Christmas In The Heart Of Germany 2010 (Prague to Frankfurt)

Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic. 
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.

Day 3: Prague.
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)

Day 4: Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation).
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)

Day 5: Nuremberg.
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bamberg.
A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg.
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, set off on the most scenic section of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This ancient walled city, with its ramparts, fountains and cobbled lanes, is steeped in history. Although known for its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an experience not to be missed. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty that’s not at all suitable for a diet! (B,L,D)

Day 8: Wertheim-Miltenberg.
This morning, stop in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship, as is the Christmas market. Before lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Frankfurt.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

• Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany Castle
• Nuremberg: Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
• Bamberg: Guided sightseeing, Old Town Hall
• Würzburg: Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg
• Miltenberg: Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Experience the holiday season on this festive Christmas river cruise vacation from Prague to Frankfurt, featuring a deluxe 5-night river cruise on the Main River. Enjoy guided city sightseeing in Würzburg, Bamberg, and in the Bavarian village of Miltenberg. In Würzburg, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; take an included excursion to Rothenburg on the famed Romantic Road; and enjoy a baking demonstration in Miltenberg. In 1,000-year-old Prague, see the city’s best-known treasures and stroll through the impressive Christmas market in the Old Town.

• Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Prague
• Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner
• Quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner
• One sitting with open seating arrangements
• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• Services of a professional Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Sightseeing with Local Guides
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions
• Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges, where applicable

Prague: Hilton (SF)
Cruising: Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck onboard the Avalon Luminary

Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:
in single room $303, in twin room $220

Extra nights per person in Prague:
in single room $267, in twin room $150

• Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25 (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• Port charges of $70 are not included in the prices shown above.
• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.