2019 Amsterdam > Budapest

Breathe in the magic of Christmas

Europe becomes a completely different world during the festive season, where the aroma of glühwein and roasted chestnuts provide a unique and distinctly fragrant ambience.

Of course, Christmas has a distinctly European flavour all over the world, so it’s hardly surprising that you’ll experience a little more of that magic when you’re actually in Europe, where festive traditions hark all the way back to pre-Roman times. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, gift-giving – these have all been a part of the seasonal tradition in Europe for centuries. In town after town you’ll have the opportunity to experience these rituals with new eyes. As a special highlight, you may wish to join a Midnight Mass in a European town, and bring in the New Year in Vienna, one of the most beautiful cities in the world at any time of year.

Tour Code:: CHAA
Duration:: 16 days
Departure City:: Amsterdam
Return City:: Budapest

Selected Itinerary

16 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Your journey into wonder begins here. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Amsterdam

Freechoice

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam, or visit Zaanse Schans. Alternatively, explore Amsterdam on foot or by bike.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Cologne

Discover Cologne on a guided city tour. Later, you may wish to make the most of your free time and take a stroll through the city’s Christmas Markets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Koblenz

Freechoice

Take a guided tour and be enchanted by the history and beauty of Koblenz or explore the Moselle Valley to Cochem.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim

Immerse yourself in historic Rüdesheim, then board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Miltenberg

Take a guided city tour and explore this Franconian town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Würzburg

Freechoice

Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg on a guided tour, or take a city tour of Würzburg.

Tonight perhaps attend Würzburg’s beautiful Christmas Mass.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Würzburg > Nuremberg

Merry Christmas. Celebrate with newfound friends as you cruise towards Nuremberg.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Nuremberg

Welcome to this fascinating Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Freechoice

Visit moving WWII sites, take a baking class, or join a walking tour of the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Regensburg

Freechoice

Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, or visit Thurn und Taxis Palace.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Passau > Salzburg

Enrich

Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Melk > Dürnstein

Freechoice

Be guided through Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, or cycle from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, visit a local winery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Vienna

Freechoice

Tour Schönbrunn Palace or discover beautiful Bratislava. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School and either tour the stables or see Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting
their skills during their morning exercise program. Or discover Vienna on a guided cycling tour.

Enrich

Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein and be enthralled by a private concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Vienna > Budapest

This afternoon arrive in the beautiful city of Budapest before celebrating the arrival of the New Year.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Budapest

Happy New Year.

Freechoice

Let an expert guide you through this city of contradictory delights, or unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa instead. Alternatively, brave the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 - Budapest

Depart after breakfast. Budapest is the end of your cruise, but the beginning of a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Meals Included: Breakfast