Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the special winter atmosphere of this time of year. On arrival in Prague on Christmas Day, we’ll surprise you with a Christmas dinner. Other highlights include a visit to the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, a fun beer tasting, and a guided visit of the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties along the way! Ring in the New Year in Vienna with a gala New Year’s Eve dinner, then bundle up and watch the city’s marvelous fireworks display from the Sky Deck of your vessel.
Day 1
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.
NOTE:
December 25 Departure - Dinner is now included at the hotel.
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Day 2
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4th with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)
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Day 3
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D)
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Day 4
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. This evening we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
NOTE:
December 25 Departure - Christmas market not available .
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Day 5
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Historische Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
NOTE:
December 25 Departure - Christmas market not available .
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Day 6
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)
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Day 8
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (B,L,D)
NOTE:
December 25 Departure - Concert in Vienna is included. Christmas market not available.
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Day 9
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Prague: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle groundsNuremberg: Welcome reception; guided sightseeingRegensburg: Guided sightseeingPassau: Guided walkMelk: Guided visit of Benedictine AbbeyVienna: Guided sightseeing; Strauss & Mozart concert
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Prague Hilton (SF)
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AW_Always_Included_Europe_2013
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B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.
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Combine with another Festive Season CruiseCruise from Frankfurt to Vienna - Christmastime in Germany & Austria from Frankfurt to Vienna (WFN + WNV excluding Prague) or cruise from Zürich to Vienna - Grand Christmastime Cruise from Zurich to Vienna (WZF + WFN + WNV excluding Prague). Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications. NOTES:- Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).
- In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
- Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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Port charges: $108Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Prague:in single room $228, in twin room $128Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $230, in twin room $137Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:Category / Decks / Price D / Indigo Deck / $128 B / Sapphire Deck / $685A / Sapphire Deck / $728P / Royal Deck / $856Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,456
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WNV0|Save with the Cruise-Only PortionWVN|Cruise from Vienna to Prague
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Christmastime on the Danube from Prague to Vienna
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Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the special winter atmosphere of this time of year. On arrival in Prague on Christmas Day, we’ll surprise you with a Christmas dinner. Other highlights include a visit to the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, a fun beer tasting, and a guided visit of the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties along the way! Ring in the New Year in Vienna with a gala New Year’s Eve dinner, then bundle up and watch the city’s marvelous fireworks display from the Sky Deck of your vessel.
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