Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (Dinner); Note: Guests must be onboard the ship by 5 pm.
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, this is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions, the Neo-Renaissance Vienna Opera House, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral-plus, countless other sights you'll see on your guided tour. Alternatively, we offer you a special culinary tour at the Viennese Christmas markets where you can taste all the best flavors that Austria has to offer during Christmastime. Be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ... Read More
Thursday - Dec 19, 2024
Day 3
Melk, Austria
Grein, Austria
This morning sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where the magnificent 11th-century Benedictine abbey, one of Europe's largest monasteries, dominates the town and hosts an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You'll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings. Relax and enjoy onboard leisure of your ship while sailing into Grein, a quaint little village, and after a walking tour, visit the oldest town theater of Austria. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ... Read More
Friday - Dec 20, 2024
Day 4
Passau, Germany
This morning, you may wish to join an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see some of the popular Sound of Music sites, find out how mice caused the composition of the famous Silent Night carol, and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Rejoin your ship in Passau in the early evening or stay onboard and relax as you cruise to Passau, located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of cobblestone streets, lined with beautiful patrician houses, and at this time of year, the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is set up against the magnificent backdrop of St. Stephan's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture. Take in the highlights on the included guided walk. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ... Read More
Saturday - Dec 21, 2024
Day 5
Regensburg, Germany
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. The only German city center not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of "historic interest". Architectural highlights included on your guided walk are the 13th-century Old Town Hall and Porta Praetoria, a gate to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included snack at the Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany's oldest restaurants. During free time explore on your own or visit the Regensburg Christmas market, including the one hosted by Thurn and Taxis Palace. The tempting aromas of mulled wine, sausage, roasted almonds, and gingerbread create a memorable atmosphere. Enjoy an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions and, before dinner tonight we'll introduce you to some of Germany's famous beers! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ... Read More
Sunday - Dec 22, 2024
Day 6
Nuremberg, Germany
Although 90% of its old town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Choose from an included guided sightseeing tour and marvel at the city's medieval fortifications, Gothic churches, and Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a Nuremberg rally grounds tour. The old town is illuminated with festive lights, and the Christmas market is one of the biggest in Germany, featuring 200 stalls selling traditional wares and foods. After your free time at the Christmas market, a shuttle bus service will be at your disposal to take you back to the ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ... Read More
Monday - Dec 23, 2024
Day 7
Nuremberg, Germany
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.