European Christmas Markets by River Cruise
Featuring Austria and Germany

November 29 - December 6, 2009

Usher in the winter with a timeless trip down the Danube River, where you discover the beauty of Austria and Germany and are warmly welcomed by the locals. Sail through the enchanting Wachau Valley and Bavarian countryside, and experience the magic of the holiday season in the region where so many Christmas traditions began. You can even shop the Christmas markets for handicrafts and unique specialty items. This enchanting cruise is certain to provide lasting memories for years to come. 

If you watch the Travel Channel you may have seen a story on the Christmas Markets with their traditional decorations, nutcrackers, crystal, candies, and food. It is an experience that any woman would love. To enhance this magical trip, we're going to travel by riverboat and cruise from city to city. We'll see much more than the markets... we'll see the cities dressed up for the holiday, and learn how Christmas customs originated. This is a trip for the young and the young at heart. For this trip only we will lower our minimum age to 12 or older so that you may invite a younger female family member to experience this wonderful trip.

We are currently in the process of planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.

If you are interested in learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.

 Make a Pre-Reservation

A pre-reservation does not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to do anything.

 
Tentative Itinerary

Sunday, November 29:  Arrive Vienna, Austria

Schedule flights to Vienna to arrive no later than 11:00am or use WTT provided air.  Transfer to the ship.  Boarding begins at 3:00pm.  After boarding, use your free time to do some exploring before departure.  (D)

Monday, November 30: Vienna

After breakfast, embark on a tour of this “City of Waltzes,” where Mozart and Strauss composed many of their finest works. Ride along the Ringstrasse to see the Opera House and beautiful Hofburg Palace. Lunch is served on the ship, then take the afternoon to shop along the Kärtnerstrasse, visit one of the city’s Christmas markets or people-watch at a quaint café. After dinner aboard, you may opt to attend an evening classical concert. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, December 1:  Melk
Arrive during lunch and take a coach to the top of the hill where the abbey overlooks the river. Tour this 900- year-old Benedictine monastery and see its baroque splendor inside and out. The lavish interior is decorated with elaborate frescoes, and a highlight is the spectacular library with its comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts. Depart late afternoon and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, December 2: Linz

Wake up in Linz. After breakfast, take a walking tour past the city’s baroque facades to the Hauptplatz. Continue through the medieval town and old market. From here, tour inside the cathedral and stroll other squares and markets before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore Linz’s stores or Christmas market—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, instead of touring Linz, you may choose an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg, home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dine aboard; remain docked overnight in Linz. (B, L, D)

Thursday, December 3: Passau
Cruise the scenic Danube this morning and enjoy its quiet winter landscape and quaint riverside towns. Arrive during lunch in beautiful Passau, set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Take a walking tour long narrow cobblestone streets and through graceful arcades to visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Enjoy afternoon free time to explore the Christmas market or shops. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

Friday, December 4: Regensburg
Arrive midmorning in medieval Regensburg, whose history dates back nearly 2,000 years to its founding by Marcus Aurelius. Take a walking tour through this well-preserved city and explore its historic splendor. See the Old Town, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Eat lunch aboard or take free time to visit Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 800-year-old Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). Dinner aboard is followed by an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Saturday, December 5: Nuremberg

This morning’s cruise is highlighted by the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal and its many locks. Arrive during lunch in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. The afternoon tour begins with a journey to see former Nazi rally grounds and the Palace of Justice, site of the historic Nuremberg Trials. From the walled section of downtown, walk up to the Imperial Castle grounds for amazing city views. Or, take our optional World War II history tour visiting the Documentation Center Museum. Then, descend into the Old Town, past the Albrecht Dürer House and the Main Market Square. Stay in the city to visit Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) or enjoy free time. Dinner is served aboard; ship stays docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Sunday, December 6:  Nuremberg; Return Home

Our journey will end at Nuremberg.  After breakfast, disembark the ship no later than 10:00am and return to the Nuremberg Airport for your flight home.  Schedule flights at your convenience but no earlier than 12:00 noon if you are making your own air arrangements.  (B)

This trip is not exclusive to Women Traveling Together and will include other individuals on the same ship.

All previous information has been superseded.