Christmastime on the Danube from Prague to Vienna

An Avalon Waterways Christmas Markets Cruise

December 3 - 11, 2012

Celebrate an Old-Country Christmas in several European cities while sailing from one to the next in the comfort of an Avalon Waterways rivercruise ship. In each town square rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and local handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of hot mulled wine and a traditional hot sausage. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries. Come with us to discover many of the centuries-old traditions’ we’ll begin in Prague and end in Vienna.

Day 1 & 2 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic

Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle grounds,; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal and stroll through the Christmas markets.

Day 3  Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)

After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4  Nuremberg

Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5  Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Tour the  Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Passau–Linz, Austria (optional Salzburg tour)

Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Melk–Vienna

Melk’s magnificent Benedicine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8  Vienna

See the Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9  Vienna (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Avalon Waterways is the river cruise and small-ship subsidiary of Globus Tours. A leader in group travel throughout the world for more than 80 years, Globus and its subsidiary companies offer a complete range of leisure travel experiences.

We will sail on the Avalon Visionary. The newest ship in the fleet, the Visionary will enter service in 2012.  80% of  rooms are suites featuring sliding window leading to princess balconies. Experience an online tour of the ship by clicking here: http://www.avalonwaterways.com/River-Cruise-Ships/Avalon-Visionary/

The Fares: Rivercruise fares reflect the size of the ships and the popularity of the cruises.  For our Christmas cruise plus Prague fares begin at $2119 plus $90 tax for the six night cruise plus two nights in Prague. All onboard meals, most tours, and guides’ services are included. Stateroom fares increase as lower-priced stateroom categories sell out.  If our group grows to include eight or more passengers, each will enjoy a $250 discount.  It’s best to call us to discuss your preferences and the ship’s availability at the time of your inquiry. Please call The Touring Club at 252-633-9771.  A deposit of $250 will hold your reservation until Autumn 2012.

Air Travel  When you contact us for your cruise reservation we will work with you to obtain the best available air fare.  Sometimes that’s available from Globus/Avalon and sometimes it’s available directly from airlines or resellers. If you have access to no-cost or reduced-cost air travel we certainly have no objection to your making your own arrangements.

Until January 3, 2012, Avalon Waterways is offering a $500 per person discount on air travel booked with a group cruise. Avalon is not able to quote the exact cost of a flight at this time, however when the price and schedule become available you will have the opportunity to reject the offered flight if you choose.  Your $250 air deposit will then be applied to your cruise fare.

The Time to Act is Now!  If you’re thinking of joining us for this most special holiday experience NOW is the time to make your plans for Christmas 2012.  Although the time for this cruise is still many months away, these cruises sell out very early.  If you want to be part of our very special Christmastime tour to some of the most beautiful areas of Europe, please contact us soon.  Call us at 252-633-9771 or email info@TheTouringClub.net for a brochure and all the details.