Magic of advent cruise on the Danube: from Vienna to Nuremberg

Suggested flight (not included) British Airways flight BA 696 departing London Heathrow at 08.10 hrs arriving Vienna at 11.25 hrs.

On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch followed by a city tour. Continue to the dock in Vienna to board the luxury MS Amadeus Queen and embark on a six-night cruise on the Danube. Captain’s drinks followed by a welcome dinner on board.

This morning enjoy a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings including the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall. The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city centre beginning with the Hofburg Imperial Palace, before continuing to walk along the Kohl market finishing at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral.

Lunch on board. This afternoon depart for the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and the summer residence of the Habsburgs. It was a favourite of the Empress Maria Theresia, who largely rebuilt it with Rococo interiors with dazzling state rooms with frescoes, tapestries, chandeliers and gilded decoration, and intimate private apartments. The palace is surrounded by a park laid out in the classical French manner, leading up to the Gloriette, a hilltop neo-classical colonnade from where there are superb views over Vienna. Enjoy the Christmas market in front of the castle selling a variety products and traditional Austrian handicrafts before returning to the ship. Dinner on board. This evening there will be the opportunity to enjoy Viennese classical music ‘Salonorchester Alt Wien’, accompanied by excellent opera singers and enchanting ballet soloists.

This morning arrive in Emmersdorf in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau. Visit Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine abbey built between 1702 and 1736, and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites, perched high above the river. Particularly noteworthy is the Abbey church with frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescoes by Paul Troger. Guided tour through the Abbot’s chambers, along the Imperator’s Walk, and through the marble hall, the balconies and the library. Continue by coach to Dürnstein, one of the best-known wine villages in the Wachau. Situated in the heart of the magnificent valley, on the banks of the river Danube, the charming town offers the unique combination of breath-taking scenery, traditional architecture and places of historic interest including its Renaissance castle. Enjoy a warm mug of Glühwein before returning to the ship.

Lunch on board. The rest of the day is spent on board, where you will have a wonderful view of the passing winter landscapes as your cruise ship travels towards Passau. Dinner on board.

This morning arrive in Passau, also known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, and enjoy a walking tour of the romantic old town with its historic buildings including the baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its impressive pipe organ. There will also be the opportunity to visit the Veste Oberhaus, one of the largest fortress complexes in Europe.

Lunch on board. This afternoon visit the traditional Passau Christmas market in front of St Stephen’s Cathedral offering traditional handicrafts, gingerbread, spices and delicious treats. Dinner on board.

This morning arrive in the historic city of Regensburg, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Germany. Enjoy a walking tour of the town passing the Regensburg Cathedral, dedicated to St Peter, with its impressive Gothic architecture, the town hall and the oldest bridge to span the Danube since the 12th century.

Lunch on board.  This afternoon there will the opportunity to explore the romantic Christmas market in the royal Thurn and Taxis Castle of Regensburg (only bookable on board) Revel in the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere filled with the aroma of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and roasted almonds, and stalls filled with local handicrafts. Captain’s Gala dinner.

This morning enjoy watching the beautiful scenery as we cruise to the Bavarian town of Roth.

Lunch on board. This afternoon we drive to the historic town of Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria and the capital of Franconia, for a city tour. During the reconstruction work following the devastation of the Second World War, the style of the old town was maintained. Ringed walls, towers and the castle provide a vivid image of the town as it may have looked during medieval times. After passing the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, we continue to the old town at the heart of Nuremberg. Stroll through the narrow medieval alleyways and visit the Christmas market selling world-famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein before returning to the ship. Dinner on board.

This morning disembark from the boat and transfer to Munich airport. Suggested flight (not included)  British Airways flight BA 927 departing Munich at 14.40 hrs arriving London Heathrow at 15.55 hrs.