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Christmas Markets on the Danube
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the-journeys

Enchanting Christmas Marketsalong the Rivers

Christmas Markets on the Danube

 

Is this River Cruise vacation for you ?  We sure hope so! There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic & culinary diversity On this memorable journey, come…….celebrate the magic of the holiday season in the birthplaces of the Christmas tradition…..with us.

 

Obviously, our first response would be YES, since that’s what we hope to have you purchase from us.  So, why do we think so? Here’s the company line: We think a river cruise is today’s best international vacation value and provides both couples and "single travelers” with the most rewarding, most luxurious, hassle-free & most relaxing way to experience many of the most beautiful & storied regions of the world. And, did we mention that it is almost impossible to get sea sick on a river cruise - yes, just about impossible!

 

That said, we’re probably much like you: enjoy travel, enjoy learning as much as we can about a region, its people and their culture rather than struggle through a, “if it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium”-type of vacation. Sure we still want to experience it all, but would prefer to do it with people “like me” who share similar interests, are fun, enjoy exploring & learning, and want a bit of pampering along the way… you know, by day you want to interact with the people & places you visit and by night you want a fine Cabernet, a poached fresh salmon with asparagus, and great accommodations for the night - right? Yep.

 

A floating hotel that journeys between destinations. In its simplest form, a river cruiser is nothing more than a barge with a hotel on top. For many travelers, the slow chug along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down you have all the amenities of a modern hotel - restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, Internet access & comfortable staterooms.

 

They offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns & major European capitals that can’t be reached on a traditional cruise ship. You will get a chance to immerse yourself in contemporary cultures in a way you can do only when traveling between a different port every day and to learn something about the history of the towns along the Continents greatest rivers.

 

Europe has more navigable rivers than any other region in the world - and arguably more diverse cultures along its river banks than any place else. Here is a unique opportunity to discover a lot of Europe's interesting cultural sites & scenic landscapes without packing & unpacking all the time. You just have to check in once and your hotel-ship is going to bring you from one beautiful town to the next one. Every day a new city waits to be discovered by you. In the afternoon & evening you can enjoy the amenities of your hotel while it passes beautiful river passages, old castles and modern locks.

 

On this memorable journey, celebrate the magic of the holiday season in the birthplaces of the Christmas tradition.

 

After two nights in Prague, board in Nuremberg and cruise the Danube to Regensburg, Prague, Melk, Salzburg (optional) & Vienna, where you’ll wander the stalls of Christmas markets, shop for handicrafts, sip hot mulled wine, and inhale the scent of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Your cruise ends in festive Budapest and we are you will be enticed to come again. 

 

A unique experience is just the beginning……. Take the plunge now and yep….the iconic Christmas Markets…along the rivers….are waiting. Spectacular & surreal, A warm welcome awaits you and The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come…be inspired & discover the World….

     

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Day | Date

City

Transfers  |  Sightseeing

November - December

 

01 |  S

Prague

Arrival Transfer  |  Free (balance of the evening)

02 |  S

Prague

AM  Prague  |   PM Christmas Market  |  Free (balance of the evening)

03 |  M

Nuremberg

AM  🚌 Transfer  |  PM  Christkindlesmarkt  +  Embarkation

04 |  T

Nuremberg

AM  Nuremberg  |  Free (balance of the evening)

05 |  W

Regensburg

AM  Regensburg  +  Christmas Market  |  PM  Market Visit  | Free (evening)

06 |  T

Passau

AM  Passau  +  Christmas Market  |  Free (balance of the day)

07 |  F

Melk

AM  Melk  |  Free (balance of the evening)

08 |  S

Vienna

AM  Vienna  |  PM  Rathaus Christkindlmarkt  |  Free (balance of the evening)

09 |  S

Budapest

AM  Budapest  |  PM Christmas Market  |  Free (balance of the evening)

10 |  M

Budapest

Departure Transfer      

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

the-journeys

Discover…Christmas Markets…inEurope…

Christmas Markets on the Danube

 

10 Days | 9 Nights 

 

Day 1 - Saturday | Arrive Prague at ????  

Welcome to Czech Republic. After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Prague Vaclav Havel International Airport, subsequent to Customs & Immigration, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort and discuss the program for the next few days.

 

Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.

 

Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches & the medieval Astronomical Clock, with a popular show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with 30 statues of saints. Not surprisingly, avid travellers come in droves, and on a hot summer's day it can feel like you are sharing Charles Bridge with half of humanity.

