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Christmas Markets Cruise & Prague
December 7 - December 16, 2007
This 10 Day Holiday includes 2 Nights Prague + 7 Night Cruise from Vienna to Nuremburg
Aboard Ms Avalon Tranquility
Come along with us to celebrate the magic of the wonderful winter season with a fascinating trip from Vienna through the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe's most romantic river.
We will journey from Vienna, the main Danube Canal, through many of the Danube's great cities, across the Continental Divide, and onto historic Prague.
Along the way we will visit charming towns dressed in their holiday splendor, where so many Christmas traditions began. We will admire beautiful vistas of enchanting Bavaria and the charming Wachau Valley of Austria. Shop at the dazzling Christmas markets and celebrate with the local people.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Fri. Dec 7th, DEPART CANADA - Board your overnight transatlantic flight
Day 2: Sat. Dec 8th, ARRIVE IN VIENNA AUSTRIA
(Embarkation) Welcome to Vienna, Austria's romantic capital! This afternoon your crew awaits to welcome you aboard your luxury river cruise ship! (D)
Day 3: Sun. Dec 9th, VIENNA
Once the centre of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Austria's capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (FB, L, D)
Day 4: Mon. Dec 10th, MELK
The magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town of Melk from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (FB, L, D)
Day 5: Tues. Dec 11th LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY
Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer - the traditional carols, the sparkling lights and the smell of candles and gingerbread. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades, and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. (FB, L, D)
Day 6: Wed. Dec 12th REGENSBERG
Regensburg is oneof Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria's cultural centres. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages and Regensburg is home to the country's oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen) dating back to the 12th century. (FB, L, D)
Day 7: Thur. Dec 13th NUREMBERG
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; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB, L, D)
Day 8: Fri. Dec 14th, NUREMBERG
(Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic. Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (FB)
Day 9: Sat. Dec 15th - CZECH REPUBLIC. PRAGUE,
Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations andcelebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)
Day 10: Sun. Dec 16th PRAGUE.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
INCLUDED FEATURES
- Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Prague including buffet breakfast daily
- Superb dining with all meals included while cruising.
- Quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner on board
- Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
- Captain's Gala Dinner
- Daily sightseeing excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Visit the Christmas Markets in Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Linz and Vienna
- Services of a professional Cruise Director
- Quality hotels with twin bedded rooms, private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling on cruise and tour portion
- Private deluxe motorcoach with air conditioning, extra leg room, with washroom facilities
- Escorted by Denise Johnson of Canadian Woman Traveller through The Travel Broker
COST: Based on Twin Sharing CRUISE ONLY
We are holding space in these two categories,
$1709.00 + $82.00 Port Charges per person - Category E
$2197.00 + $82.00 Port Charges per person - Category A
ADDITIONAL COST: International Airfare & Transfers
- Toronto - $1030.00 + $325.00 Taxes
- Montreal - $1030.00 + $325.00 Taxes
- Ottawa - $1070.00 + $550.00 Taxes
- St. John's NF - $1150.00 + $560.00 Taxes
- Halifax - $1150.00 + $352.00 Taxes
- Winnipeg - $1180.00 + $550.00 Taxes
- Edmonton - $1245.00 + $550.00 Taxes
- Calgary - $1175.00 + $550.00 Taxes
- Vancouver - $1175.00 + $325.00 Taxes
*Prices are subject to availability*
Deposit required at time of booking $200.00
Balance Due 04SEP07
