Cruise Overview

Ring in the holidays on this exciting cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. From Zürich, travel to Basel and board your ship. Head north to Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; to Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and to Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the imposing red stone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Enjoy an excursion to the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim with its outstanding Christmas market and life-sized nativity scene. Also visit Miltenberg for a traditional baking demonstration, Wertheim to see the half-timbered houses and shop for blown-glass ornaments, and Würzburg to visit the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz. Other highlights include an excursion to the walled city of Rothenburg, medieval Bamberg to sample delicious German beers, and Nuremberg to experience Germany’s most famous Christmas market. Your vacation ends with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and time to explore the Christmas markets in the “Golden City” of Prague.

CRUISE: Deluxe 9-night cruise from Basel to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds. BASEL: Welcome reception BREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral HEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle FRANKFURT: Excursion to Rüdesheim; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum MILTENBERG: Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration WÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg BAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tasting NUREMBERG: Guided sightseeing PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Full buffet breakfast (B) in Prague; one lunch during Rüdesheim excursion; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day Hotels PRAGUE Hilton (SF) Notes: Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January). In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.