Related Links » Price/Included Features
Christmas Markets Cruise & Prague
November 26 - December 5, 2008
This 10 Day Holiday includes, 2 Nights Prague + 6 Night Cruise from
Vienna to Nuremburg
Aboard Ms Avalon Tranquility
November 26 - December 5, 2008
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: Wed. Nov 26th, DEPART CANADA - Board your overnight transatlantic flight
Day 2: Thurs. Nov 27th, 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: Fri. Nov 28th, 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: Sat. Nov 29th, 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: Sun. Nov 30th 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 Silent Night Tour 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: Mon. Dec 1rst REGENSBERG
Regensburg is one of 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 centers. 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: Tues. Dec 2nd 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: Wed. Dec 3rd, NUREMBERG TO PRAGUE
(Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic. Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (FB)
Day 9: Thurs. Dec 4th - 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 and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. (BB)
Day 10: Fri. Dec 5th PRAGUE.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
Package includes 21 Meals
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Lunches ( L )
- 6 Dinners (D)
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 motor coach with air conditioning, extra leg room, with washroom facilities
- Escorted by Denise Johnson of Canadian Woman Traveller through The Travel Broker
- In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach
COST: Based on Twin Sharing per person
Canadian Funds
CRUISE ONLY
| CAT. B | $2341.00 + $85.00 Port taxes |
| CAT. A | $2392.00 + $85.00 Port taxes |
| CAT. P | $2493.00 + $85.00 Port taxes |
| *Other Categories on Request | |
*Deposit required at time of booking $500.00 for cruise only
*Full payment of airfare due at time of booking airfare
*Travel insurance due at time of booking
Balance Due 20 AUG 08
Additional Costs:
**International Airfare & Transfers**
- Toronto - $1030.00 + $325.00 Taxes
- Montreal - $1030.00 + $325.00 Taxes
- Ottawa - $1070.00 + $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*
**Tips and Gratuities on board Ms Avalon Tranquility **
