Enjoy a magical journey immersing yourself in the spirit of Christmas. Delight in the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets along the Danube and indulge in local treats and cultural traditions. The festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.
As you cruise the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, join a special onboard presentation exploring European Christmas traditions. Learn the stories behind festive customs, seasonal foods, decorations and markets, gaining deeper insight into how the Christmas season is celebrated across the region.
Experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets as you sample festive treats along the Danube. Sip warming mulled wine in Regensburg, taste traditional Hungarian sweets in Budapest and savour Nuremberg’s famous Lebkuchen gingerbread, all while soaking up the seasonal atmosphere.
Arrive in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to your river ship in Nuremberg.
Today explore Nuremberg, once the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets and browse local boutiques and artisan stores before an Insider Experience. Later, return to your ship and cruise along the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its impressive stair-step locks before an informative Insider Experience this evening.
Insider Experience – Nuremberg Christmas Market
Visit the city’s famous Christmas market and enjoy a traditional Lebkuchen gingerbread treat while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Insider Experience – Christmas Traditions of Europe
This evening, join an engaging presentation on board your ship to learn about festive traditions and celebrations in Germany and across Europe.
Dock in Regensburg this morning and set out on a guided walking tour. Wander cobblestone lanes and step back in time as you explore historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural landmarks.
Insider Experience – Regensburg Christmas Market
Visit the festive Christmas market in Regensburg and soak up the seasonal atmosphere while enjoying a warming mug of mulled wine.
Today you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov
Enjoy a fascinating excursion to the historic city of Český Krumlov, home to more than 300 preserved historic buildings and a charming medieval centre.
Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights
Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of the town Mozart once called home, then enjoy free time to explore at leisure before returning to your ship.
Dock in Melk and join a local guide for a tour of Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089 and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent abbey is home to around two dozen practising monks. Later, cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where the hilltop ruins of the castle once held King Richard the Lionheart captive in 1192.
Embrace the splendour and elegance of Vienna today on a walking tour that takes you past St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina, then visit one of the many Christmas Markets on offer in Vienna. This evening, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and discover Budapest on a guided tour with a local expert, visiting a range of the city’s most impressive sights.
Insider Experience – Budapest Christmas Market
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to the charming Christmas market in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, where you can sample traditional seasonal treats.
Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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