Guided Tour
Holiday Markets on the Danube
Recapture the magic of the holidays and step into scenes that glitter with fairy-tale charm in Germany. Explore the mazes of wooden booths decorated with fragrant pine boughs and displaying unique, handcrafted decorations and gifts. The smell of warm glühwein, roasted chestnuts and spicy gingerbread will fill the air and tickle your senses. You'll also get to know the country's enchanting cities. Marvel at picture postcard towns, stately castles and awe-inspiring churches. Admire medieval villages, meander along winding cobblestone streets and see lively university centers. Believe in holiday magic once again while discovering Holiday Markets on the Rhine, Main and Main/Danube Canal!
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Recapture the magic of the holidays and step into scenes that glitter with fairy-tale charm in Germany. Explore the mazes of wooden booths decorated with fragrant pine boughs and displaying unique, handcrafted decorations and gifts. The smell of warm glühwein, roasted chestnuts and spicy gingerbread will fill the air and tickle your senses. You'll…
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Depart Gateway City: Depart for Frankfurt, Germany, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)
Day 2 Cologne, Germany: Upon arrival, transfer by deluxe motorcoach to the ship. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.) Excursion: Cologne. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this enchanting city. See its colorful Patrician Houses and narrow cobbled lanes. Visit the Kolner Domne, Cologne's world-famous cathedral and the symbol of the city. It is one of the largest Gothic structures in the world and one of the few structures in Cologne that survived the war. Duringyour tour, stop at the six different holiday markets located throughout the city and indulge in some Christmas shopping or a fortifying warm drink. Return to the ship late in the afternoon. Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Day 3 Koblenz / Rüdesheim: Excursion: Koblenz. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is one of Germany's loveliest towns. Today's tour showcases the many historic buildings of this charming town. See St. Florin's Church, the early 18th-century Rathaus and the Church of Our Lady, as well as other historic buildings. Independent Exploration. Tonight, the ship docks in Rüdesheim. Take advantage of time at leisure to explore the town on your own, or visit the Christmas market.
Day 4 Heidelberg: Excursion: Heidelberg. Today's tour of this delightful town showcases the university, stately Heidelberg Castle, the impressive Rathaus and the Marktplatz with its holiday market. Cultural Event. Tonight, enjoy a concert of Christmas music performed by a children's choir in Aschaffenburg.
Day 5 Miltenberg / Wertheim: Excursion: Romantic Road. Depart on a scenic motorcoach ride along one of the most storied routes in Germany, dotted with charming medieval towns. Excursion: Wertheim Walking Tour. The fortified town of Wertheim is a showcase of Franconian romance. Walk along quiet cobbled lanes to the yellow Gothic Stiftskirche and 16th-century Engelsbrunnen, or angel fountain, and see Kilianskapelle, the Chapel of St. Kilian.
Day 6 Würzburg: Excursion: Würzburg. Visit the Würzburg Residence, one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe, then start on a walking tour of the historic city center showcasing St. Kilian's Cathedral, the Neumünslerkirche, the Old Town Hall, the university, the bustling marketplace and other sights. Enjoy free time to visit the markets.
Day 7 Bamberg: Excursion: Bamberg. Embark on a walking tour of Bamberg. Wander under the grand rococo archway of the Obere Brücke and enjoy the view of the red-roofed fishermen's houses and baroque mansions that highlight this fairy tale town. Cultural Event. Tonight, relish a traditional German holiday dinner at a restaurant in Bamberg. You will be joined by Santa Claus!
Day 8 Nuremberg: Excursion: Nuremberg. Begin with a visit to Nuremberg's renowned hilltop castle. Afterwards, stroll to the center of town and the Hauptmarkt, an open square dominated by the Schoener Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), Nuremberg's most famous attraction. View Our Lady's Church and St. Lorenz Church, which dates from the 15th century. See the outer limits of the city-pass, the Parade grounds and Colosseum, and the courthouse where the World War II trials were held.
Day 9 Return: After breakfast, transfer to the Munich airport for the return flight to North America. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)
Additional Information
MS AMADEUS DIAMOND
Newly built in 2007 and making its cruising debut in 2009, the sleek, state-of-the-art MS Amadeus Diamond offers the utmost in service, safety and comfort to its passengers. Step into the elegant reception area and immerse yourself in an ambience reminiscent of a luxury hotel. Relax on the sun deck, connect with friends in the Internet café or browse in the boutique. Or, if you wish to be more active, practice your golf swing on the putting green, stroll along the walking track, work out in the fitness room. From the delightful breakfast and lunch buffets to the regional specialties served at dinner, savor a wide range of delicious international cuisine in the restaurant. At the end of each day, return to the comforts of your cabin. Appointed in bright, contemporary décor, each features a river view from an outward-facing window and satellite television.