Christkindlmärkte Of Austria & Germany

Depart home city

Vienna/Embark Amadeus Star

Arrive at Vienna International Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs screening, meet a representative. From there you will transfer to a group hospitality room at the InterContinental Vienna.

Shuttle service from the hospitality room will be available for those who’d like to visit the Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, a renowned holiday market held on the square in front of Vienna’s City Hall.

Later this afternoon, transfer with the group to embark the Amadeus Star.

After settling into your cabin or stateroom, attend a  Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill.

Captain’s Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board the river boat with views of the lovely Vienna harbor.

Vienna

Linger over a satisfying breakfast on board, then venture out for an insightful tour of Vienna. From its ancient origins as the site of Celtic and Roman settlements, medieval Vienna was at the epicenter of the Baroque movement. In addition to ushering in the golden age of Viennese classical music, Austria’s capital city is home to stunning architecture and splendid gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic city center features baroque castles and the impressive late 19th-century Ringstrasse, lined with landmark monuments and parks.

Vienna City Tour. This panoramic excursion passes the magnificent Vienna State Opera House, which opened in 1869 with Mozart’s “Don Juan” to an audience that included Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. It is today considered one of the most important opera houses in the world. From there, witness the Austrian Parliament; the 19th-century Burgtheater (known locally as “The Burg”); the historical Vienna City Hall; and several unique Catholic church buildings — culminating with the spectacular St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Admire the Gothic beauty of St. Stephen’s, or Stephansdom, a structure that represents eight centuries of architectural history on your way to visit the Spanish Riding School. (Moderate)

Spanish Riding School. Visit the magnificent riding hall of the Spanish Riding School, an institution that demands the Renaissance tradition of classical dressage. Watch a training practice by the world-famous white Lipizzan stallions. These equines are famous for their classic physique and grace and are recognized as Europe’s oldest cultural horse breed, a cross between Spanish, Arabian and Berber horses. (Moderate)

Enjoy lunch on your own. Perhaps try experiencing Viennese coffee house culture, an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle. Pair your coffee with a slice of Sacher torte, a decadent chocolate sponge cake made with layers of apricot jam and a chocolate ganache topping! Traditionally served with whipped cream, the recipe is a closely guarded secret!

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions:

• Schönbrunn Palace. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace was originally commissioned by Emperor Leopold I at the end of the 17th century as an imperial hunting lodge. By the end of the 18th century, the chateau grew into the palatial imperial residence you will see today. Gain insight into the Austrian empire and its extravagant Hapsburg rulers as you stroll through these lavish hallways and enjoy leisure time in the palace park. (Moderate)
• Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz. Peruse Vienna’s most famous Christkindlmarkt! Held on the square front of Vienna’s City Hall, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is surrounded by Vienna’s largest display of holiday lights, decorations and the remarkable Rathaus Christmas Tree with a large nativity scene at its foot. The lively atmosphere is comprised of a variety of incredible market stalls, including endless food options featuring traditional seasonal cuisine. (Moderate)

Return to the boat for a special a cappella performance by Alpine carolers. Tap your toes during some delightful Christmas music.

This evening, savor dinner on board as the boat sails toward Dürnstein.

Durnstein/Emmersdorf/Melk

Wake up this morning in the picturesque Austrian town of Dürnstein, nestled in the heartland of UNESCO-inscribed Wachau Valley’s wine country.

Dürnstein Walking Tour. Tiny and charming, Dürnstein is most famous for its Künringer Castle, where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned on his way back from the Third Crusade. Your walking tour begins at the Dürnstein Abbey, which began in 1372 as a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Look above to view the ruins of Künringer Castle, situated high on a hill, before enjoying a short organ recital at the cathedral in Dürnstein. (Mild)

Return to the boat for lunch on board as we cruise to Melk, the former site of an ancient Roman garrison and a legendary abbey, built high atop the town with views over the lower alps and Danube below.

Melk Abbey Tour. Disembark for an enriching visit to the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey complex, a landmark that includes remnants of an 11th-century castle where Austria’s Babenberg rulers once lived, and a baroque-style façade built in the 18th century. The abbey’s elaborate cloister has been ruined and rebuilt over the centuries and contains such artistic treasures as original frescoes, statuary and medieval manuscripts. (Mild)

Once you’re back on board, you can enjoy dinner of local cuisine, after which you can relax under the nighttime sky.

