Celebrate this magical time of year with a Christmastime river cruise vacation starting in the Czech Republic, on through the beautiful views of the heart of Germany, and ending in Switzerland. Prague, the beautiful Czech capital, is set on the banks of the Vltava River and a Local Guide will be proud to show you the famous sights. The Christmas market offers rows of brightly decorated wooden huts selling ornaments and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content and try a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. Board your ship in Nuremberg, Germany, host to one of the oldest Christmas markets. Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the illuminated Old Town. 200 stalls sell traditional German Christmas wares and seasonal delicacies. In delightful Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find nativity scenes built by local citizens throughout the town. Learn about holiday traditions as you cruise to Würzburg, and here walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residenz—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Learn how to bake a traditional cookie before arriving at one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses that are dotted along the Main River. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, visit the unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Continue your cruise to Speyer and visit Heidelberg Castle, which towers magnificently over the city, before cruising to Strasbourg, France. This time of year, the historic charm of the city is mixed with the festive aromas, sights, and sounds—creating a truly magical atmosphere! Visit the gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and fascinating astronomical clock. Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the famous Black Forest, an area of unrivaled natural beauty, before ending in Basel Switzerland.

Included Features:

Day 1 Prague: Arrival day at leisure

Day 2 Prague: Guided tour, see the Astronomical Clock and visit to Hradcany Castle; Christmas market

Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 4 Nuremberg: Choice of Nuremberg guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Day 5 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture

Day 6 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market

Day 7 Main river village: Cookie-baking demonstration on board; guided tour

Day 8 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; Christmas market

Day 9 Heidelberg-Speyer: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, free time for Christmas market

Day 10 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market

Day 11 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, or excursion to the Black Forest; Christmas market

Day 12 Basel (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning