Cruise Overview

Discover the best of Central Europe during this exciting Christmastime cruise from Basel to Vienna. 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. An excursion to Munich shows off the vibrant Bavarian capital, then on to medieval Regensburg, delightful Passau, and Melk with a visit to its Benedictine Abbey. Your journey concludes with guided sightseeing and plenty of free time to explore magical Vienna, the splendid “City of Music.”

CRUISE: Deluxe 15-night cruise from Basel to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds. 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 MUNICH: Guided sightseeing, visit the Marienplatz REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey VIENNA: Guided sightseeing Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Superb dining with 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 Notes: Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on location. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change become necessary, a substitute will be offered.