AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Program

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Arrive in Vienna and check-in to your hotel.

Day 2 : VIENNA
Uncover "Vienna's Royal Treasures" at the Hofburg Palace, the former residence of the Habsburgs. You'll visit the lavishly decorated Imperial Apartments and Imperial Treasury, home to many of the Habsburg's treasures, including the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Imperial Crown. Cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set amongst the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna's largest Christmas Market. (B)

Day 3 : VIENNA - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and transfer to your luxury ship. (B,D)

Day 4 : VIENNA
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Afterwards, you'll visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the Karlsplatz (Artisans) Christmas Market, a local favorite, and the market at Schonbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : DURNSTEIN - WACHAU VALLEY - MELK
After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you'll have a choice of three excursions in Durnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Alternatively, visit a local boutique, where you'll be treated to the region's finest apricot products. After your morning excursions, you have a choice to cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk or join a bike tour along the Danube. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : LINZ
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever popular Linzer Torte. While here, you have a choice of three excursions. The first is a full-day visit to magnificent Salzburg dressed in her holiday best. Enjoy a walking tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, inspired by St. Peter's Cathedral at the Vatican and its Christmas Market, which is a feast for the senses. Alternatively, you can choose a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas Markets. Or you can go on a guided bike tour through Linz and along the city's famed "Culture Mile" and the Danube. During the afternoon, you can join a half-day excursion to Salzburg or visit the charming mountain town, Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : PASSAU, GERMANY
Picturesque Passau, a fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. During the season of Advent, the city dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Square- also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : REGENSBURG
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria's specialties-beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to Walhalla where you will see the Neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you'll be treated to one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis Castle, where you can watch craftsmen make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : NUREMBERG
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Visit Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Browse through over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique treasures, toys and seasonal goodies. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : NUREMBERG - DISEMBARKATION - PILZEN - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Depart the ship to transfer to Prague. En route, stop at another one of Nuremberg's Christmas Markets before driving through the countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer. While here, enjoy a highlights tour before continuing on to Prague, where you'll check into your hotel. (B)

Day 11 : PRAGUE
The fairytale city of Prague always enchants, but it really sparkles even more during the holiday season. See all the key highlights on a walking tour, including the National Museum and 1,000 year-old Prague Castle. Or get more active with a hike to the castle. You will then have free time to explore Prague's renowned Christmas Market in the Old Town Square. (B)

Day 12 : PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country's national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech's beer some of the very best in the world. (B)

Day 13 : DEPART PRAGUE
Prepare for your return flight home.