Danube Christmas Markets

DAY 4 Vienna, Austria: As you cruise the mighty Danube, relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas, and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails toward the majestic city of Vienna. Enrich: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in Elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5 Vienna: Freechoice: This morning, begin the day with a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire and delight in the festive ambience at the market stalls that grace the palace courtyard. Alternatively, visit the Belvedere Museum, one of Europe’s most stunning baroque landmarks. OR discover a different side of Vienna on a guided bicycle tour. Later, explore the magical Viennese Christmas markets at your leisure. An age-old tradition, the forerunners of the present-day events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1298, Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market or ‘Krippenmarkt’. Nowadays, many official advent markets sell a vast array of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6 Dürnstein – Melk: Awaken this morning in the charming town of Dürnstein. In your free time, stroll through the town, or hike up the to the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. The ship departs for Melk, cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. Freechoice: Embark on an enjoyable bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Melk’s 18th-century Benedictine abbey, one of the world’s most magnificent baroque buildings. OR, remain onboard to learn about Schnapps is produced and sample the local flavors. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 Brandstatt, Germany / Vilshofen: Freechoice: Choose between a visit to Salzburg, Austria or the Czech town of Ceský Krumlov – both designated World Heritage Sites. Stroll the storybook streets of Salzburg’s Old Town, host to one of the continent’s oldest Christmas markets, set in a picturesque square in front of the Salzburg Cathedral and beneath the city’s iconic medieval castle. Or, tour Ceský Krumlov’s historic center, a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets lined with medieval, baroque and renaissance houses. At the end of either tour, rejoin the ship in Vilshofen. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8 Regensburg: Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best- preserved medieval town centers, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Within its narrow alleyways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country.

Set on the confluence of three rivers in Bavaria, Regensburg is a delight to explore on a walking tour. Your expert local guide will show you the old stone bridge, the Church of St James, and the Porta Praetoria all while sharing the customs and traditions of the region during the festive period. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9 Nuremberg / Munich / USA: After breakfast, bid farewell to your Captain and crew as you disembark the ship and transfer to the Munich Airport for your flight home. Flights must depart after 2:00 PM. Meal: B Itinerary is subject to change.