Christmas on the Danube

br />Begin your holiday season with a relaxing cruise along the scenic Danube River, stopping at traditional Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Passau, Rothenberg and Nuremberg. Nuremberg is a toy making center, known for its fanciful nutcrackers and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Float through the Wachau Valley dotted with castles and small riverside towns. Discover Würzburg, an ancient Franconian wine town. Delight in the fairytale, baroque architecture in Passau. In Vienna, join a local expert in exploring the historic sights where you’ll indulge in the city’s atmosphere of opulence and elegance.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip down the Danube River. Your holiday tour begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Würzburg, Germany - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the ancient town of Würzburg, known as "the jewel of the Main River," and reputed to be one of Germany’s loveliest towns. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Würzburg - Rothenburg - Nuremberg - Board Cruise Ship
This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Würzburg. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. Proceed to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany. Enjoy free time to explore the town’s hidden treasures. Late afternoon you arrive in Nuremberg to meet your cruise ship. Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise aboard your lovely ship. This beautiful craft offers the newest technology, a panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine, and outstanding service. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner on board.

Day 4: Nuremberg
A local expert provides an interesting city tour of historic Nuremberg featuring the old town, the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Your city tour concludes with a visit to Nuremberg’s Christmas Market, Germany’s most famous and oldest, dating back to 1628. Nuremberg is a toy making center and you will have the opportunity to shop for traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and sample its famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, your cruise continues across the continental divide and through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. Today, enjoy a short lesson on the local language from your tour manager and learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. After a delightful dinner, the onboard orchestra provides a musical Christmas concert for your enjoyment.

Day 5: Regensburg
A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg reveals one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities with nearly 1,400 historic buildings. Some of the architectural highlights include the old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. From the 12th century 1,400-foot long medieval bridge, you will have spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. This afternoon, take a stroll through the old town to Regensburg's charming Christmas Market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Browse and shop at the brightly lit wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and local handicrafts. Late evening your ship departs for Passau.

Day 6: Passau
Early morning you cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairytale city, exploring the ornate baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, cathedral, and charming Christmas Market. After dinner, enjoy a delightful music concert in the ship's panorama lounge.

Day 7: Wachau Valley, Austria - Emmersdorf - Vienna
View the picturesque landscapes as you cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or if you wish, join an optional excursion to the nearby town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. This afternoon you continue cruising through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns. You arrive in Vienna, Austria's beautiful capital city, in the early evening. After dinner you are invited to visit Vienna's most famous Christmas Market, located near the town hall.

Day 8: Vienna
Join a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna's baroque elegance, stroll along the Kartnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain's Gala Dinner. Celebrate the end of your trip with an enchanting musical performance in the Panorama Bar.

Day 9: Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
After breakfast, you disembark the ship as your tour comes to an end.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/29/2012 - 12/7/2012	$1,549
12/6/2012 - 12/14/2012	$1,549
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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