Avalon Waterways Reviews – 9 Day River Cruise Prague to Vienna

Avalon Waterways Reviews – 9 Day River Cruise Prague to Vienna. Christmastime on the Danube – Eastbound.

River Cruise Description
Submerse yourself in the grooving atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the beautiful legendary blue Danube on this captivating Avalon River Cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each alluring city and delight in the joyous winter atmosphere of this time of year. Highlights include a visit to the elegant Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, a fun beer tasting, and a guided visit of the breathtaking Benedictine Abbey in Melk.

Visit the bustling Christmas markets and be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties along the way!

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, a fascinating 1,200-year-old city straddling the beautiful Vltava River.

Day 2 Prague
Prague – a remarkable city preserved in time. It’s best-known treasures include the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once considered the envy of Europe; the beautiful HRADČANY CASTLE GROUNDS; stunning St. Vitus Cathedral; and the ancient Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague – guarded on both ends by a stately tower. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Merchants in rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell everything from Christmas tree ornaments and wooden toys, to exquisite Czech handicrafts. Receive a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the merchant nooks. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, you drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise ship is docked and awaiting your arrival. Before dinner, meet your crew at a casual welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Nuremberg
Some 90 percent of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage from devastating bombings and the ravages of WWII. This ancient city, however, was restored to its former glory as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. You might choose a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world. The market boasts some 200 merchant stalls offering traditional wares, including Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), baked goods, and typical Christmas decorations and ornaments. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Regensburg
Regensburg dates back to the time of the Celts, around 500 BC known as the Iron Age. This is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII. Regensburg boasts at least 1,300 buildings listed as being of “historic interest.” Highlights included on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR are the 13th-century Old Town Hall, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Stroll through the city’s historic alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these homes in the Middle Ages as a statement to their economic status. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Enjoy a beer and good SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. This afternoon is your free time to explore on your own or to visit the fantastic Regensburg Christmas market and do some shopping. The wonderful, but tempting aromas of mulled wine, sweet roasted almonds, sausages, and gingerbread allures you and creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s most FAMOUS BEERS at an onboard tasting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Passau
Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers meet, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. The Christkindlmarkt, Passau’s captivating Christmas market, is set against the alluring backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Take in the sights of the “City of Three Rivers” on an included GUIDED WALK. Afterward, set sail on your ship for Linz, where you arrive in the evening. Or, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg. This exciting tour will share with you some of the sites from The Sound of Music, find out how mice caused the composition of the famous Silent Night Christmas carol, and learn how the Austrian people celebrate Christmas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Melk, Austria–Vienna
This morning, enjoy a GUIDED VISIT of Melk’s ancient 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The gorgeous abbey houses an ornate library with more than 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the artistic splendor of the frescoed ceilings, stunningly high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. During lunchtime, cruise through the scenic and picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the striking baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Vienna this evening. This “City of Music” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Vienna
Austria’s magical capital, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, is a fabulous showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the extravagant Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral – and many other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Especially this time of year, visit the Christmas market in the town center, and be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, which are the historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Vienna (Disembarkation)
Although your vacation ends with breakfast this morning, we hope it leaves you with a wealth of memories and some amazing photos of your Avalon River Cruise journey to share with loved ones back home. (Breakfast)

 
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