This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. See famous sights like Old Town’s Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge, but also get the unique chance to stroll through the Christmas markets. It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.
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| Day 1 Prague: | Welcome to Prague |
| Day 2 Prague: | Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds; Christmas market |
| Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Nuremberg: | Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market |
| Day 5 Regensburg: | Guided tour; Christmas market; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture |
| Day 6 Passau: | Guided tour; Christmas market |
| Day 7 Melk: | Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; onboard cookie tasting |
| Day 8 Vienna: | City sightseeing with culinary tour at Christmas market |
| Day 9 Vienna (Disembarkation): | Your vacation ends this morning |
Notes:- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Day 1
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River
Day 2
PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
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
BreakfastDay 3
PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Day 4
NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons
CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Join 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 Christkindlmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 5
REGENSBURG Christmas Magic in Bavaria
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
PASSAU Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
MELK, AUSTRIA Frescoes Above theWachau Valley
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland
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
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
VIENNA Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Hilton Prague Old Town
Superior First-Class
V Celnici 7 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A contemporary 303 room hotel offering classic art deco inspired luxury. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the lobby, access in the rooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). There is also an indoor swimming pool and fitness center and the stylish restaurant offers an innovative mix of European cuisine with Asian flavors. Snacks, drinks and cocktails are served throughout the day in the lounge bar.
Alcron Hotel
Deluxe
Stepanska 40 Prague Czech Republic
Situated in the heart of Prague and close to Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, and State Opera. The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are also within walking distance. All 204 Art Deco-style guestrooms have flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and free Wi-Fi. The elegant lobby bar has a selection of special cocktails, a wide variety of spirits, beers, and wines. The on-site restaurants serve either fish, seafood, international, or traditional cuisine. Other facilities include a well-equipped fitness center with sauna and there is also a seasonal outdoor terrace.
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Deluxe
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.
Art Deco Imperial Hotel
Deluxe
Na Porici 15, 110 00 Prague Czech Republic
An historic 126-room ornate property oozing old world glamour with architecture dating back to 1913. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. This hotel is home to the famous Cafe Imperial which specializes in traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist and there is also a fashionable bar for drinks and snacks. The Spa offers a sauna, steam room as well as a fitness center.
InterContinental Praha
Superior First-Class
Parizska 30 Prague Czech Republic
Contemporary 9-story Hotel situated in old Jewish Quarter, across the road from the Vltava River.
Prague Marriott
Superior First-Class
V Celnici 8 Prague Czech Republic
Located in the heart of Prague, just a short stroll away from the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, this sophisticated 239-room hotel combines a great location with top notch service. A smart grill restaurant serves both Czech and international cuisine, the relaxed hipster-styled Bourbon bar offers a great range of wines, cocktails and BBQ dishes. There is also an on-site Italian style café, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property.
Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark
Am Stadtpark 1,A Wien Austria
A modern 579 room property offering comfortable luxury. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and access in guestrooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). Leisure facilities include a well-equipped gym with sauna and steam bath, a contemporary style restaurant with a terrace for al fresco dining during the summer months and a lobby bar & lounge.
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
Breakfast
Dinner
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
