Berlin Christkindle Markets and cruise the Danube
from Nűrnberg to Budapest
A special Holiday Tour & Cruise planned and hosted by Gerhard Meng,
highlighting the Christkindle Markets in Berlin and the villages along the Danube River
Our journey will be by land in combination with a seven night cruise aboard one of Europe’s newest and most deluxe river ships, the MS Amadolce. We’ll experience Berlin, Germany’s vibrant capital, and enjoy a relaxing river cruise as we explore some of my favorite towns and villages on the banks of the famed Danube River. Wherever we go, it will be a Christmas wonderland with the magical Christkindle markets and the festive holiday decorations.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursion, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. Most meals are included. Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner. It would be my pleasure to share this special trip with you!
DAILY ITINERARY – December 10th to 21st, 2009
Thursday, December 10th – to Europe
Overnight flight to Berlin. Relax and enjoy your flight across the Atlantic.
Friday, December 11th – Berlin
After settling into your hotel you will have the afternoon at leisure to visit and enjoy one of the many markets, some of which date back to the 16th century. Get acquainted dinner tonight. The Westin Grand Berlin. Meals(D)
Saturday, December 12th – Berlin
On your morning city tour you’ll see the historic highlights of the city, including the
Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.
The Westin Grand Berlin. Meals(B)
Sunday, December 13th – Berlin
Free time to visit some of the great museums. There are more than 170, including the world-famous Museum Island complex.
The Westin Grand Berlin. Meals(B, D)
Monday, December 14th – Nürnberg
First Class train to Nürnberg. We board our ship in time for a lavish welcome dinner.
Tuesday, December 15th – Dietfurt
Guided tour of Nürnberg. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Rejoin the ship and continue to the highest point of the cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level.
Wednesday, December 16th – Regensburg
Arrive in medieval Regensburg and take a guided tour, including the Old Town Hall. Visit the Kornmarkt Christmas market and shop at festive stalls adorned with fir branches. Special folklore performance after this evenings dinner.
Thursday, December 17th – Linz
The picturesque countryside takes us to the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers in Passau. In Linz we see one of the largest and most beautiful medieval squares in Europe.
Friday, December 18th – Vienna
Castles, palaces, chapels and monasteries line the riverbanks. As the valley becomes narrower, we pass below rocky, wooded slopes and terraced vineyards. In Melk we will tour the lovely 11th Century Baroque abbey overlooking the river.
Saturday, December 19th – Vienna
We tour Vienna - home of the waltz, the Spanish Riding School, Sacher Torte and the Vienna Boy’s Choir. Afternoon free time for the 700 year old Holiday Market, department stores and boutiques.
Sunday, December 20th – Budapest
A morning guided tour of Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Balance of the day is free to explore the Christmas markets before the evenings Gala Farewell Dinner.
Monday, December 21st – return to USA
Breakfast at leisure and transfer to Budapest airport.
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,425 land cost, $765 single room surcharge
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GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS
RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form and an invoice for deposit. Upon receipt of your deposit, another information packet will be forwarded with final confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
EXTRA NIGHTS: If you wish to arrive a day or two early in Berlin or reserve extra nights in a Budapest hotel, please contact us for more information. Additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis.
CABIN UPGRADES: Options and pricing will be included in the sign-up packet, or contact us for details.
The MS Amadolce:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our floating hotel. The ship is newly built in 2009 and accommodates a maximum of 142 guests in well appointed cabins. While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck and the viewing lounge with its panoramic window or relax in the library. The wellness area offers a fitness center, beauty salon and massages. All staterooms have river views and offer bathrobes, television with English news programs, a safe, hair dryer, telephone and the choice of twin or double beds.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click here.
Frankfurt - Rothenburg - Augsburg
November 21 to November 28, 2009 -- Thanksgiving in Germany
Munich – Salzburg – Garmisch – Bolzano
November 27 to December 6, 2009 -- highlighting Germany and Italy
Prague – Dresden – Berlin
December 6 to 14, 2009 -- highlighting Germany
Nürnberg to Budapest
December 12 to 21, 2009 – cruising the Danube River