Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River.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 ... Read More

Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River.

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.

Start in Würzburg,* a historic Bavarian city nestled along the banks of the Main River.

As arrival times will vary, there’s no scheduled sightseeing today.

Spend the day as you wish, perhaps settling into the city at a café, exploring independently, or simply soaking in the ambiance of Franconia.

Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner and toast to the journey ahead.

Start your day by joining a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour of Würzburg, exploring this Baroque city and its famous Würzburg Residence.

Continue to Rothenburg, a town of medieval walls, fairytale houses, and Christmas markets.

This afternoon brings you to Nuremberg, where you’ll board your ship — your home for the next six nights.

This evening, celebrate the beginning of your cruise at an onboard welcome reception alongside your fellow travelers.

After walking along the pier to your coach, join a local expert for a panoramic tour that offers a taste of Nuremberg, a city rich with medieval history.

Continue exploring with a walking tour, strolling the city’s historic streets for over an hour as you take in the Old Town, 900-year-old ramparts, and 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.

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 the Old Town to Regensburg's charming Christmas market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations.

Spend the afternoon browsing and shopping 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.

Amid the early morning light, cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, a 2,000-year-old fairytale city 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, also known as the “City of Three Rivers,” and take in its ornate Baroque architecture, the cobblestone 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.

Cruise to the quaint town of Melk and take a short coach ride to the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey.

Step inside on a guided tour, exploring the ceremonial halls and the magnificent library with its frescoed ceilings.

Return to your ship and relax as you cruise past the Wachau Valley, admiring the scenery dotted with castles and hillside houses.

Spend the afternoon visiting the medieval cobblestone streets of Dürnstein, a town crowned by the remnants of a castle tied to Richard the Lionheart’s legend, and get a taste of local tradition at a Glühwein party.

After, enjoy some free time to explore Dürnstein your own way before returning onboard to celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner.

Wake up in Vienna, then get ready 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.

The afternoon is yours.

Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer retreat, to enjoy its festive atmosphere and courtyard Christmas market.

However you spend your afternoon, savor one more dinner aboard your ship as you soak in the final evening of a journey wrapped in holiday spirit.

Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the iconic Danube.

There are no inclusions for this tour.