Linz/Salzburg

Arrive in Linz. Disembark after breakfast for your selected full-day excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions:

• Salzburg City Tour. Enjoy the scenery on a drive from Linz to Salzburg. This UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed city flourished from the Middle Ages through the 19th century as the center of art and culture — attracting artists and architects from throughout Europe with styles that ranged from Gothic to baroque. Begin your discovery of this legendary city with a walking tour of its historic center and old town. See St. Peter’s Cemetery, the Residenz Palace and Festival Halls before strolling along the 12th-century Getreidegasse shopping boulevard. Walk past Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9 before arriving at the Mirabell Castle Cathedral for a Mozart string quartet concert. After the concert, continue past the majestic Dom Cathedral for a visit to the traditional Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom and Residenzplatz Square, one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties before visiting the 11th-century Fortress of Hohensalzburg, the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe. (Active)
• Linz Walking Tour. Step off the ship and discover the charming city of Linz on foot. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Mozart House, followed by the historic Landhaus. Next, admire the impressive Neuer Dom, the largest church in Austria, where you’ll find one of the country’s most elaborate Nativity scenes. Take a break at a local café to sample the famous Linzer Torte, a beloved regional treat. The tour concludes at the festive Christmas Market, where you’ll have time to soak in the seasonal atmosphere. Afterwards, return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing, free afternoon to explore Linz at your own pace. (Mild)

Return to the boat for dinner on board this evening.

Passau

Arrive in Passau, nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn rivers. Picturesque Passau has been called “one of the most beautifully situated towns in the world.”

Passau. In the heart of old town, step into St. Stephen’s Cathedral, famous for its Baroque architecture and the world’s largest cathedral organ, with 17,974 pipes and 233 registers, creating a majestic sound. This has been the cathedral’s site since the 8th century, with the current structure completed in 1688. The breathtaking baroque interior features elegant white and gold stucco adornments and ornate ceiling frescoes depicting biblical scenes in stunning detail. (Moderate)

Free Time: Savor the aromas of Christmas as you explore the Passau Christkindlmarkt. Shop the stalls and taste the gingerbread and other aromatic treats with the splendor of the city all around.

Return to the boat for lunch on board as we depart Passau. Relax in your cabin or find your favorite chair on deck before enjoying dinner this evening.

Regensburg

Regensburg is our next port of call. Once a booming merchant city, Regensburg today is dotted with impressive Roman ruins, Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque churches, and colorful houses from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Regensburg Walking Tour. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many bridges, cathedrals and squares, the city of Regensburg has a history that spans more than 2,000 years. Its old town center was once the site of a Roman stronghold, reflected in remnants of walls that remain to this day. Even though it suffered repeated bombing during World War II, most of its medieval structures survived. Take a stroll back in time during a walking tour through Regensburg. Festooned with pine boughs and sparkling lights, the city features four enchanting Christmas markets — each purveying distinctive handmade pottery, carved figures and Bavarian delicacies. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch as the ship departs Regensburg.

Gather with friends tonight for a delicious dinner and conversation.

Nuremberg

The cityscape of Nuremberg greets you this morning! Home to Europe’s first printing press, Nuremberg is often associated with expansions in science and technology. Ancient city walls from the 14th and 15th centuries lead to an array of medieval gates and towers.

Nuremberg Walking Tour. Your walking tour begins in Nuremberg’s old town, where you can see the original city walls and visit the castle complex. Admire the medieval, Gothic-style St. Lawrence Church, damaged during World War II and later masterfully restored. In the Hauptmarkt, or market square, see the Frauenkirche Gothic church, and the Schöner Brunnen fountain before returning to the boat for lunch on board. (Moderate)

Free Time: Disembark for an afternoon at leisure to explore the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest holiday markets in the world. In addition to Old World Christmas decorations, the market is renowned for preserving Nuremberg’s famous Rostbratwurst and Lebkuchen, a 17th-century gingerbread recipe.

Captain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board with views of Nuremberg at night.

Nuremberg /Disembark ship/Return to home city