Tour Details - CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE - CATEGORY E
CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE - CATEGORY E
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 10% !!!
Tour Duration: 9 days Tour Code: WNV-E2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2177 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.
2
PRAGUE Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; 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 4th with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)
3
PRAGUE-NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D)
4
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. This evening we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
5
REGENSBURG Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria- gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. 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, Historische Wurstkuche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
6
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. (B,L,D)
7
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! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the "City of Music," which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)
8
VIENNA Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna-you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (B,L,D)
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VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Deluxe 6-night cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds (Category E) PRAGUE: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds NUREMBERG: Welcome reception; guided sightseeing; beer tasting REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing MELK: Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey VIENNA: Guided sightseeing MEALS: Full buffet breakfast (B) in Prague; 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; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description
Meals Breakfast - 8 Lunch - 5 Dinner - 6
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
42
EUR
Name:PRAGUE - JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR Location:PRAGUE Details:Located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, Prague's Jewish Quarter (known as Josefov) was once one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, with a rich and varied history dating back to the 10th century. The circumstances leading to WW II and the country's post-war Communist regime did little to revive the hopes and religious rights (or indeed living standards) of those who survived, with many deciding to emigrate to the US, Western Europe or Israel. Today, whilst only 1500 or so Orthodox Jews live in what remains of the traditional Jewish Quarter, it has once again become a thriving - and fascinating - part of Prague. Follow our local expert on a tour to the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Cemetery and the Synagogues and get an inside view of Jewish Life in the past and today.
19
EUR
Name:PRAGUE'S SECRETS REVEALED Location:PRAGUE Details:It is quite possible to escape the touristy side of Prague. And just as before, it requires knowing just which street to turn down or even which unsigned walkway to pass. Knowing where to turn from the Old Town Square, you can leave all the crowds behind and find yourself shockingly alone in a twisting Medieval street, quiet as can be - with only the sound of your shoes clicking against the cobblestones or a tram swooshing by a few streets away. And in this street, it's also still possible to find the most interesting places when you least expect them. The houses and doors often look the same from the outside. To the naked eye, the street may even seem residential. There are no big flashing lights pointing out the history that lies behind these facades of Prague. It needs a local expert, who shows you these secrets and tell you the stories of what happened here and there.
34
EUR
Name:ART NOUVEAU - ARCHITECTURE AND ART IN PRAGUE AROUND 1900 Location:PRAGUE Details:The end of 19th and beginning of 20th century was an interesting time in Prague because of its new architectural styles. We will compare various examples of Prague Art Nouveau with other styles of the period. In addition paintings by Alfons Mucha, sculptures by Frantisek Bilek that inspired the famous "Tiffany" Style. Plenty of architectural monuments in Prague attract the attention of ever more visitors. For the Art Nouveau fans this tour features the most important treasures in painting, handicraft and architecture of Prague's fin de siecle. We will see the Municipal House, Art Nouveau-style buildings at St. Wenceslas Square, Na Prikopech Street and the National Avenue.
49
EUR
Name:ROYAL WALTZ CONCERT Location:VIENNA Details:Would a stay in Vienna be the same if you were not able to listen to the tunes of the "Blue Danube Waltz" or the "Radetzky" March? Your Cruise Director will accompany you to one of Vienna's famous Concert Halls. Avalon will make preferred seating arrangements. In order to celebrate this evening in style, have a glass of sparkling wine in the intermission, before you listen to the famous tunes brought to you by opera singers and watch the elegant ballet dancers as they interpret some of the most well known classical tunes from Vienna.
44
EUR
Name:SCHONBRUNN IMPERIAL PALACE IN WINTER Location:VIENNA Details:Schonbrunn, the former summer residence of the Imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The Habsburgs resided here for the better part of the year in numerous rooms to house the large Imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. The monarch spent his last years entirely in the palace, which became the property of the new Republic of Austria only two years after his death. Today, the palace is part of UNESCO's cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings. Follow our local expert and visit Empress Sisi's former summer residence, and admire the imperial Christmas Market in front of the Palace.
Optional Excursions
