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Overview

Ring in the holidays on this exciting cruise along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. From Zürich, travel to Basel and board your ship. Head north to Breisach for an included excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; to Strasbourg, France, for guided sightseeing and time to explore one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; and to Heidelberg, where you can marvel at the imposing red stone castle and bask in the holiday atmosphere. Enjoy an excursion to the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim with its outstanding Christmas market and life-sized nativity scene. Also visit Miltenberg, Wertheim to see the half-timbered houses and shop for blown-glass ornaments, and Würzburg to visit the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz. Other highlights include an onboard baking demonstration, an excursion to the walled city of Rothenburg, medieval Bamberg to sample delicious German beers, and Nuremberg to experience Germany’s most famous Christmas market.

CRUISE: Deluxe 9-night cruise from Basel to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.

BASEL: Welcome reception

BREISACH: Excursion to the Black Forest

STRASBOURG: Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralHEIDELBERG: Take pictures of the castle

FRANKFURT: Excursion to Rüdesheim; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

MILTENBERG: Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

WÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg

BAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tasting

NUREMBERG: Guided sightseeing

Meals – (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

One lunch during Rüdesheim excursion; 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; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Notes:

* Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).

* In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.

* Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

* Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

TRANSFER TIMES:

* Transfers available for purchase: Nuremberg on Departure between 5 am and 12 noon

Itinerary

Day 1Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)

(Sun.) Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

(Mon.) Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. There’s no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. And if there has been a fresh snowfall, this will indeed be a Winter Wonderland! Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Strasbourg, France

(Tue.) Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits—a truly magical atmosphere! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg

(Wed.) This morning, dock in the ancient imperial city of Speyer on the left bank of the Rhine. From here, an included excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take your photos of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. At this time of year an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glühwein, hot punch, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares and you’ll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim

(Thu.) After breakfast this morning a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the pretty little town of Rüdesheim, a perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. A visit to SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Afterward, there’s free time to explore. The entire town transforms itself into one large Christmas market, offering products and specialties from a number of nations, all presented in a distinctive manner. You’ll be spoiled by the selection of shops offering a vast variety of Christmas presents and decorations. In the Market Square you’ll find Europe’s largest nativity scene, with lifesize figures. After lunch, return to Frankfurt. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Miltenberg–Wertheim

(Fri.) Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship, as is the Christmas market. After lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. In the afternoon, there’s free time in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce ornaments that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in all the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg

(Sat.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance

After lunch, set off on the most scenic section of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This ancient walled city—with its ramparts, fountains, and cobblestone lanes—is steeped in history. Although known for its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an experience you won’t want to miss! Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Bamberg

(Sun.) Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance

Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Nuremberg

(Mon.) 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 and is opened each year by the Christkindl. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Rates and Dates

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Europe