 

Prague's maze of cobbled lanes & hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes & old-fashioned bars. One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration - neighbourhoods such as Vinohrady and Bubenec can reward the urban adventurer with countless memorable cameos, from the setting sun glinting off church domes, to the strains of Dvorak wafting from an open window.

 

The 1989 Velvet Revolution that freed the Czechs from communism bequeathed to Europe a gem of a city to stand beside stalwarts such as Rome, Amsterdam & London. Marvel at the sight of a 14th century stone bridge, a hilltop castle & a lovely, lazy river - the Vltava - that inspired one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of 19th century classical music, Smetana’s Moldau.

 

Prague's art galleries may not have the allure of the Louvre, but Bohemian art offers much to admire, from the glowing Gothic altarpieces in the Convent of St Agnes, to the luscious art nouveau of Alfons Mucha, & the magnificent collection of 20th century surrealists, cubists & constructivists in the Veletrzní Palac. The weird & witty sculpture of David Cerny punctuates Prague's public spaces, and the city itself offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, from the soaring verticals of Gothic & the exuberance of baroque to the sensual elegance of art nouveau & the chiselled cheekbones of cubist facades.

 

Where Beer is God! The best beer in the world just got better. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have been famous for producing some of the world's finest brews.

 

You will be transferred to the hotel.

 

Check-in & relax.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). Overnight. 

 

Day 2 - Sunday | Prague 

Morning at 09:00 am, you will be picked up for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the Czech capital.

 

During this tour you are going to see the most interesting historical landmarks of Prague – the Municipal House, Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, Charles Square followed by a ride along the beautiful riverside, across the River Vltava to Prague Castle.

 

Soak up the skyline of spires and turrets; drive around streets packed with Gothic & Romanesque monuments; and learn about Prague’s history from the onboard commentary.

 

See the State Opera and circle bustling Wenceslas Square, dominated by the National Museum and statue of St Wenceslas, Bohemia’s patron saint.

 

Continue around Charles Square to the Vltava River and admire the statue-topped Charles Bridge, the 14th century stone edifice that spans the water. View the Rudolfinum & head for UNESCO-listed Prague Castle, a massive, fortified complex of churches & palaces.

 

You can go inside Prague Castle (own expense – Entry Ticket not included) to explore the courtyards & buildings, including St Vitus Cathedral, once the coronation site of Bohemia’s monarchs; and Golden Lane, the cottage-lined cobbled alley that once housed castle servants and alchemists.

 

Travel through the former Jewish Quarter and stop near Prague’s Old Town Square to explore this glorious space. Take in the impressive St Nicholas Church, Tyn Cathedral & Old Town Hall and pause to admire the world-famous Astronomical Clock, with its mechanical procession of 12 apostle figurines.

 

From here, you will walk to the Old Town Square where the Tour concludes. The Tour-guide will leave from here after giving you helpful tips.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure or why not spend your free time perusing the stalls at Prague’s renowned Christmas Market, in the Old Town Square (where the Tour finishes) with its tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys & local delicacies.

 

Christmas markets are a key ingredient of the festive magic in the Czech Republic, and the Prague Christmas markets are the most impressive. They light up the city, bringing locals & tourists together to share in the spirit, in a true 'winter wonderland' setting.

 

The main markets are at the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square (5 minutes walk from each other). There are also smaller markets dotted around the city, notably on Republic Square, at Havel's Market, on Kampa Island in the Lesser Town, and by St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle.

 

The markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handicrafts: glassware, jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metalware, ceramics, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves & scarves, and puppets & dolls beautifully dressed in traditional costumes.

 

Return to the hotel at your convenience (on your own).

 

Overnight.  B 

 

Day 3 - Monday | Prague 🚌 Nuremberg Drive: 294 km 

Early morning at 06:00 am, depart for Nuremberg, driving through the pastoral countryside.

 

“Nuremberg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon and stars”, gushed Martin Luther.

 

Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, is distinguished by medieval architecture. For centuries, Nuremberg was the undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire & the preferred residence of most German kings, who kept their crown jewels here. Rich & stuffed with architectural wonders, it was also a magnet for famous artists, though the most famous of all, Albrecht Durer, was actually born here.

 

When people think of Nuremberg, they usually think of gingerbread, toys, Christmas, the Reich Party Rally Grounds, or the Nuremberg Trials. But the old town of Nuremberg is much more than this & indeed Nuremberg probably comes closest to many tourists' expectations of a typical German city.

