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Day 1 Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic.
Time to rest or start exploring the city during the balance of the day.
Day 2 Prague.
Morning sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year old HRADCANY CASTLE, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vin (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. (BB)
Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation).
After lunch drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. (BB,D)
Day 4 Nuremberg.
Enjoy sightseeing in this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Your time is free this afternoon to enjoy Germany's most famous Christmas market which dates back to 1628. Nuremberg is known as a toy-making centercheck out the traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and be sure to taste Nuremberg's famous Lebkuchen. You'll be charmed by the many Nativity scenes you will find around the city. For that real holiday feeling, take a stroll through the Old Town and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Tonight your floating hotel leaves Nuremberg for Regensburg. (FB,L,D)
Day 5 Regensburg.
Cross the Continental Divide and cruise through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the architectural highlights, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Regensburg's Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages, and here's your chance to visit the country's oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstkuche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), and taste the fare! (FB,L,D)
Day 6 Passau-Linz, Austria.
The rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube in Passau. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg and its most popular Sound of Music sights. More Christmas cheer awaits youthe traditional carols, the sparkling lights and the smell of candles and gingerbread! For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz, Austria's third largest city. (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Melk-Vienna.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau to the Wachau Valley early this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Late afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" and Austria's magnificent capital. Tonight explore on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Vienna.
A wonderful day to savor the captivating baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL. The afternoon is free to stroll along Krnterstrasse or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. Celebrate the end of a magical cruise with a Captain's Gala farewell dinner on board. (FB,L,D)
Day 9 Vienna (Disembarkation).
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
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