Amadeus Waterways Christmastime Cruise

Overview

Enjoy 2 nights in Prague, then vist the Fascinating Christmas Markets between Nuremberg and Budapest

11 Days - Fly to Prague & return from Budapest

Celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating trip from historic Prague through the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg on the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide through many of the Danube’s great cities. Along the way visit charming towns where so many Christmas traditions started and marvel at beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the charming Wachau Valley. On select dates shop at Christmas markets or celebrate the holiday season with the locals.

Brief Itinerary

Your Travel Value Includes

• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Nuremberg
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and aftenoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Amalegro/Amadagio Bicycles to explore
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local taxes

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2, Fri. ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 3, Sat. PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and Golden Lane, then walk through the Jewish quarter to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafés or restaurants.

Day 4, Sun. PRAGUE- PILZEN - NUREMBERG, GERMANY
This morning depart Prague after breakfast, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Day 5, Mon. NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - RIEDENBURG
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After your tour, visit the world's largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and the list goes on. At lunchtime rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks to stop in the Bavarian town of Riedenburg .

Day 6, Tue. REGENSBURG
Arrive in medieval Regensburg. A tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or, you can decide to visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, with craftsmen making the goods in front of you. This evening enjoy a folklore performance on board.

Day 7, Wed. PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and location of the "Sound of Music" see the sights including a visit to Mozarts birthhouse, Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port.

Day 8, Thu. MELK - VIENNA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight return to the Christmas market, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.

Day 9, Fri. VIENNA
A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Christmas markets at the Town Hall. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse, sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum.

Day 10, Sat. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
This morning cruise around the Danube bend past beautiful towns nestled on the curve of the river bank, arriving in Budapest in time for lunch onboard. Your Budapest sightseeing includes Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner.

Day 11, Sun. DEPART BUDAPEST.
Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest.

Cost for this Itinerary

The lowest priced stateroom costs
$187 per person per night in low season and
$231 pp pn in high season

The highest priced suite costs
$320 pp pn in low season
$364 pp pn in high season