Christmastime – Zurich to Prague

Itinerary Details

Day 1 Day 1Arrive in Zrich, SwitzerlandTransfer to Basel (Embarkation)

Welcome to Switzerland.
NOTE:
Flights into Zrich must arrive before 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
(D)

Day 2 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germanys BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents once described them as black. Theres no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. Surely, the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. This afternoon theres free time in Breisach to visit the Christmas marketor you may join an optional excursion to Colmar in Frances Alsace region. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Strasbourg, France

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is, without a doubt, an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. In fact, on your GUIDED WALKING TOUR you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Klber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathdrale and Place Broglie, its centrepiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuitsa truly magical atmosphere! This afternoon, an optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany

Today an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Youll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the Worlds Largest Wine Barrel. At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! At this time of year, an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glhwein, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares, and youll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. There is plenty of free time to shop for Christmas decorations or gifts. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rdesheim

After breakfast this morning, a comfortable coach ride takes you to the pretty little town of Rdesheim, a perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. A visit to SIEGFRIEDS MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Afterwards, well offer you a SPECIAL TREAT and then theres free time to explore. The entire town transforms itself into one large Christmas market, offering products and specialities from a number of nations, all presented in a distinctive manner. Youll be spoiled by the selection of shops offering a vast variety of Christmas presents and decorations. In the Market Square youll find Europes largest nativity scene, with life-size figures. In the afternoon, return to Frankfurt. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Miltenberg

Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates, the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the banks of the Main River. This afternoons GUIDED WALK will acquaint you with the towns delightful Marktplatz (market square), which centres around a Renaissance-era fountain and features striking half-timbered buildings, cobblestone lanes, and one of the oldest inns in Germany, Haus zum Riesen (the giants house) and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall. Later continue your cruise on the Main river to Wrzburg. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Wurzburg

Known as the Pearl of the Romantic Road, Wrzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The city makes an immediate impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the magnificent baroque BISHOPS RESIDENZ, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautifully decorated streets on your own, visit the Christmas markets, or perhaps join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. Here, try a Schneeball (snowball), a local speciality not at all suitable for a diet! (B, L, D)

Day 8 Bamberg

Medieval Bamberg is the former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic centre, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! At this time of year, the town is decked out for Christmas and especially interesting are the many nativity scenes built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Enjoy the Christmas market, where, in addition to candles and decorations, you’ll find many regional delicacies such as gingerbread and nut bread. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Nuremberg

Although 90% of Nurembergs Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Choose either a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old citys medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world. Youll find 200 stalls offering traditional wares, including Nuremberg Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), baked goods and sweets, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and more. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation) Prague, Czech Republic

After breakfast today, bid your crew farewell and travel by coach to Prague the Golden City. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Prague

Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures, such as the Old Towns Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the Christmas markets, where rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Prague

Disembark and transfer to Zrich airport for your flight to the UK. (B)