Christmas on the Danube

Würzburg, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Christmas Markets
8 days, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
* 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 adorn the Danube.
* Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.

Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenberg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a toy making centre, known for its fanciful nutcrackers and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). 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.Day 1: Würzburg, Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins 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.

Today dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Novotel Wurzburg
Germany

The Novotel Würzburg is situated in a peaceful location in the heart of this Baroque city. The 167 spacious rooms in this modern hotel are air conditioned and were completely renovated in 2006.

Hotel Room Amenities
Air Conditioned Room
Internet Access
Safe
Television
Hotel Amenities
Bar
Fitness Centre
Internet Access
Pool
Restaurant


Day 2: Würzburg - Rothenburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship
This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Würzburg. This ancient Franconian wine town is 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 the MS Amadeus Elegant. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, fitness centre, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner on board.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


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, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. 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 in the day, your cruise continues across the continental divide and through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. After a delightful dinner, the onboard orchestra provides a musical Christmas concert for your enjoyment. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


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 Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. From the 12th century 1,400-foot long medieval bridge, you will have spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. 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.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


Day 5: Passau
Early morning you 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 fairytale city, exploring the ornate baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, cathedral and charming Christmas Market. After dinner, enjoy a delightful music concert in the ship's panorama lounge.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


Day 6: Wachau Valley, Austria - Emmersdorf - Vienna
View the picturesque landscapes as you cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or if you wish, join an optional excursion to the nearby town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Early afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns. Late afternoon you arrive in Vienna, Austria's beautiful capital city. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain's Gala Dinner. After dinner, you are invited to visit Vienna's most famous Christmas Market, located near the town hall.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


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 awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna's baroque elegance, stroll along the Kartnerstrasse, 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 Habsburg dynasty. Celebrate the end of your magical cruise with a wonderful dinner followed by an enchanting musical performance.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations

Lueftner Cruises
Austria

Hotel Room Amenities
Hotel Amenities


Day 8: Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
After breakfast, you disembark the ship as your tour comes to an end.

Today breakfast will be included.First night in the Novotel Wurzberg, staying on the Leftner Cruise for the rest of your accomodation.