This Festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Set on the banks of the Vltava River, you will be immersed in holiday spirit as you explore the famous Christmas markets with rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Stand in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate art piece and visualization of time unlike anything else in the world—and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town. Board your ship in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany. And be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg. Next stop is delightful Bamberg, where nativity scenes built by local citizens are exhibited throughout town. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations. As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season.
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| Day 1 Prague: | Arrival day at leisure |
| Day 2 Prague: | Guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit to Hradcany Castle; Christmas market |
| Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Nuremberg: | Choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market |
| Day 5 Bamberg: | Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture |
| Day 6 Würzburg: | Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market |
| Day 7 Main River Village: | Cookie-baking demonstration on board; guided tour |
| Day 8 Frankfurt (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.
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 browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 5
BAMBERG Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
WÜRZBURG Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
DISCOVER Join a Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
Deluxe
Hochstrasse 4 Frankfurt Germany
This stylish 342-room hotel boasts an ideal location in the heart of Frankfurt city center, next to the Stock Exchange and just minutes away from the Old Opera House and historic Römer Square. Enjoy fine local and international cuisine in the hotel's restaurant or dine outdoors on the spacious terrace with beautiful park views. Unwind with an American whiskey or cocktail at the sophisticated American-style bar, or simply enjoy a Cuban coffee and delicious bites in the bar and lounge. The health club offers a half Olympic-size indoor pool, fitness equipment, a whirlpool, steam room, and sauna. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
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.
