Christmastime on the Legendary Danube with 2 nights in Prague

From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube River cruise vacation takes you to four countries each with its own beauty, history, and cultural treasures. Sail through a winter wonderland and revel in the Advent season as each town is festively lit and decorated, and Christmas markets selling traditional wares, abound.

Enjoy two nights in the “golden city” of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Stand in front of Old Town’s medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate timepiece and piece of art piece unlike anything else in the world. Travel to Nuremberg, Germany, to board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Main Danube Canal and visit the 1000-year-old city with a Local Guide. The Christmas market is one of Europe’s oldest be sure to try the traditional gingerbread for which the city is famous. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Passau, known for its narrow, winding streets, offers the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral which forms a perfect backdrop for the delightful Christkindlmarkt. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Enjoy a traditional Austrian cookie tasting as you cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Here, where Christmas markets are scattered around the city, enjoy a culinary walk through the markets to taste some of the local traditional specialties.

Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy last-minute gifts.

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Itinerary

Prague, Czech Republic

Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 Spires

Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager.
Prague
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine

Classic Excursion

Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.

Take time to mingle with the locals, watch street performers in Wenceslas Square, or admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge.

Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.

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Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
The Secret Romance of Picturesque Prague

The morning is free to explore Prague on your own to enjoy the stunning architectural beauty of the city.

This afternoon, board your Suite Ship® in Nuremberg and enjoy a dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

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Nuremberg

Legends and History Lessons

Classic Excursion
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle,

OR:

Classic Excursion

Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlesmarkt.

Discovery Excursion

Join a gingerbread Cooking Demonstration while sailing to Regensburg.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

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Regensburg
Christmas Magic in Bavaria

Classic Excursion

Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.

Discovery Excursion

Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.

This afternoon, enjoy the best Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

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Passau

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

Classic Excursion

Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers."

Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart— and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.

Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

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Melk-Wachau Valley - Vienna
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

Classic Excursion

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Discovery Excursion

Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.

VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube

This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

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Vienna
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections

Classic Excursion

Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

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Budapest, Hungary
War Heroes and Hot Water

Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square, OR:

Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Visit to a Christmas decorations manufacturer and marvel at the deft hands of the craftsmen as they shape molten glass into delicate bulbs with intricate details and designs.

Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

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Budpest (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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