 

One can find half-timbered houses and the fortifications & stone towers of its Altstadt (Old Town). At the northern edge of the Altstadt, surrounded by red-roofed buildings, stands the towering imperial Kaiserburg Castle. The Hauptmarkt (central square) contains the Schoner Brunnen, the gilded “beautiful fountain” with tiers of figures, & Frauenkirche, a 14th century Gothic church.

 

By the 19th century, the city had become a powerhouse in Germany’s industrial revolution. Nuremberg & the surrounding cities are home to many well-known German companies, e.g. Adidas, Diehl, Faber-Castell, Playmobil, Puma & several divisions of industrial giant Siemens.

 

Nuremberg is an energetic place where the nightlife is intense & the beer is as dark as coffee and can even live up to culinary expectations with breweries and beergarden & its most famous dish, the Nuremberg sausages with Sauerkraut.

 

On arrival. proceed to experience Germany’s Number 1 Christmas City with its annual world-famous Christkindlesmarkt held in Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, and in adjoining squares and streets, that is unrivalled in its beauty, traditions & atmosphere.

 

Dive into the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of the festively decorated Old Town. Soak up the medieval charm and the aroma of gingerbread, mulled wine, almonds, Nuremberg bratwurst & gluhwein as well as brass ensembles & children´s choirs.

 

The Nuremberg Kinderweihnacht is the children’s market and has an old-fashioned carousel, Ferris wheel & steam train. The Nativity scene trail runs between the two markets.

 

Each year 200 stall holders present their traditional wares: Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods, sweets and typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, cribs, Christmas tree ornaments, candles, toys as well as many arts and craft products. Favourite souvenirs include the "Nuremberg Plum People", little figures made from prunes.

 

About 180 wooden stalls, festooned with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas Market its name of "Little Town from Wood and Cloth".

 

Staff of the Christmas Market Council always keep a watchful eye on the goods being sold by vendors and the Nuremberg Christmas Market Stall Holders also compete for the most beautiful & tasteful stall design. And the City gives out an annual award of gold, silver & bronze "Plum People" to the most beautiful stalls.

 

Nuremberg Christmas Market with its traditional image has been a model for many other German Christmas Markets. Equally the "Little Town from Wood and Cloth" has also been much in demand as a picturesque setting and backdrop for many TV shows.

 

Evening, proceed to the Pier to board for floating hotel for the next 7 days.

 

Check-in, settle down in your Stateroom & meet your fellow travellers at the Welcome Dinner.

 

Overnight on board.  B D 

 

Day 4 - Tuesday | Depart Nuremberg at ????  

Morning, at 09:00 am, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the medieval city of Nuremberg.

 

Drive through the city’s Old Town, admiring the beautiful timber-framed houses & cobblestone streets. Marvel at the massive City Walls of Old Town Nuremberg, which still run for approximately 4 km. Behind the walls, walk past the Craftsmen's Courtyard, where glass cutters, leather workers, gold & silversmiths, stained-glass painters and other artisans offer their wares for sale.

 

See the gothic St. Lawrence Church, which was rebuilt after World War II; the Town Hall, German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer's house and the Imperial Castle courtyards, to name just some of the attractions.

 

Along the way, you will learn about the history of this beautiful & prosperous city - as the center of the Holy Roman Empire, to the days of the German Renaissance, the Temple City of the Third Reich, and the home to both the Nazi rallies & Nuremberg Trials.

 

See where German Emperors were crowned and where saints are buried. Find where the most famous and talented German artisans in history created their awe-inspiring works and where the colorful and lively markets have taken place for almost 700 years. 

 

Then head out to see the Nazi party rally grounds. Discover the Great Street, designed by architect Albert Speer to be the central axis of the rally grounds, and the half-finished Congress Hall of the Nazi Party, a building Hitler planned to use for party meetings. There is also the largest Third Reich buildings, where Hitler inspected members of the SS, and the Documentation Center, a museum with exhibits on vital wartime & post-war events, like the Nuremberg Trials.

 

Continue to the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, where the 1945-49 Nuremberg Trials were staged. Visit the courthouse (own expense if you want to go in) if the court is not being used at the time.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

 

Return to the Ship.

 

Overnight on board as the Ship departs. B L D 

 

Day 5 - Wednesday | Arrive Regensburg at ???? | Depart Regensburg  at ???? 

