Overview
Throughout this dreamlike journey, an overflowing of good tidings and magical Christmas Markets come alive. A winter wonderland awaits at Prague’s Christmas Markets, brightly decorated with wooden huts stocked with handicrafts and delicious scents flavoring the air. Be spellbound by the medieval atmosphere of Nuremberg’s main Christmas Market, and sample its renowned gingerbread. Stroll through Regensburg’s romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn and Taxis Castle, savoring fresh dumplings with vanilla sauce. Get caught up in the magic of Salzburg’s Christmas Markets at both Hellbrunn Palace and at Christkindlmarkt, located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and around the venerable cathedral, which is a feast for the senses, from the warm aroma of mulled wine and Austrian pastry delights, to the sights and sounds of holiday performances, to the colors and textures of traditional handcrafts. And while in Vienna, visit four of the city’s most enchanting Christmas Markets from the regal Schönbrunn Palace to Vienna’s largest, Rathaus Christmas Markets, with its carousel rides and light-bedecked trees and pavilions.
Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.
Itinerary
Day 1
Nuremberg, Germany / Embark
Board your cruise in Nuremberg. Tonight, gather on board your ship and meet your fellow passengers. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.
Day 2
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. Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
Passau
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.
Day 5
Linz, Austria
Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches 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, 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 of Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.
Day 6
Melk / Durnstein / Krems
The magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on full display for your enjoyment. On your tour, you will see jewel-encrusted crosses containing religious relics, frescoes, and richly embroidered vestments, as well as the abbey’s priceless collection of medieval manuscripts in its famous library. Later in the day, set sail through the breathtaking Wachau Valley.
Day 7
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 Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree.
Day 8
Vienna / Disembark
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.
Reverse Direction, Vienna to Nuremberg
Days 1-2: Vienna
Day 3: Durnstein / Wachau Valley / Melk
Day 4: Linz
Day 5: Passau
Day 6: Regensburg
Days 7-8: Nuremberg
Magical Christmas Markets
