Start in Würzburg,* a historic Bavarian city along the banks of the Main River. Enjoy time to unwind and soak in the charms of Franconia. As arrival times will vary, there’s no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner and toast to your upcoming adventure.

This morning, join a local guide on a leisurely paced walking tour of Würzburg, exploring this Baroque city and its famous Würzburg Residence. Continue to Rothenburg, a town of medieval walls, fairy-tale houses, and Christmas markets. Later this afternoon, board your ship in Nuremberg. Your home for the next six nights, this vessel features modern amenities, a panoramic deck café, panorama salon and bar, exceptional service, delicious cuisine, and wine with every dinner. This evening, enjoy a special dinner on board.

After walking along the pier to your coach, join a local expert on a panoramic tour that will give you a taste of the city. Then, continue with a walking tour of Nuremberg, taking you on a stroll through the historic city for more than an hour. See Old Town, the 900-year-old ramparts, and the Imperial Castle. Your city tour concludes at Nuremberg’s 17th-century Christmas market, which is Germany’s oldest. Wander among the wooden booths of local goods, where perhaps you’ll shop for handcrafted nutcrackers or treat your taste buds to Nuremberg’s famous Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Spend the afternoon cruising across the continental divide and through the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg.

With an expert guide, discover Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. See the first stone bridge built over the Danube and the Porta Praetoria – a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Stroll through Old Town to Regensburg's charming Christmas market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Browse and shop at the brightly lit wooden huts holding seasonal ornaments, wooden toys, and local handicrafts. Or perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion and experience the beauty and magic of the romantic Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg.

Amid the early morning light, cruise past scenic valleys and charming riverside towns to Passau, situated at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy a leisurely paced guided walking tour of Passau, the 2,000-year-old fairy-tale city also known as the “City of Three Rivers” and take in its ornate Baroque architecture, the cobblestoned streets, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ -OR- join a hike with a local guide up to the pilgrimage church Mariahilf** and be rewarded with spectacular views over Passau.

Cruise to the quaint town of Emmersdorf. Relax and take in the scenery before visiting the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. Enjoy some time dedicated to exploring this ancient town. Later, get a taste of local tradition at a Glühwein party before continuing through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and hillside houses. As the day draws to a close, say hello to Vienna, Austria's capital city.

It is time to step off the ship and explore. After walking along the pier to reach your coach, join a local expert on a panoramic city tour and see Vienna's architecture, including Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and the Ringstrasse. Then, discover Vienna on foot while walking through the city’s charming cobblestone streets towards the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and festive Christmas market. (Use caution, as these cobblestones may become slick with frost.) The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ summer retreat, to enjoy its festive atmosphere and courtyard Christmas market. Celebrate the end of your trip at the Captain's Gala Dinner filled with holiday spirit.

Disembark after breakfast and say goodbye to the iconic Danube.