Arrive in Regensburg by morning.

 

The sparsely populated eastern reaches of Bavaria may live in the shadow of Bavaria’s big-hitting attractions, but they hold many historical treasures to rival their neighbours. Top billing goes to Regensburg, a former capital, and one of Germany’s prettiest and liveliest cities. It made a name for itself as an important trade center in the Middle Ages and now serves as a popular tourist destination for those traveling the Romantic Road.

 

Regensburg, a Bavarian city set on the banks of the Danube River in southeast Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval core. A Roman settlement completed under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Regensburg was the first capital of Bavaria, the residence of dukes, kings & bishops, and for 600 years a Free Imperial City. The UNESCO World Heritage listed historic center is one of few German towns not destroyed in the war & 2 millennia of history bequeathed the city some of the region’s finest architectural heritage. Though big on the historical wow factor, today’s Regensburg is a laid-back and unpretentious sort of place, and a good springboard into the wider region.

 

Following breakfast, meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am & embark on a 3 hour walking tour of this exquisitely preserved medieval city.

 

Marvel at the beautiful churches, the homes of wealthy families, and one of Germany’s oldest bridges across the Danube.

 

Architectural highlights include the Roman Porta Praetoria Palace; the Herzogshof, once the Palace of the Agilolfingian Dukes; the landmark Dome St Peter, largely regarded as Bavaria’s finest Gothic cathedral dating back to 1260; and the 12th century Stone Bridge - a 310m long icon with 16 arches, that was a crucial river crossing during the Middle Ages and is the oldest working bridge in the country. Remnants of the ancient Roman fortress Castra Regina, the grand Old City Hall and the exquisite 13th century Rococo style Cathedral Zu unserer lieben Frau - home to the Regensburger Domspatzen choir.

 

Regensburg’s charms don’t all date back to medieval times though - the modern city is also a lively student hub, teeming with atmospheric cafes & restaurants, and allegedly boasting the highest concentration of bars in Germany

 

Your tour ends with a visit to a Christmas Market, where stalls are festively adorned with fir branches.

 

Return to the Ship.

 

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

 

Evening, visit the exclusive “royal” markets at the Thurn & Taxis Palace, where you can even watch local artisans make traditional Christmas handicrafts.

 

Come back to the Ship.

 

Overnight on board as the Ship departs. B L D 

 

Day 6 - Thursday | Arrive Passau at ???? | Depart Passau  at ???? 

From Regensburg, the Danube gently winds its way to the Italianate city of Passau - a halt for river-cruises, often bursting with day visitors. Water has quite literally shaped the picturesque town of Passau on the border with Austria.

 

Arrive in Passau as you wake up in the morning.

 

Its Altstadt is stacked atop a narrow peninsula that jabs its sharp end into the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. The rivers brought wealth to Passau, which for centuries was an important trading centre, especially for Bohemian salt, central Europe's 'white gold'.

 

Christianity, meanwhile, generated prestige as Passau evolved into the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire. The Altstadt remains pretty much as it was when the powerful prince-bishops built its tight lanes, tunnels & archways with an Italiante flourish, but the western end (around Nibelungenplatz) has received a modern makeover with shopping malls centred on the hang-glider-shaped central bus station (ZOB).

 

After breakfast, you have three choices for how to spend the day.

 

The first is a walking tour of picturesque Passau. A fairy-tale city founded more than two millennia ago, Passau is known for its fortifications and town squares, including Rathaus, Domplatz & Residenzplatz, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ.

 

Afterwards, you can spend some time to explore the town’s Christmas Market.

 

Passau is also the convergence point of several long-distance cycling routes. Guests seeking something more adventurous may instead join a guided bike tour from Passau to Erlau.

 

Your 3rd option (own expense, additional payment) is a full day excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music. You will have time to visit Salzburg’s beautiful Christmas Market, renowned for local handicrafts and one-of-a-kind holiday presents, as well as a stop at the Christmas Market in Linz on the way back to the ship.

 

Return to the Ship.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure.

 

Overnight on board as the Ship departs. B L D 

 

Day 7 - FridayArrive Melk at ??? | Depart Melk at ??? Arrive Vienna at ??? 

The Ship crosses into Austria & stops at Melk for 3 hours. 

 

Melk is a small, quaint Austrian town along the banks of the beautiful Danube river, near the Wachau Valley. With a population of just under 6000 citizens, the town may be small, but there’s no shortage of things to see & do here.

