Iconic Christmas Markets 2024 Start Budapest, End Nuremberg

Begin your exciting journey in the vibrant city of Budapest. Board your cruise ship and settle in for your Iconic Christmas Markets adventure. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for the days ahead.

Explore the regal city of Budapest, with its iconic sights like the historic Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Heroes' Square. Enjoy splendid views of the twin cities on both banks of the Danube. Later, immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the city's Christmas Markets. Alternatively, you can opt for an active exploration, hiking to Castle Hill and taking in all the iconic sites.

Discover the 'City of Waltzes', Vienna, with its majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Conclude your tour in Vienna's historic city center and later, visit the city's Christmas Markets. For the active adventurers, a guided bike ride along the Danube River is an option. In the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with its giant sparkling Christmas tree and the beautifully decorated Town Hall, Vienna's largest Christmas Market.

Visit the revered Melk Abbey, one of Europe's most significant Baroque monasteries, now housing a museum and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided bike ride around Melk. In the evening, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Strudengau Valley.

Explore the 2,000-year-old city of Passau, known for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Visit the Christmas Market for Bavarian-style crafts. Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour along the Danube or travel to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. In Salzburg, take a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, and its Christmas Markets, including the romantic Hellbrunn Palace.

Discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. Alternatively, sample some of Bavaria's specialties or bike to the base of Walhalla, a neoclassical white marble temple. Later, enjoy one of Bavaria's most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis.

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour. Later, visit Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas markets.

Disembark the ship in Nuremberg as your memorable Christmas Markets cruise comes to an end. Prepare for your journey home, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of this festive multi-day tour.