Usher in the winter with a timeless trip down the Danube River, where you discover the beauty of Austria and Germany and are warmly welcomed by the locals. Sail through the enchanting Wachau Valley and Bavarian countryside, and experience the magic of the holiday season in the region where so many Christmas traditions began. And on select sailings, you can even shop the Christmas markets for handicrafts and unique specialty items. This enchanting cruise is certain to provide lasting memories for years to come.

Day 1 Nuremberg
Welcome to Nuremberg. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship. * After boarding, use your free time to explore on your own-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Nuremberg
Your tour begins with a journey to see former Nazi rally grounds and the Palace of Justice, site of the historic Nuremberg Trials. From the walled section of downtown, walk up to the Imperial Castle grounds for amazing city views. Or, take our optional World War II history tour visiting the Documentation Center Museum. Then, descend into the Old Town, passing the Albrecht Durer House and the Main Market Square. Stay in the city to visit Nuremberg's world-famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market)+ or enjoy free time. Back aboard, cruise through the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal and its many locks. Dinner is served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

+IMPORTANT NOTE: Christmas markets are seasonal and scheduled to be open from the last week of November through December 23. In lieu of Christmas market shopping, enjoy time at leisure for additional exploration.

Day 3 Regensburg
Arrive midmorning in medieval Regensburg whose history dates back more than 2,000 years to its founding by Marcus Aurelius. Take a walking tour through this well-preserved city and explore its historic splendor. See the Old Town, St. Peter's Cathedral and the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Eat lunch aboard or take free time to visit Germany's oldest restaurant, the 800-year-old Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). You have time at leisure to visit the Christmas market or explore the city further-your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner aboard, accompanied by a delightful performance of Bavarian folkloric music, is followed by an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Passau
Arrive during breakfast in beautiful Passau, set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Take a walking tour along narrow cobblestone streets and through graceful arcades to visit St. Stephan's Cathedral. Enjoy afternoon free time to explore the Christmas market or stores. Dine aboard as you cruise the scenic Danube enjoying its quiet winter landscape and quaint riverside towns. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Linz
Wake up in Linz. After breakfast, take a walking tour past the city's baroque facades to the Hauptplatz. Continue through the medieval town and old market. From here, tour inside the cathedral and stroll other squares and markets before returning to your ship for lunch. Your afternoon is free to explore Linz's stores or Christmas market. Or instead of visiting Linz, you can choose to take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg, a jewel-like town famous as the setting for the film The Sound of Music. Explore the Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the birthplace and home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Melk
Arrive in Melk after breakfast and enjoy spectacular views as you ride to the top of the hill, where the abbey overlooks the river. Tour this 900-year-old Benedictine abbey and see its baroque splendor inside and out. The lavish interior is decorated with elaborate frescoes, and a highlight is the spectacular library with its comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts. Have lunch aboard and enjoy an apple strudel workshop. Depart midafternoon and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Vienna
After breakfast, embark on a city tour to visit this "City of Waltzes," where Mozart and Strauss composed many of their finest works. Ride along the Ringstrasse to see the Opera House and beautiful Hofburg Palace. Lunch is served on the ship, then take the afternoon to shop along the Kartnerstrasse, visit the city's Christmas market or people-watch at a quaint cafe. After dinner aboard, you may opt to attend an evening classical concert. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Vienna
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight. * (B)