Signature Christmas Markets River Cruise

Welcome to the Golden City of Prague. Explore the City of 100 Spires Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. Arrive anytime today and settle in a the hotel. We will meet tonight for a quick welcome meeting and to get acquainted.
Accommodations: Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague (or similar)

Take a Guided City Walk to see the grounds of Hradčany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Accommodations: Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague (or similar)

The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon ship.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to its former glory as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Choose a guided sightseeing tour and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a Nuremburg Ralley Fairgrounds tour.
Spend your free time at Christmas Markets of Nuremburg. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world. The market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, including Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), baked goods, and typical Christmas decorations and ornaments. After your free time at the Christmas market, a shuttle bus service will be at your disposal to take you back to the ship.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

This morning, during a relaxing morning sailing, enjoy an on board lecture about Christmas traditions. After lunch, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of “historic interest.” Highlights included on your guided sightseeing tour are the 13th-century Old Town Hall, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city’s alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers, built by wealthy families in the Middle Ages to emphasize their status.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
Later, indulge in an onboard Beer Tasting to sample regional German brews.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. The Christkindlmarkt, Passau’s charming Christmas market, is set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Take in the highlights of the “City of Three Rivers” on an included guided walk. Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg to see some of the sites from The Sound of Music, find out how mice caused the composition of the famous Silent Night Christmas carol, and learn how the Austrians celebrate Christmas.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

This morning, enjoy a guided of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendor of the frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. During lunchtime, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein.
Before arriving in Vienna this evening, enjoy a special onboard Austrian cookie tasting.
Vienna, the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—and countless other sights you’ll see on your guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, we will offer you a special culinary tour at the Viennese Christmas markets, where you can taste all the best flavors that Austria offers during this time of year. Visit the Christmas market in the town center, and be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture!
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion

Time to say good-bye to this beautiful destination and wonderful new friends. You will be transferred to the airport after breakfast.
Accommodations: Avalon Passion