Christmas Markets on the Danube with Munich

Arrive in Munich and check-in to your hotel.

This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the “Cathedral of Our Dear Lady.”

Afterwards, enjoy a couple of Munich's Christmas Markets, such as the one located around Marienplatz, in the magical Christmas village in the Residenz or the medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz. Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and go to the Hofbräuhaus for the famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, “Gemütlichkeit” and hospitality. (B)

Excursions:

• Walking tour and Christmas Market
• Bavarian beer hall and pretzels tasting

. Board your ship in Vilshofen for your Christmas Markets on the Danube cruise. Then, join Vilshofen locals and fellow guests for a glass of beer and a traditional German pretzel ashore at a festive Oktoberfest celebration. (D)

Excursions:

• Transfer to the ship
• Oktoberfest celebration

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square—also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. If you prefer a more active adventure during your time in Passau, enjoy a guided hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Passau walking tour and Christmas Market OR Passau Hike to Paulinerkloister Mariahilf

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas crèches and its ever-popular Linzer torte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents.

You may also opt for a full-day excursion over the Czech-Austria border to the charming mountain village of Česky Krumlov, known for its exquisite castle, the second largest in all of Bohemia. Alternatively, join a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or participate in a guided bike tour along the Danube River.

In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B/L/D) *Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Excursions:

• Full-day Salzburg excursion with Christmas Markets* OR Full-day Český Krumlov excursion with Christmas Markets* OR Linz walking tour with Christmas Markets OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
• Distillery tour

In the morning, sit back and relax as the Captain navigates the ship along the Danube River through Austria's narrow yet scenic Strudengau and Wachau Valleys. After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk.

For a more active adventure, bike through Weissenkirchen or hike up to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of local apricot treats. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley's finest wine. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
• Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey OR Dürnstein Apricots & Sweets tasting OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Danube bike tour
• Wine tasting at local winery

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. You will also have the chance to enjoy the festivities of the city's Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride through Vienna. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Imperial Vienna” tour with Christmas Markets OR Vienna bike tour
• Rathaus Christmas Market by night

Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava's charming Christmas Market, or an invigorating castle hike from Vienna up to Bratislava castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate and the Old Town Hall. Alternatively, may choose to hike through the city up to the Castle, which offers magnificent views across the town of Bratislava, or you can visit the the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its festive atmosphere. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Bratislava Walking Tour and Christmas Markets OR Bratislava Castle Hike OR Schönbrunn Christmas Markets

Relax and enjoy the view during your scenic cruise into Budapest. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, this city offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River.

On your tour, follow your guide through the city's Castle District, where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. You will also visit the city's famed Christmas Markets. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Buda city tour and Christmas Markets OR Castle Hill hike

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)