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Christmas Markets on the Danube



Tour Description:

Cruise the Danube River, visiting Christmas markets in southern Germany and Austria. Enjoy a private tour of the Augarten Porcelain Factory and a Connections-exclusive excursion to Schloss Artstetten.

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Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Vienna, Austria
Arrive in remarkable Vienna, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Vienna / Handcrafted Porcelain
Enjoy a privately guided tour of the Augarten Porcelain Factory and Museum, as part of a panoramic tour of the city that includes a stop at the historic Belvedere, a stately palace complex with tranquil gardens that provide an ideal setting for its Christmas market. You may also view works by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, on display in the palace. Then, transfer to your stylish river ship for priority embarkation. Enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by dinner and a special holiday concert.

Day 3: Vienna / A City’s Christmas Best
Tour Vienna, driving along the Ringstrasse, lined with buildings decorated in Christmas finery. Pass the stunning State Opera, before visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After lunch, join an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, site of one of Vienna’s Christmas markets. Tonight, you may choose to visit the Christmas market at the Rathausplatz.

Day 4: Schloss Artstetten / Eventful History
From Melk today, visit historic Schloss Artstetten for a private guided tour on a Connections-exclusive excursion. The castle is home to the great-granddaughter of Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination led to World War I. Continue to Melk and tour its 900-year-old abbey perched high above the Danube. Later, enjoy a private pre-dinner cocktail party in the Amadeus Club, hosted by your Resident Tour Director.

Day 5: Passau, Germany / Historic Christkindlesmarkt
Travel into Germany and arrive in the Bavarian city of Passau. Enjoy a guided city walk. After lunch aboard ship, visit the Christkindlesmarkt, set in the old historic center near St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 6: Regensburg / Walking Tour & Market Visit
Enjoy a city walk in Regensburg, a well-preserved medieval city. Visit the Christmas market, aglow with holiday lights. Back on board, join the captain for a gala dinner.

Day 7: Nuremberg / Heart of the Old City
Tour Nuremberg, including the 900-year-old ramparts, Imperial Castle and Palace of Justice. Visit the Christkindlesmarkt in the old city, with time to shop, warm yourself with mulled wine or savor homemade gingerbread.

Day 8: Munich / Bavarian Capital
Disembark in Nuremberg and drive to Munich for a guided walking tour through the old town. Stroll in pedestrian-friendly Karlsplatz with its fountain transformed into a skating rink. Visit the Frauenkirche, Munich’s cathedral, and Marienplatz, where you may shop for lovely handicrafts in the traditional Christmas market.

Day 9: Depart Munich
Transfer to Munich airport to depart.