
November 26 – December 6, 2021
This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. See famous sights like Old Town’s Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge, but also get the unique chance to stroll through the Christmas markets. It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené víno (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments.
Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. After a guided tour, savor local sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German beers. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.

November 26 – December 6, 2021
Riverview cabin - $5495pp
French Balcony Cabin - $5995pp
Price is based on double occupancy
Limited space available – sale prices available until
Jan 2, 2021
Deposit - $500pp due at the time of booking
2nd deposit - $1000pp – May 26, 2021
Final payment – Aug 13, 2021
Included in the pricing:
- Services of an experienced guide
- Flights Calgary/ Prague and Vienna/Calgary
- 2 night stay in Prague
- 6 night Danube River Cruise
- Guided city walking tour in Prague
- Guided tour of Nuremberg and Christmas Markets
- Guided city walking tour of Regensburg and Christmas Markets
- Guided city walking tour of Passau and Christmas Markets
- Guided tour of Melk
- Guided tour of Vienna and Christmas Markets
- 8 breakfasts/5 lunches/6 dinners
- Beer and wine with meals
- All transfers
- All taxes
Itinerary
Day 1: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Day 2: PRAGUE (B)
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
CLASSIC
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Day 3: PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) (B, D)
The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Day 4: NUREMBERG (B, L, D)
Living Heritage and History Lessons
CLASSIC
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.
OR:
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Day 5: REGENSBURG (B, L, D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
DISCOVERY
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
CLASSIC
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.

Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
DISCOVERY
Later, indulge in an onboard Beer Tasting to sample regional German brews.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 6: PASSAU (B, L, D)
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
CLASSIC
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.

Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Day 7: MELK, AUSTRIA (B, L, D)
Striking Frescoes and the Breathtaking Wachau Valley
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
DISCOVERY
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland

This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Day 8: VIENNA (B, L, D)
Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:

DISCOVERY
Join a Guided Culinary Tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Day 9: VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.