Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise including Vienna

Upon arrival in Vienna, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Vienna port with a guided Vienna city tour en-route. Let's discover the beauty of this elegant Austrian city and discover the beauty of several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall, not to mention a tour of Vienna would not be complete with a stop at the impressive St Stephens Cathedral

In the afternoon we will be transferred to Vienna port to join our River Cruise. Settle in to our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board our ship as we embark on our 6-night cruise along the Danube. Sit back with a welcome cocktail in one of the lounge areas, followed by a tasty welcome dinner.

This morning we will have free day in Vienna, take the chance to visit the magnificent Christmas markets and take in the festive sprit on offer or take a stroll along Vienna and take in the well – know Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St Stephens Cathedral before returning to the ship as we set sail later tonight along the Danube.

This evening, there will be an optional ‘Sound of Vienna’ concert (payable locally), a chance to experience some of the classical music for which Vienna is known. 

Today we will wake up in Emmersdorf where we will enjoy an included excursion to Melk Abbey. Melk Abbey is an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world's most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The Abbey's church features frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library contains countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger. A guided tour takes us through the abbot's chambers, along the Imperator's walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

 In the afternoon we set sail towards Passau as we all gather together to enjoy a festive mulled wine party on board.

This morning, we will arrive in Passau, here we will explore everything this charming town has to offer. Today we will have a guided Passau city tour where we can experience the setting of the old town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. Take in highlights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, in which the world's largest cathedral organ sounds, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube's side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn's side. During our visit to the Cathedral, we will get to experience a beautiful organ concert where we can enjoy some festive music, before returning to the ship as set sail towards Regensburg.

Today will be spent at Regensburg. We will have free time to explore the city. Situated at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers, Regensburg is the fourth-largest city in the State of Bavaria and is an important political, economic and cultural base. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We will have the chance today to spend the day exploring the festive Christmas markets at our own leisure.

This morning will be spent sailing along Danube before you arrive at the Bavarian town of Roth, here our guided excursion to Nuremberg begins. Enjoy this beautiful town famous for its well-preserved historical landmarks, like the imperial castle and the walled Old Town. 

After our guided excursion take the opportunity to visit the romantic Christmas market and sample the world-famous gingerbread called Lebkuchen. The ship remains in Nuremberg overnight.

This evening we will enjoy a Captain's Gala Dinner on board.

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your cruise vessel. You will be met by our local representative and transferred from Nuremberg to Munich to enjoy a city tour. Highlights will include the Nymphenburg Palace, King's Square with its three temple buildings in the classical Greek style, the Bavarian National Museum, the Angel of Peace monument, the elegant buildings and shops along Maximilian Street, the Maximilianeum, the National Opera House, the Royal Palace, Stachus Square and the medieval city gates. Followed by some free time to explore the Munich Christmas markets.

After some free time for further sightseeing or shopping in Munich Christmas markets, we will be transferred to Munich airport for our flight home, with guide assistance. (Luggage will be stored in coach)