Christkindlmärkte along the Danube River

Depart home city

Nuremberg, Germany/Embark Amadeus Imperial

Arrive in the storied city of Nuremberg, to embark the Amadeus Imperial. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.

Nuremberg

Explore the historic center of Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. Divided by the River Pegnitz, its medieval city walls and imperial castle complex are straight out of a fairytale. Behold the medieval, Gothic‑style St. Lawrence Church, damaged during the World War II and later masterfully restored. In the Hauptmarkt, see the Frauenkirche, or Gothic church, and the Schöner Brunnen fountain. Spend the afternoon at leisure and visit Germany’s most famous Christmas Market, known for preserving Nuremberg’s famous rostbratwurst and Nürnberger lebkuchen gingerbread.

Regensburg

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of medieval Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural testament to the city’s history as an important trading center. Even though it suffered repeated bombing during World War II, most of its medieval structures survived. Festooned with pine boughs and sparkling lights, the city features four enchanting Christmas Markets—each purveying distinctive handmade pottery, carved figures, and Bavarian delicacies.

Passau

Admire graceful arcades, cobblestone streets, and the breathtaking Baroque cathedral of St. Stephen. Visit the Christmas Market in front of that iconic cathedral with time to explore at your own pace. Shop the stalls and taste the gingerbread and other aromatic treats with the splendor of the city all around you.

Linz/Salzburg, Austria

Begin your discovery of historic Salzburg with a walking tour of its UNESCO-inscribed old town. See St. Peter’s Cemetery, The Residenz Palace, the Festival Halls, and stroll along the 12th century Getreidegasse shopping boulevard. You will also walk past Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9 before continuing on to the 11th century Fortress of Hohensalzburg, the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe. See the majestic Dom Cathedral, home to Mozart’s baptismal font, as you walk to Salzburg’s Christmas Market in Cathedral Square. Enjoy lunch in local restaurant, followed by a visit to the famous Schloss Hellbrunn Christmas market, known for its life-size Nativity scene.

Emmersdorf/Dürnstein/Melk

Visit Melk’s famous Benedictine abbey, one of the most significant Baroque‑style building complexes in Europe. Providing a sweeping panorama of the Lower Alps and Danube River below, the abbey’s elaborate cloister was ruined and then rebuilt several times and contains such artistic treasures as original frescoes, statuary, and medieval manuscripts. From there, we cruise to the lovely village of Dürnstein, situated in the heart of Wachau Valley wine country. Visit the uniquely situated Dürnstein Abbey, which began in 1372 as a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. High above the town, see the ruins of Künringer Castle, where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned on his way back from the Third Crusade. Enjoy a short organ recital at the cathedral in Dürnstein.

Vienna

Discover the Gothic beauty of St. Stephen’s, or Stephansdom, on a visit to a structure that represents eight centuries of architectural history. Explore the UNESCO‑inscribed Schönbrunn Palace, the Hapsburg’s extravagant summer residence. Learn more about these rulers as you stroll palace hallways and the gardens, followed by a visit to the Schönbrunn Christmas Market. Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Reception.

Vienna/Disembark ship/Return to home city

Disembark the river boat and transfer to the airport for a flight back to your home city. *The 12/01 departure operates in reverse