Christmastime in Germany and Austria- Westbound

Day 1: Arrive In Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)

Meals: Dinner

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception.

NOTE: Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED TOUR. Visit the delightful Christmas markets and savor the sounds and smells of holiday cheer. Be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight.

Day 3: Dürnstein–Melk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During breakfast this morning arrive in Dürnstein, situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region, and known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the 1700s. The main street of this small town—with a population of less than 1,000 people—is lined with 16th-century residences and charming cobblestone streets. A Local Guide will take you on a WALKING TOUR, and tell you the tale of England’s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. Then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. The magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. In fact, with all its glory and splendor, it’s hard to believe the abbey was originally built as a retreat for monks sworn to a life of poverty and simplicity This evening, you’ll be able to sample some of the FAMOUS WINES of this region.

Day 4: Linz–Passau, Germany

Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Depart from here for an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see the popular Sound of Music sites, find out how mice caused the composition of the famous “Silent Night” Christmas carol, and learn how the Austrians celebrate Christmas. Rejoin your ship in Passau, located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK.

Day 5: Regensburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of “historic interest.” Architectural highlights included on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR are the Old Town Hall, built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city’s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy a SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. This afternoon is free to explore on your own or to visit the Regensburg Christmas market. The tempting aromas of mulled wine, sweet roasted almonds, sausages and gingerbread create an unforgettable atmosphere. Before dinner tonight we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.

Day 6: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, spend a relaxing morning of cruising, and before lunch, attend an ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, choose either a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized “NUREMBERG TRIALS” tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market is one of the biggest in Germany—and one of the most famous in the world. The market has 200 stalls offering traditional wares, including Nuremberg spicy gingerbread (Lebkuchen), fruit loaves, baked goods and sweets, typical Christmas decorations, and Christmas tree ornaments.

Day 7: Nuremberg. Excursion To Munich

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Munich, where a local expert will proudly show you the sights of the Bavarian capital. An inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, you’ll see the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city with the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. Later, there’s free time to explore on your own. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air and the strains of alpine Christmas music coming from the town hall. At the nearby Rindermarkt, you’ll find the Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest markets in Germany to specialize in mangers and other nativity accessories. And don’t leave Munich without paying a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus for a stein of beer! Return to your ship in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do.

Day 9: Bamberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning hours, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)—built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! At this time of year, the town is decked out for Christmas and especially interesting are the many nativity scenes built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Enjoy the Christmas market, which sells classic Christmas articles such as candles and decorations, as well as many regional delicacies such as gingerbread and nut bread. Rejoin your ship in time for lunch. This afternoon cruise gently along the Main River as you head for Würzburg, and attend an ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about the European Union.

Day 10: Würzburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The city makes an immediate impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the magnificent baroque BISHOP’S RESIDENZ, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautifully decorated streets on your own, visit the Christmas markets, or perhaps join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. Here, try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet!

Day 11: Wertheim–Miltenberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, arrive in Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers. If you are up for an early breakfast, take a stroll afterward through the beautifully decorated medieval center, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in wintertime, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Reboard your ship and enjoy an onboard BAKING DEMONSTRATION before arriving in Miltenberg after lunch. Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates, the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the banks of the Main River. This afternoon’s GUIDED WALK will acquaint you with the town’s delightful Marktplatz (market square), which centers around a Renaissance-era fountain and features striking half-timbered buildings, cobblestone lanes, and one of the oldest inns in Germany, Haus zum Riesen (the giant’s house) and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. Depart for Frankfurt before dinner.

Day 12: Frankfurt (Disembarkation)

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends after breakfast today.