Compare Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague by Avalon Waterways vs Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - SUPERIOR BY BUS by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - SUPERIOR BY BUS
by
Exoticca
4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,188 | $ 1,999 |
| Price Per Day | $ 399 | $ 182 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 10 breakfasts. |
| Description | This Festive Christmastime river cruise begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Set on the banks of the Vltava River, you will be immersed in holiday spirit as you explore the famous Christmas markets with rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Stand in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate art piece and visualization of time unlike anything else in the world—and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town. Board your ship in Nuremberg, the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Guided sightseeing shows you its historical treasures, as well as Old Town, illuminated with holiday lights and decorations. There’s plenty of time to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in Germany. And be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a specialty of Nuremberg. Next stop is delightful Bamberg, where nativity scenes built by local citizens are exhibited throughout town. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Walk through the halls of the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Explore one of the charming small towns with half-timbered houses and narrow streets that are dotted along the Main River. Take a guided walk of one of these picturesque Bavarian villages—sure to be even more appealing lit up with festive lights and decorations. As this unforgettable Europe river cruise ends in Frankfurt, you will never forget the historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague perfectly paired with the views, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season. |
Get to know the magical cities and charming culture of Central Europe! Unearth the history of bohemian Berlin, a melting pot of cultures. In Prague, stroll through the fairytale streets of this 'City of a Hundred Spires' before discovering the artistic legacy of enchanting Vienna. Finally, explore the Hungarian capital of Budapest, on the banks of the River Danube. |
Day 1: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
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Day 2: PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
(Breakfast)
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Day 3: PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 4: NUREMBERG
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 Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: BAMBERG
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
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: WÜRZBURG
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 on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: MILTENBERG
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn a picturesque Bavarian village.DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.(Breakfast)
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Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Berlin, the Germany capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Berlin
Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 3: Berlin
Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 4: Berlin
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.
Day 5: Berlin - Prague
Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague
Day 6: Prague
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.
Day 7: Prague - Vienna
After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.
Day 8: Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna
Day 9: Vienna - Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest
Day 10: Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Day 11: Budapest
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.
Day 12: Budapest - US
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.