 

Melk’s history as a marketplace dates back to 1227, and because of this early trade, the town boasts some incredible architectural examples that are representative of many different periods throughout history. 

 

One of the more famous structures is the imposing Stift Melk, an impressive 11th century Benedictine Abbey with a 650 foot-long corridor - one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched high atop a hill with commanding views of the town & Danube river. Gold statuary adorns its domed Abbey Church, and its huge library features over 80,000 individual volumes & medieval manuscripts. This famous library inspired novelist Umberto Eco to write The Name of the Rose.

 

Step ashore after breakfast, with the Tour-guide & proceed on a 2 hour walking tour that takes you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey.

 

Later, stroll through the town on your own. It takes around 15 minutes to cross from one end of town to the other, so don’t be afraid to wander & explore every street & laneway you see.  There is no getting lost in Melk!

 

Return to the Ship & depart.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure.

 

Enjoy lunch as the ship cruises through the romantic Wachau Valley enroute to Vienna, the “City of Music”.

 

Arrive in Vienna by evening.

 

Vienna, the capital of Austria, lies in the country’s east on the Danube River. Its artistic & intellectual legacy was shaped by residents including Mozart, Beethoven & Sigmund Freud. The city is best known for its Imperial palaces, including Schonbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence. In the Museums Quartier district, historic & contemporary buildings display works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt & other artists.

 

Vienna is packed with imperial history; at the same time it has exciting contemporary museums, lively eating & nightlife scenes, and many quiet corners to explore.Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Lipizzaner stallions performing elegant equine ballet, the angelic tones of the Vienna Boys' Choir drifting across a courtyard, outrageously opulent palaces such as Schloss Belvedere & Schloss Schonbrunn, and the monumental Hofburg complex - you can feel grandeur everywhere in Vienna.

 

Vienna is a city where postmodernist & contemporary architectural designs contrast and fuse with the monumental & historic. The Museums Quartier is a perfect example, with modern museum architecture integrated into a public space created around former stables for the Habsburgs' horses. 20th century designs such as Loos American Bar are little short of inspiring, while contemporary Vienna is constantly being given new & exciting infrastructural designs such as the new Twin City Liners boat landing (with the restaurant, bar & cafe Motto am Fluss) and the enormous Hauptbahnhof (main train station).

 

Vienna is renowned also as one the most musical cities in the world, partly due to the vast number of great composers & musicians who were born here or lived or worked here.

 

Visiting Austria's capital therefore means experiencing the works of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, Johann Strauss (both father & son), Liszt, Brahms, Bruckner & many others in venues like the Staatsoper & Musikverein. The music of Bach & Handel continues to be performed in Vienna's historic churches today, and Vienna's Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments, paired with a visit to the Haus der Musik, takes you deeper into the texture of music & how it is created. Venues for classical music are augmented by some great clubs and live rock & jazz places.

 

It is hard to imagine a more livable city than Vienna. This is a metropolis where regulars sit in cosy coffee houses & offer credible solutions to world chaos over the noble bean; where Beisln (bistro pubs) serve delicious brews, wines & traditional food; where talented chefs are taking the capital in new culinary directions; and where an efficient transport system will ferry you across town from a restaurant to a post-dinner drink in no time at all. And it is safe, has lots of bicycle tracks and it even has its own droll sense of humour.

 

You will have the chance to visit both the Maria Theresienplatz & Rathaus Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) tonight.

 

Overnight on board as the Ship departs. B L D 

 

Day 8 - Saturday | Depart Vienna at ???? 

Morning at 09:00 am, proceed with the Tour-guide for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this imperial city.

 

Drive along the Ringstrasse -, a boulevard showcasing some of Vienna’s most stunning architecture & commence tour from the Vienna Opera House - Sudtiroler Platz.

 

Stop at the impressive Vienna State Opera and hear the rich history behind Austria’s ‘Opera Ball’ which is organised every year. 

 

Explore the grand Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the imperial family & witness the grandeur of the Palace, where Marie Antoinette was born in 1755. 

 

Then you will see the impressive buildings of the Museum of Art History & the Museum of Natural History. You will pass by the neoclassical Parliament, the Burgtheater & the City Hall, where the legendary Life Ball takes place.

