Day 1, DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Day 6, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY. After breakfast, either stay on board and enjoy scenic cruising to Passau or join an optional excursion to Salzburg. Described as "one of the most beautiful cities in Europe," Salzburg is an architectural jewel. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, it is also the setting for "The Sound of Music." Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. For those who chose to cruise to Passau, you will arrive late this afternoon and explore this 2,000 year old city at the confluence of three rivers (the Danube, Inn, and Ilz), which is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan's Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Afterwards, take some time to experience the traditional Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 7, REGENSBURG. Arrive in medieval Regensburg after lunch for a walking tour to see the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria – gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop amongst the festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or, visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, where you can watch the craftsmen make their goods. This evening, enjoy a folklore performance on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8, NUREMBERG. This morning, enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal traverses the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. After lunch, a short drive through the pastoral countryside brings you to Nuremberg. Enjoy a tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. See the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city and the Imperial Castle. After your tour, visit the world's largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and a seemingly endless list of other goodies. (B,L,D)

Day 9, NUREMBERG. Today decide between a guided tour of the Medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal was held in 1946. (B,L,D)

Day 10, NUREMBERG – BAMBERG. Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in the town of Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There is free time before you continue your cruise, now on the Main River. (B,L,D)

Day 11, KITZINGEN – WÜRZBURG. Today, arrive in Kitzingen, where you will enjoy a walking tour and a wine tasting in Germany's oldest wine cellar. You will also tour Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. "The Pearl of the Romantic Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. In the alternative, enjoy an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Your walking tour includes entrance to the Christmas Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 12, WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG. Cruise to Wertheim for some free time to explore the town on your own. A motor coach will transfer you to Freudenberg to rejoin the ship. Cruise during lunch on your way to Miltenberg. In Miltenberg, a guided walking tour will take you through narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)

Day 13, RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ. This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants before wine tasting at a local vintner. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz. Your Cruise Manager will lead a walking tour through this charming town. (B,L,D)

Day 14, KOBLENZ – COLOGNE. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Cologne for a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. During your free time, return to the cathedral square or explore the city on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 15, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. Enjoy your last morning leisurely cruising to Amsterdam. Arrive in Amsterdam after lunch for a guided canal cruise and city tour, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill. Tonight, enjoy a festive traditional Christmas Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 16, AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

RATES

Port Charges: $336 for 2018

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

The rate includes: an outside cabin with a window or French Doors opening to the outdoors or a cabin with a useable balcony  / 
all meals, including unlimited wine with lunch and dinner  /  free internet on board  /  all sightseeing  / bicycles available for use

 

NOTE: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

 

Balcony and Siding Door Stateroom	Balcony and Siding Door Stateroom	Standard Cabin
Chefs Table	Back Lounge	Lounge
Fireplace Lounge	Elevator	Dinner
Afternoon Tea	Hair Saloon	Cycling with Bikes on Board