ABOUT THE TOUR
This delightful winter cruise on the Danube from Vienna to Nuremberg aboard the elegant and luxurious MS Amadeus Cara encompasses not only the history, culture, food, and wine of the region but also its attractive villages, proud castles, impressive churches and traditional Christmas Markets.
Shore excursions will be organized exclusively for our group, guided by Douglas Skeggs, who will also give a series of captivating onboard lectures.
Our voyage begins in Vienna, city of the Habsburgs and heart of their Empire, where we explore the Imperial sights from the magnificent Hofburg to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. We continue to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage and wine region of Wachau where we visit the spectacular Benedictine abbey at Melk before continuing to Passau, also known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, with its colorful Christmas market in front of the spectacular cathedral.
We then sail on to the medieval Bavarian city of Regensburg before ending our journey in the historic town of Nuremberg, famous for its Imperial Castle, walled Old Town and gingerbread. It promises to be a delightful festive journey.
TOUR LEADERS
Joanna Worsley
Douglas Skeggs
TOUR DATE: 28 NOVEMBER 2024 – 4 DECEMBER 2024
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $270
Price Includes
- Accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary
- Full board including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack
- Coffee, tea and ice water with all meals on board
- Free flowing regional red and white wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
- All entrance fees, visits, excursions and transportation as per the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- Gratuities to staff onboard
- Gratuities to guide/s
- Gratuities to bus driver/s
- Porterage
- Services of a professional cruise director
- The services of your tour leader and guest lecturer throughout
Price Excludes
- International flights, currently approximately $450 per person based on 2023 fares and subject to change
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)
- Government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 27/10/23
London / Vienna
Suggested flight (not included) British Airways BA 702 departing London Heathrow at 12.20 hrs arriving Vienna at 15.45 hrs.
On arrival, transfer to the dock in Vienna to board the luxury MS Amadeus Cara and embark on a six-night cruise on the Danube. Captain’s drinks followed by a welcome dinner on board.
Vienna
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 with Douglas Skeggs 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. The remainder of the day is spent on the ship. Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner on board.
Vienna / Emmersdorf
This morning arrive in Emmersdorf in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau. Guided tour with a local guide of 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. Continue through the Abbot’s chambers, along the Imperator’s Walk, and through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.
Lunch on board. The remainder 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. Tea and dinner on board.
Emmersdorf / Passau
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 with Douglas Skeggs through 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. Optional visit to the traditional Passau Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral offering traditional handicrafts, gingerbread, spices and delicious treats.
Lunch on board. Boat departs for Ragensburg. Afternoon at leisure. Tea and dinner on board.
Passau / Regensburg
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 with Douglas Skeggs 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 Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg (bookable on board and at a supplementary price). 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.
Regensburg / Roth / Nuremberg
This morning enjoy watching the beautiful scenery as you cruise to the Bavarian town of Roth.
Lunch on board. Afternoon 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, 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.
Nuremburg / Munich / London
This morning disembark from the boat and transfer to Munich airport for suggested flight (not included) British Airways BA 951 departing Munich at 12.40 hrs arriving London Heathrow at 13.40 hrs.
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