This holiday river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria. And the views along the way can’t be outdone—towns and villages decorated for the holidays and beautiful views as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal. Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Frankfurt, Germany. In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy free time to walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries—sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season. In Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. In Würzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Your next stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river—sure to be even more appealing when illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Take an excursion to Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley wine region to experience the joyful Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy Christmas market lights and delights through Heidelberg and Speyer before sailing to Strasbourg for the La Petite France district and shimmering Christmas markets. Continue on to the Black Forest for a traditional Bavarian Christmas atmosphere. Your delightful festive cruise ends in Basel.

1. Day 1
   VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)

   Fri, Dec 03, 2027

   Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(D)
2. Day 2
   VIENNA

   Sat, Dec 04, 2027

   Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsCLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   MELK–GREIN

   Sun, Dec 05, 2027

   Frescoes above the Wachau ValleyCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   PASSAU

   Mon, Dec 06, 2027

   Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent NightCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   REGENSBURG

   Tue, Dec 07, 2027

   Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. DISCOVERY Join an onboard gingerbread Cooking DemonstrationLater, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   NUREMBERG

   Wed, Dec 08, 2027

   Legends and History Lessons DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlesmarkt. DISCOVERY Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH

   Thu, Dec 09, 2027

   Merry in MunichCLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.Spend some free time on your own to browse Munich Christkindlmarkt and enjoy countless of their culinary delights, gingerbread, or hot-mulled wine. Return to your ship in Nuremberg in the late afternoon.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,D)
8. Day 8
   NUREMBERG

   Fri, Dec 10, 2027

   Legends and History Lessons CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.DISCOVERY Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard your ship to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   BAMBERG

   Sat, Dec 11, 2027

   Christmas Customs and Cradle ScenesCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    WÜRZBURG

    Sun, Dec 12, 2027

    Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    MILTENBERG

    Mon, Dec 13, 2027

    Hidden Gifts and Holiday DelightsCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn. DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM

    Tue, Dec 14, 2027

    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in RüdesheimEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER(B,D)
13. Day 13
    SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

    Wed, Dec 15, 2027

    Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg.Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO KEHL (B,L,D)
14. Day 14
    KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

    Thu, Dec 16, 2027

    A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux NoëlCLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)
15. Day 15
    BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

    Fri, Dec 17, 2027

    German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach’s Christmas Markets EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL (B,L,D)
16. Day 16
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

    Sat, Dec 18, 2027

    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. (B)