Celebrate the Christmas season on this spectacular river cruise vacation from Frankfurt to Vienna. Board your ship in Frankfurt and set sail for the Bavarian village of Miltenberg. Continue to Wertheim to see the half-timbered houses and shop for blown-glass ornaments. In Würzburg, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; discover the nativity scenes built by local citizens in medieval Bamberg; in Nuremberg, enjoy a beer tasting and the festive atmosphere of the beautifully lit streets; explore the vibrant Bavarian capital of Munich; and spend time in medieval Regensburg. Other highlights include delightful Passau and a visit to the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Experience the traditional Christmas decorations everywhere and delight in this special time of year. To end your vacation, ring in the New Year in Vienna with a gala New Year’s Eve dinner, then bundle up and watch the city’s marvelous fireworks display from the Sky Deck of your vessel.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation). Flights must arrive before 3:30 pm. Welcome to Frankfurt! Situated on the River Main, 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 wintertime, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in all 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. (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. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by the local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. (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. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich. After breakfast, drive to Munich, where a Local Expert will proudly show you the sights of the Bavarian capital. An inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, you’ll see the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city with the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. Later, there’s free time to explore on your own. And don’t leave Munich without paying a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus for a stein of beer! Return to your ship in the late afternoon. (B,D)
Day #7 Nuremberg. A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively-lit streets, write those last-minute postcards, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall, and the 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. 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 #9 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 one of the world’s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. 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 #10 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. Tonight, enjoy a special New Year’s Eve dinner on board, and ring in the New Year watching the city’s marvelous fireworks display on the Sky Deck. (B,L,D)
Day #11 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. In the late afternoon, enjoy an included New Year’s Day CONCERT. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Vienna (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)