Christmas on the Danube

by Sam Reid | May 24, 2016

Christmas on the Danube

$2,839.00

From $2,839* pp | 8 Days • 19 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Experience the stunning region of central Europe at Christmastime. Enjoy the charming Christmas markets and a relaxing boat cruise along the Danube.

Visit and shop in the famous Christmas markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Vienna.
Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise.
Explore Würzburg, Germany, known as “the jewel of the Main River,” and the lovely medieval town of Rothenburg.
Cruise through the Wachau Valley, the most picturesque region of the Danube River.
Experience an up-close look at the historic cities that sit along the banks of the Danube.
Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides.

Sail Into Holiday Cheer

Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenburg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the world, and is famous as a toy making centre, known for its fanciful nutcrackers and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Enjoy a German Holiday party, referred to as a Glueweinparty. Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and small riverside towns. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Delight in the fairytale, baroque architecture in Passau. In Vienna, join a local expert in exploring the historic sights where you’ll indulge in the city’s atmosphere of opulence and elegance. Visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

Meals as per itinerary

Tour guide

Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

Flights

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Drinks

Optional activities

Visas

Comprehensive travel insurance

Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1. Würzburg, Germany – Tour Begins

Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River. Your tour opens in the ancient town of Würzburg, known as “the jewel of the Main River,” and reputed to be one of Germany’s loveliest towns. Meet your fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Dinner High 3° Low -1° Maritim Hotel Wurzburg

Day 2. Würzburg – Rothenburg – Nuremberg – Board Cruise Ship

This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour of Würzburg. Würzburg is an ancient Franconian wine town rich in historic sites, including the magnificent 18th-century residence of the Prince-Bishops which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. Proceed to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany. Enjoy free time to explore the town’s hidden treasures and its charming Christmas Market. Late afternoon you arrive in Nuremberg to meet your cruise ship. Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise aboard your lovely ship. This beautiful craft offers the newest technology; a panoramic deck; terrace café; panorama salon and bar; fitness centre; excellent cuisine including unlimited wine, beer and soda with all dinners; and outstanding service. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner on board.

Breakfast & Dinner High 3° Low -3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 3. Nuremberg

A local expert provides an interesting city tour of historic Nuremberg featuring the Old Town, the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, and the Imperial Castle. Your city tour concludes with a visit to Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, Germany’s most famous and oldest, dating back to 1628. Nuremberg is a toy-making centre and you will have the opportunity to shop for traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and sample its famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, your cruise continues across the continental divide and through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 3° Low -3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 4. Regensburg

A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg reveals one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities with nearly 1,400 historic buildings. Some of the architectural highlights include the old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, one of only two remaining Roman gates in Germany and built in A.D. 179. Next, see the first stone bridge built over the Danube, a 1,400-foot-long span built in the 12th century. This afternoon, take a stroll through the 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 that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and local handicrafts. Late evening, your ship departs for Passau.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 3° Low 3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 5. Passau

Amid the early morning light, cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city, exploring the ornate Baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, St. Stephen’s Cathedral – home to Europe’s largest church organ – and the charming Christmas Market. Then, enjoy free time to explore the town on your own.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 3° Low -3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 6. Wachau Valley, Austria – Emmersdorf – Durnstein – Vienna

View the picturesque landscapes as you cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery before joining an excursion to the nearby town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. Next, enjoy a Glühwein Party before returning to the ship. This afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns. You arrive in Vienna, Austria’s beautiful capital city, in the early evening. After dinner, if you wish, you may join an optional excursion in the imperial city and experience the magic of Vienna by night and visit Vienna’s most famous Christmas Market, located in front of the “Rathaus” (City Hall).

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 3° Low -3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 7. Vienna

Join a local expert exploring Vienna’s Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna’s Baroque elegance, stroll along the Karntner Strasse, or sample some of Vienna’s famous pastries. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Hapsburg dynasty. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. After a delightful dinner, the onboard orchestra provides a musical Christmas concert for your enjoyment.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 3° Low -3° Lueftner Cruises

Day 8. Vienna – Disembark Ship – Tour Ends

After breakfast you disembark the ship as your tour comes to an end.

Breakfast

All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
No significant change is elevation is encountered on this trip.
The currency in the countries on this tour is the Euro.
For electricity, the countries on this tour use AC 220 Volts.
Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected

Nov 27, 2017 – Dec 4, 2017 $2,839

Nov 28, 2017 – Dec 5, 2017 $2,839

Dec 3, 2017 – Dec 10, 2017 $2,839

Dec 4, 2017 – Dec 11, 2017 $2,839

Nov 27, 2018 – Dec 4, 2018 $3,119

Dec 3, 2018 – Dec 10, 2018 $3,119

Dec 4, 2018 – Dec 11, 2018 $3,119

Timeless France

by mreid | May 24, 2016

Timeless France

$3,809.00

From $3,809* pp | 12 Days • 23 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Journey through France blending its waterways, quaint villages and captivating cities in the regions of Alsace, Burgundy, Provence and the French Riviera.

Behold the majestic Cathedral of Strasbourg, also known as Strasbourg Minster.
Savour a wine tasting at a local wine cellar.
Spend five nights relaxing onboard your cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Symphony.
Mingle with the locals in quaint French villages along the way.
Enjoy a Captain’s Gala Dinner aboard your cruise ship.
Uncover the secrets of the famous Palais des Papes in Avignon.

Take the Road Less Traveled

Bask in the charm and storybook ambiance on this tour that takes you from France’s Alsace region to Burgundy and Provence and concludes in the French Riviera. Marvel at the storybook village of Riquewihr, the canals of Colmar and the charming streets of Strasbourg. Delight in the beauty of Burgundy while visiting wineries in Beaune and the Palace of the Dukes in Dijon. Set sail on a 5-night cruise along the Saone and Rhone Rivers from Lyon to Provence. Sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of your outside stateroom and daily onboard performances. Join a local guide as you tour the gastronomic hub of Lyon. Relish in a tour of the medieval walled city of Avignon including a visit to the 14th-century papal palace. Spend time in Arles, touring this former Roman village complete with a colosseum, and discover why it became an inspiration to Van Gogh. Finish your tour relaxing on the Mediterranean in Antibes a place that brings to life the joie de vivre of this fabulous country.