Experience the holiday season on this festive river cruise vacation from Frankfurt to Prague. Enjoy guided city sightseeing in Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Prague. Attend a baking demonstration of a traditional Christmas cookie, visit Würzburg’s magnificent Bishop’s Residenz, see Bamberg’s Old Town Hall, and sample some of Germany’s famous beers. In the “Golden City” of Prague, see the city’s best-known treasures. This is a magnificent way to start your holiday season.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation). Flights must arrive before 3:30 pm. Welcome to Frankfurt! Situated on the Main River, Frankfurt is a truly cosmopolitan city and the commercial capital of Germany. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. (D)
Day #2 Miltenberg–Wertheim. 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. After lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. In the afternoon, there’s free time in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter time, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful decorations in the shop windows. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Würzburg. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon is free to explore more of the city and wander at your own pace through the beautifully decorated streets. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Bamberg. Another 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 and especially interesting are the many nativity scenes built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today we will introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,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. 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 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic. Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)
Day #7 Prague. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. 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 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)
Day #8 Prague. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)