christmas in the heart of germany 2011

Overview

Experience the holiday season on this festive river cruise vacation from Frankfurt to Nuremberg. Enjoy guided city sightseeing in Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Attend a traditional baking demonstration, visit Würzburg’s magnificent Bishop’s Residenz, and take an included excursion to medieval Rothenburg on the famed Romantic Road. See Bamberg’s Old Town Hall and sample some of Germany’s famous beers.

CRUISE:

Deluxe 5-night cruise from Frankfurt to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

FRANKFURT:

Welcome reception

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

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

Combine with another Festive Season Cruise

Combine with Christmastime in Alsace & Germany, Christmastime on the Danube (excluding Prague), or both Christmastime in Alsace & Germany and Christmastime on the Danube (excluding Prague). Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications.

Notes:

Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the 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.

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

Transfer Times:

Transfers available: Frankfurt on Arrival between 7 am and 4 pm

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

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation)

(Thu.) Flights must arrive before 3:30 pm. Welcome to Frankfurt! Situated on the Main River, Frankfurt is a truly cosmopolitan city and the commercial capital of Germany. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2Miltenberg–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 time, they produce decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Würzburg. 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 a 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 features ramparts, fountains, and cobblestone lanes, and is steeped in history. Although known for its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is a must-see experience! Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Bamberg

(Sun.) Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site

The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas and especially interesting are the many nativity scenes built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today we will introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Nuremberg

(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 6Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 7 am. (Breakfast)

CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART OF GERMANY – CATEGORY E

Tour Code – WFN-E

8 days Frankfurt to Prague
5-night cruise from Frankfurt to Nuremberg & 2 nights in Prague

Prices are in Australian Dollars
December 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Panorama 11222 22 Dec 2011 29 Dec 2011 $2061 AUD

*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.

UPGRADING CABINS

To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

Category Deck Price
D Indigo $78 AUD
B Sapphire $451 AUD
A Sapphire $490 AUD
P Royal $584 AUD
Royal Suite Royal $1245 AUD

INCLUDED CHARGES

Type Name Price
REQUIRED Port Charges $80 AUD
REQUIRED Gratuity $ AUD

OPTIONAL CHARGES

Type Name Price
OPTIONAL Drink Package No Alcohol $97 AUD
OPTIONAL Drink Package Alcohol $153 AUD

ACCOMMODATION PRICES

Pre & Post Tour City Start Date End Date Single Price Twin Price
PRE Frankfurt 1 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2011 $242 AUD $124 AUD
POST Prague 30 Apr 2011 13 Jul 2011 $329 AUD $178 AUD
POST Prague 17 Jul 2011 14 Sep 2011 $239 AUD $133 AUD
POST Prague 17 Sep 2011 16 Nov 2011 $329 AUD $178 AUD
POST Prague 21 Nov 2011 31 Dec 2011 $239 AUD $133 AUD

Please note triple rooms not available.

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Europe