Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise including Vienna (Nuremburg - Vienna)
Your Escorted Danube Christmas Market River Cruise Holiday
Embark on an enchanting 6-night festive river cruise along the Danube, discovering some of Central Europe's most captivating destinations and their magical Christmas markets. We’ll begin in historic Nuremberg and set sail aboard the comfortable MS Amadeus, exploring charming cities with the insight of knowledgeable local guides. Highlights of the holiday include visits to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Regensburg, a guided tour of atmospheric Passau, and an excursion to the magnificent Melk Abbey in Emmersdorf. Our Danube river cruise concludes in Vienna with a guided tour showcasing the city's rich imperial heritage. Between excursions, there’s time to enjoy the ship’s excellent facilities and browse the enchanting Christmas markets at each destination.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Travel to Germany
Nuremburg City Tour
Upon arrival in Munich, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Nuremberg port for a Munich city tour en route.
Commence River Cruise
In the afternoon we will be transferred to Nuremburg port to join our River Cruise. Settle in to our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board our ship as we embark on our 6-night cruise along the Danube. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty festive welcome dinner.
Nuremberg
Guided tour of Nuremberg
Today will be spent in Nuremberg here our guided excursion to Nuremberg begins. Enjoy this beautiful town famous for its well-preserved historical landmarks, like the imperial castle and the walled Old Town.
After our guided excursion take the opportunity to visit the romantic Christmas market and sample the world-famous gingerbread called Lebkuchen.
Regensburg
Free time to explore Regensburg Christmas markets
Today will be spent at Regensburg. We will have free time to explore the city. Situated at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers, Regensburg is the fourth-largest city in the State of Bavaria and is an important political, economic and cultural base. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will have the chance today to spend the day exploring the festive Christmas markets at our own leisure
Passau
Guided Passau city tour
This morning, we will arrive in Passau, here we will explore everything this charming town has to offer. Today we will have a guided Passau city tour where we can experience the setting of the old town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. Take in highlights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, in which the world's largest cathedral organ sounds, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube's side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn's side. During our visit to the Cathedral, we will get to experience a beautiful organ concert where we can enjoy some festive music, before returning to the ship as set sail towards Austria.
Emmersdorf
Guided Excursion to Melk Abbey
Today we will wake up in Emmersdorf where we will enjoy an included excursion to Melk Abbey. Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world's most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The Abbey's church features frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library contains countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger. A guided tour takes us through the abbot's chambers, along the Imperator's walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.
In the afternoon we set sail towards Vienna as we all gather together to enjoy a festive mulled wine party on board.
Arrive into Vienna & Optional ‘Sound of Vienna’ Concert
This evening we will arrive into Vienna where there will be an optional ‘Sound of Vienna’ concert (payable locally), a chance to experience some of the classical music for which Vienna is known.
Vienna
Free time in Vienna
This morning we will have free day in Vienna, take the chance to visit the magnificent Christmas markets and take in the festive sprit on offer or take a stroll along Vienna and take in the well – know Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St Stephens Cathedral. We will be docked in Vienna overnight.
Captain's Gala Dinner
This evening we will enjoy a festive Captain's Gala Dinner on board.
Vienna & Return Home
Vienna City Tour
It is time to say goodbye after a week of delights aboard your cruise vessel. You will be met by our local representative and transferred to Vienna Airport with a Vienna city tour provided en route. Let's discover the beauty of this elegant Austrian city and discover the beauty of several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall, not to mention a tour of Vienna would not be complete with a stop at the impressive St Stephens.
Depart Austria
After some free time for further sightseeing or shopping in Vienna Christmas markets, we will be transferred to Vienna airport for our flight home, with guide assistance. (Luggage will be stored in coach)
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.