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Home > Globus > River Cruises > Christmastime Cruise 2008
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On this 10-day cruise, enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere as you spend two nights in Prague before driving to Nuremberg. There you board your luxurious river cruise ship and sail gently down the Danube to Vienna. Delight in the Christmas markets of Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna as Local Guides show you their cities. At the markets, sample Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other regional specialties.
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ITINERARY
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Day 1: Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic.
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)
Day 3: Prague, Czech Republic.
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)
Day 4: Prague–Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (BB,D)
Day 5: Nuremberg.
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 6: Regensburg.
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall; the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL; and the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (FB,L,D)
Day 7: Passau–Linz, Austria.
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (FB,L,D)
Day 8: Melk–Vienna.
Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D)
Day 9: Vienna.
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and aweinspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (FB,L,D)
Day 10: Vienna.
(Disembarkation) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
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WHATS INCLUDED
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PRAGUEGuided sightseeing, visit Hradcany CastleNUREMBERGWelcome reception; guided sightseeingREGENSBURGGuided sightseeingMELKGuided visit of Benedictine AbbeyVIENNAGuided sightseeing
MEALS
Buffet breakfast (BB) in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board including Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Dinner, one sitting with open seating arrangements, quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner on board
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HOTELS
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| Nov 30 - Dec 09, 2008 | Call Us | $1699 | Call Us | $1529 |  | | Dec 24, 2008 - Jan 02, 2009 | Call Us | $1699 | Call Us | $1529 | |
Note: All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please call us toll free at 1-800-935-2620 to confirm availability and current pricing on all our discounted specials. The prices on this website are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Some land prices may include an internal air component and discounts will not be offered on the internal air component. Discounts will not be offered on packages with a land price of less than $500. |
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