Christmas Markets on the Danube

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transfer to Munich airport to depart.