Christmastime on the Danube 2011 (Prague to Vienna)

Day 1 Arrive in 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 2 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 GROUNDS; 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 4th with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)

Day 3 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D)

Day 4 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. This evening we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

Day 5 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Historische Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Passau–Linz, Austria
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Melk–Vienna
Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Vienna (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• CRUISE: Deluxe 6-night cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
• NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing; beer tasting
• REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing
• MELK: Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey
• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing

Enjoy the festive atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets in Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties! Other highlights include a visit of the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, beer tasting in Nuremberg, and a guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk.

• Full buffet breakfast (B) in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
• 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: Cabin onboard Avalon Panorama

Extra nights per person in Prague:
in single room $212, in twin room $118

Extra nights per person in Vienna :
in single room $210, in twin room $128

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges of $84 per person are not included in the prices shown above.
• Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location (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.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• 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.
• 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.