This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries—where monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!

1. Day 1
   VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Dec 07, 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

   Wed, Dec 08, 2027

   Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
   
   DISCOVERY Explore the city of Vienna and sample local winter specialties on a Guided Walk through the city’s Old Town and Christmas markets, OR:
   
   CLASSIC 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

   Thu, Dec 09, 2027

   Frescoes above the Wachau Valley
   
   CLASSIC 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

   Fri, Dec 10, 2027

   Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
   
   CLASSIC 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

   Sat, Dec 11, 2027

   Christmas Magic in Bavaria
   
   CLASSIC 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 Demonstration.
   
   Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   NUREMBERG

   Sun, Dec 12, 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 (DISEMBARKATION)

   Mon, Dec 13, 2027

   Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
   
   (B)