. |
| Day 3 | Wurzburg | This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour of WUrzburg, exploring this Baroque city and its famous WUrzburg Residence. Continue to Rothenburg, a town of medieval walls, fairy-tale houses, and Christmas markets. Later this afternoon, board your ship in Nuremberg. Your home for the next six nights, this vessel features modern amenities, a panoramic deck cafE, panorama salon and bar, exceptional service, delicious cuisine, and wine with every dinner. This evening, enjoy a special dinner on board. |
| Day 4 | Nuremberg | After walking along the pier to your coach, join a local expert on a panoramic tour that will give you a taste of the city. Then, continue with a walking tour of Nuremberg, taking you on a stroll through the historic city for more than an hour. See Old Town, the 900-year-old ramparts, and the Imperial Castle. Your city tour concludes at Nuremberg's 17th-century Christmas market, which is Germany's oldest. Wander among the wooden booths of local goods, where perhaps you'll shop for handcrafted nutcrackers or treat your taste buds to Nuremberg's famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Spend the afternoon cruising across the continental divide and through the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. |
| Day 5 | Regensburg | With an expert guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. See the first stone bridge built over the Danube and the Porta Praetoria - a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through Old Town to Regensburg's charming Christmas market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Browse and shop at the brightly lit wooden huts holding seasonal ornaments, wooden toys, and local handicrafts. Or perhaps you'll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg. |
| Day 6 | Passau | Amid the early morning light, cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a leisurely paced guided walking tour of Passau, the 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city also known as the "City of Three Rivers" and take in its ornate Baroque architecture, the cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest church organ -OR- join a hike with a local guide up to the pilgrimage church Mariahilf** and be rewarded with spectacular views over Passau. |
| Day 7 | Wachau Valley | Cruise to the quaint town of Emmersdorf. Relax and take in the scenery before visiting the cobblestone streets of DUrnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. Enjoy some time dedicated to exploring this ancient town. Later, get a taste of local tradition at a GlUhwein party before continuing through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. As the day draws to a close, say hello to Vienna, Austria's capital city. |
| Day 8 | Vienna | It is time to step off the ship and explore. After walking along the pier to reach your coach, join a local expert on a panoramic city tour and see Vienna's architecture, including Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and the Ringstrasse. Then, discover Vienna on foot while walking through the city's charming cobblestone streets towards the awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and festive Christmas market. (Use caution, as these cobblestones may become slick with frost.) The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you'll join an optional excursion to SchOnbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' summer retreat, to enjoy its festive atmosphere and courtyard Christmas market. Celebrate the end of your trip at the Captain's Gala Dinner filled with holiday spirit. |
| Day 9 | Vienna | Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the iconic Danube. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Maritim Hotel - Wurzburg, Germany
- MS Amadeus Brilliant - Nuremberg, Netherlands
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
