Christmas in the Heart of Germany 2011 - Cruise Only (Prague to Frankfurt)

Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
(Wed.) 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
(Thu.) 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 svarené víno (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. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
(Fri.) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Nuremberg
(Sat.) 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Bamberg
(Sun.) Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River, 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. Today we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg
(Mon.) 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 ity—with its ramparts, fountains, and cobblestone 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 you won’t want to miss. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Wertheim–Miltenberg
(Tue.) 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 ornaments 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. In Miltenberg, you’ll discover a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance homes 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Frankfurt
(Wed.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flight should not leave before 8:30 am.(Breakfast)

• CRUISE: Deluxe 5-night cruise from Nuremberg to Frankfurt in outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
• NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
• BAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tasting
• WÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg
• MILTENBERG: Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Experience the holiday season on this festive river cruise vacation from Prague to Frankfurt. Your vacation begins in 1,000-year-old Prague, with guided sightseeing that shows off the city’s best-known treasures and time to explore the impressive Old Town Christmas market. Also enjoy guided city sightseeing in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, and the charming Bavarian village of Miltenberg. Other highlights: a beer tasting in Bamberg, a visit of Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz, an included excursion to medieval Rothenburg on the famed Romantic Road, and a traditional baking demonstration on board your vessel.

• 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)
CRUSING: Category E cabin onboard Avalon Panorama

Extra nights per person in Frankfurt :
in single room $215, in twin room $110

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

• Port charges: $70
• Triples not available. 
• Cabin upgrades 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.