 

After exploring the city by coach, hop out on foot to roam the baroque Schonbrunn Palace, where the Hapsburgs spent their summers.. The former imperial summer residence is listed as a World Heritage Site and comprises of 1,441 rooms. Follow your guide through the historic state-rooms & discover how the imperial family lived in the past, learning the rich stories of its residents as you stroll from room to room.

 

Afterward, soak up some free time to walk the gardens, or head to the cafe to purchase a coffee or strudel.

 

Then, climb back in your coach & drive to Belvedere Palace.

 

Wander the incredible collection of Austrian art (Entrance Fee to be paid directly), admiring the 18th century rooms where works such as Gustav Klimt’s ‘Kiss’ & other famous Austrian art are displayed.

If you’d prefer more free time to explore, you can walk the Belvedere grounds independently instead, rejoining your Tour-guide later for transportation back to Sudtiroler Platz, where the Tour ends.

 

After the Tour concludes, spend some time enjoying the Christmas Market and partake in holiday festivities at the Town Hall. Later, you can visit the Schönbrunn and Karlsplatz Christmas Markets which are unique unto themselves.

 

Return to the Ship before the stipulated time.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure

 

Evening, the Ship departs for Hungary. B L D 

 

Day 9 - Sunday | Arrive Budapest at ????  

Arrive in Budapest before dawn.

 

Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city.

 

Hungarians are rightly proud of their country’s rich cultural heritage, and the capital Budapest, with its dramatic cityscape & extraordinary buildings. The city proudly spans the left & right banks of the River Danube, thereby creating the distinct Buda & Pest districts, both of which are studded with architectural landmarks and flaunt Viennese & Parisian-inspired architecture - they don’t call Budapest “Paris of the East” for nothing.

 

The 19th century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces life from Roman times onwards. Trinity Square is home to 13th century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

 

Budapest’s beauty is not all God given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with enough baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic & Art Nouveau (or Secessionist) buildings to satisfy everyone. Overall, though, Budapest has a fin-de-siecle feel to it, for it was then, during the capital’s ‘golden age' in the late 19th century, that most of what you see today was built.

 

Despite all the history to be explored, Budapest has a youthful, vibrant feel. It is easy to get around the city on foot or by public transit.

 

The city is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. As a result, ‘taking the waters’ has been a Budapest experience since the time of the Romans. The choice of bathhouses is generous - you can choose among Turkish-era, Art Nouveau & modern establishments. Some people come seeking a cure for whatever ails them, but the majority are there for fun & relaxation - though we still maintain it’s the world’s best cure for what Hungarians call a macskajaj (cat’s wail) - hangover.

 

They say the past is another country, but it is always been just around the corner in Budapest. Witness the bullet holes & shrapnel pockmarks on buildings from WWII & the 1956 Uprising. There are sad reminders like the poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial, but ones, too, of hope & reconciliation - like the sword of the former secret-police building on Andrassy ut now beaten into the ploughshare that is the Terror House, with both sides of the story told.

 

Morning at 09:00 am, meet the Tour-guide & proceed a 4 hour sightseeing tour of this gothic city.

 

First stop will be the Chain Bridge.

 

Hop back into the car, crossing over the Danube via Margaret Bridge & drive over to Buda side where the Royal Castle is located.

 

Make a stop in the Castle District and enjoy the important sights of this area. Walk to the Matthias Church & the Fishermen’s Bastion. Admire the views from the famous lookout towers of Fishermen's Bastion & see the interior of Matthias Church.

 

Next drive on to the Gellert Hill (Citadel) & enjoy a breathtaking view of the city - a good stop for pictures).

 

Later, drive back to Pest through Elisabeth Bridge and see the popular Central Market Hall, the largest Synagouge of Europe & Budapest’s beloved City Park.

 

Pass by Europe’s largest thermal spa (Szechenyi Spa) and the Budapest Zoo and then stop at the Heroes’s Square (displaying statues of the most famous Hungarian kings & dukes).

 

Drive down Andrassy Avenue to downtown Pest passing by the Hungarian Opera House & the impressive St Stephen’s Basilica.

 

Last stop will be the highlight. Tour inside & marvel at the impressive neo-gothic architecture of House of Parliament.

 

The Hungarian Parliament Building, built between 1885 & 1902, currently boasts 691 rooms & staircases stretching for more than 12 miles (20 kilometers). Its regal exterior has become an iconic site in the city’s panorama & the interior hosts the Holy Crown of Hungary.

