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2008
November 22
December 6, 12, 20, 26

MS Amalegro
MS Amadagio

1-888-942-3301

Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Central Holidays. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

Visit the Fascinating Christmas Markets between Budapest and Nuremberg. End with 2 nights in Prague. 11 Days Fly to Budapest & return from Prague.

Tour Description
Celebrate the Christmas season with historic Budapest welcoming you at a cocktail, dinner, and gypsy performance, plus splendid views of the twin cities of Buda and Pest set by the Danube. Central Europe exudes music and Vienna, its quintessential pulse, enhances it with an optional Mozart and Strauss concert, elegant baroque architecture, and even exquisite pastry. Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and "Sound of Music" fame, is an option, whereas Roman history is seen in Regensburg's Porta Pretoria, Cruise the Main-Danube Canal 16 locks on the Franconian Alps, an engineering feat, and admire Nuremberg's outstanding Gothic churches, and stylish patrician houses. Everywhere Christmas markets with tempting assortments of wood carvings, ornaments, unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, gingerbread, and craftsmen making their goods before you. End this wonderful holiday's season trip in historic Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires".

Day 1, Sat. Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to Budapest.

Day 2, Sun. Arrive In Budapest, Hungary.
Your luxurious river cruise ship is moored near the city center. Start exploring the city on your own before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. After the Welcome Dinner enjoy a Gypsy performance onboard.

Day 3, Mon. Budapest
Morning sightseeing includes Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Your afternoon is free to explore the Christmas markets. During lunch start cruising to Vienna.

Day 4, Tue. Vienna
Arrive after breakfast and enjoy a day in captivating Vienna. A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and visit the Christmas markets at the Town Hall. Your afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse, sample Vienna's famous pastries or visit a museum. Tonight, return to the Christmas market, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.

Day 5, Wed. Melk-Linz
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Rejoining the ship for lunch you will cruise to Linz, where you will arrive in time to visit there beautiful Christmas markets.

Day 6, Thu. Linz - Passau, Germany
Perhaps, take the optional excursion to Salzburg. Described as "one of the most beautiful cities in Europe," Salzburg is an architectural jewel. This is also Mozart's hometown, and the setting of the world-famous movie, The Sound of Music. Join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. Later, board your ship in Passau, Germany. For those staying on board, enjoy a relaxing day of cruising. On arrival in this charming city, there is time to visit the jolly Christmas Market.

Day 7, Fri. Regensburg
Arrive in medieval Regensburg. A tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Then, visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Or, you can decide to visit the "royal" Christmas markets at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a very traditional handicraft Christmas market, with craftsmen making the goods in front of you. This evening enjoy a folklore performance on board.

Day 8, Sat. Nuremberg
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. After lunch, a short drive through the pastoral countryside brings you to Nuremberg. Enjoy a tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. See the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After your tour, visit the world's largest Christmas Market, where over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offer an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls, dollhouses, gingerbread and the list goes on.

Day 9, Sun. Nuremberg - Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast transfer to Prague, where you will arrive in time for lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the "Golden City" on your own.

Day 10, Mon. Prague
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus, then walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes or restaurants.

Day 11, Tue. Depart Prague for USA
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.
 
Reverse Itinerary Available, call for departure dates and rates.