 

The Tour-guide will lead you through the Session Room, the central staircase & the Great Vaulted Hall and you are free to ask questions as you travel from room to room and learn more about the country’s rich history, offering a brief overview of the last 1000 years of Hungarian history.

 

From here, you will walk to the city Centre, where the Tour concludes. The Tour-guide will leave from here after giving you helpful tips.

 

And now walk a short distance to Vorosmarty Square.

 

A public square and one of the most popular places in the downtown section of Budapest; it is a hub of activity, with luxury stores, antique shops & a famous pastry shop. The city's most famous shopping street, Vaci Utca & a statue of poet Mihaly Vorosmarty, a fountain flanked by stone lions & the British Embassy is located here. It is also the site for the most famous Christmas Markets in Budapest but there are also several others.

 

Do not forget that all streets have two ends, and if you end up in the wrong end of the street you will find yourself walking inside the Grand Market Hall (not a bad place) but you would like to spend more time at the Christmas market here.

 

At this Christmas Fair you will find traditional Hungarian handicraft, lots of delicious food which tastes extremely well as you feel the smell get into your nose & your senses entice you to sit down & grab a bite. Yes, there are lots of benches & tables at the Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square, which is one of the qualities making this one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you want some simple food then you should try the traditional Chimney cake with the cinnamon taste, yummy!

 

There are daily programs taking place in the Square during the festival. There are choir concerts, folklore performances, book reading, Santa Claus programs for children, workshops & other cool activities, at different times.

 

You can find more detailed information about the program at the Christmas market itself as there are information stands at different locations. In general there are more things going on in the weekends on the main stage, but if you are lucky you can enjoy some great things also during weekdays.

 

Return to the Ship at your convenience (on your own).

 

Following dinner on board, you will be treated to a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the city’s glittering riverfront. 

 

The ship moors overnight in Budapest. Overnight on board.  B D 

 

Day 10 - Monday | Depart Budapest at ???? 

Finally, the experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye to the region’s warm hospitality & heritage.

 

Disembark before 12:00 noon.

  

You will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, for your onward journey.  B

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***        End of Services      ***

 

 

 

 

 

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Christmas Markets… prepare to be charmed      Christmas Markets on the Danube

 

What is included: 

Inclusions
  • Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport / Ship by private A/c vehicle *
  • Services of an English speaking Journeys Rep for assistance on Arrival / Departure Transfers
  • Services of a professional Cruise Manager
  • Services of English speaking local Guides for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*
  • Accommodation for a total of 2 nights in the Hotel & 7 Nights on board in an Outside Stateroom
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
  • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner
  • Fine dining with all meals included during the Cruise
  • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch & dinner on board
  • Entrance Fees at the Monuments, wherever applicable 
  • Complimentary Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
  • Entertainment on demand in all Staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations
  • All local Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
  • Bottled Water during Transfers & in Staterooms
  • 24 / 7 Emergency Contact 
Excludes
  • International Airfare
  • Visa Fee for  Czeckia, Germany, Austria, Hungary (Canadian & US Citizens do not require a Visa)
  • Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
  • Any ‘shore excursions’ or sightseeing not listed
  • Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
  • Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax,
  • Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
  • Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
  • Any optional Programs / Services
  • Any items not specified under Inclusions 


* Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 peopleSeat in Coach. There will be other participants and group size may vary.  Participants may come from all over the world and most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost.

 

 

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Christmas Markets… prepare to be charmed 

Christmas Markets on the Danube

 

Where you will stay:

 

Christmas Markets on the Danube

City

Nights

Superior *** 

First Class ****

Deluxe*****

Prague

2

N A

N A

 Inter Continental

Ship

7

N A

AMA Certo

N A

 

 

9

 

 

 


  



The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal or higher standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.

 

Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 12:00 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

 

 

 

 

 

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Christmas Markets… prepare to be charmed     Christmas Markets on the Danube

 And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrival in Prague on specific Saturdays (minimum 2 guests)

 

Validity:

25 November - 18 December 2020  

 

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

             

Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.

 

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Price Per Person  - US$

Superior *** 

First Class ****

Deluxe*****

Occupancy - Double

N A

4472.00

N A

Single

N A

On request

N A

Triple

N A

On request

N A

 

Airfare - International

N A

On request

N A

 

Miscellenous

N A

If required

N A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some important notes

  • Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
  • Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
  • The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
  • Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
  • All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
  • Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
  • Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices

 

 

 

 

 

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