Today we depart the USA on our overnight flight to Munich, Germany.
Upon arrival in Munich, transfer to our exclusively chartered river ship, the MS Emerald Destiny, in Nuremberg. The afternoon is at leisure to begin exploring our new surroundings. We’ll be immersed in the Christmas spirit as we stroll through Nuremberg’s famous Christkindle Market on the Haupt Market Square in the center of this charming medieval city. With the majestic Alps to the south and the medieval Imperial Castle perched atop the Old Town hill, Nuremberg is a spectacular backdrop for one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. Aromas of gingerbread, sausages, roasting chestnuts and spiced mulled wine fill the air as we shop for Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Dinner and evening snack onboard
Our day begins with a guided tour of Nuremberg. During the panoramic tour by coach we’ll venture outside of the inner city to see the Palace Of Justice, site of the famous war trials, and one of the few buildings in Nuremberg that survived the extensive bombings of Germany. We’ll also see St. John’s Cemetery and the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Returning to the city center, we begin the walking portion of the tour. Our guide takes us through the Old Town and provides insights about the castle, fountains, churches and art as well as the city’s past and present. After the tour, we’ll have free time for visiting the Christkindle Market. This afternoon, the ship departs for Regensburg, Germany. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snack onboard
After a leisurely morning sailing along the Danube River, we arrive in Regensburg. Following lunch onboard, we explore Regensburg on a guided walking tour. As we stroll through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll experience its beauty and history firsthand. At the end of the excursion we remain in town to spend time at the magnificent Christmas Markets. Wander through the narrow streets, hidden courtyards and quaint passageways, all a twinkle with sparkling Christmas lights. This evening, the ship departs for Passau, Germany. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snack onboard
This morning we arrive in Passau. The day begins with an included walking tour where we admire graceful arcades, beautiful architecture, quaint alleyways and a picturesque river promenade as we wander through the cobblestone streets with our guide. We’ll also see the breathtaking Baroque cathedral of St. Stephan. After the tour there is free time to visit the stalls of the local Christmas Market. Handmade ornaments and Christmas tree decorations, intricately carved nativity sets of all sizes, toys, marionettes, scented candles and other traditional handicraft items are awaiting our selection to take home and put under the Christmas tree!
After a fun-filled morning of shopping and immersion into the festive atmosphere of the Markets, we return to the ship for lunch. After lunch, the ship departs for Linz, Austria. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon onboard and watch the scenery pass by from the comfort of your stateroom or the panoramic windows of the lounge. The ship arrives in Linz this evening. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snack onboard
Today is all about discovering the most popular market, Christkindlmarkt am Hauptplatz, of Linz. Join our Tour Managers for the short walk into the city center where we will have ample time for this market in the main pedestrian square of the city center. Set amongst the Baroque scenery of the city, it’s a perfect place to get caught up in the festivities of the Christmas season. This afternoon, the ship departs for the final port of call, Vienna. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snack onboard
With an early morning arrival in Vienna, we have a full day ahead of us in this capital city. An included panoramic excursion shows us the highlights of Vienna before we enjoy a guided visit of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. Due to its historic importance, unique grounds and splendid furnishings, today the palace is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage. Among the rooms we see on our guided visit are the living quarters, offices and conference rooms, all richly decorated and well-preserved. This afternoon is left free of planned activities so we can explore the local Christmas Markets on the last day of our cruise. This evening, we gather one last time with our new-found friends at the farewell dinner onboard. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening snack onboard
It’s time to bid a fond "auf widersehen" to Europe with wonderful memories of the German and Austrian Christmas Markets as we transfer to the Vienna Airport for our flight home. Breakfast onboard
Aboard the MS Emerald Destiny
The 180-passenger MS Emerald Destiny is a new deluxe river cruise vessel providing a stylish, spacious and unique ship from which to enjoy your river cruise! In addition to providing some of the largest staterooms and suites on river vessels, the ship also offers one-bedroom suites which boast a separate bedroom, spacious lounge area and full balcony. Other unique features onboard are a heated swimming pool (with a retractable roof) that transforms into a cinema in the evening! With the friendly staff and remarkable ship it’s sure to be a relaxing and enjoyable holiday!
- Built: 2015
- Speed: 15.5 mph
- Staterooms: 80
- Suites: 12
- Length: 443 ft.
- Crew: 47
- Features outdoor private balcony with sliding glass door; separate bedroom and lounge area with sofa, chair, coffee table, two dressers and walk-in closet; large bathroom with two basins, shower, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers; Complimentary WiFi; Two twin beds that can be put together; Telephone; Safe; Individual climate control; TV; Mini-fridge
- Features outdoor private balcony with sliding glass door; Bathroom with shower, hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers; Complimentary WiFi; Two twin beds that can be put together Dresser; Closet; Writing desk; Telephone; Safe; Individual climate control; TV; Mini-fridge
- Features an indoor balcony with open-air system; Bathroom with shower and hair dryer; Complimentary WiFi; Two twin beds that can be put together; Dresser; Closet; Writing desk; Telephone; Safe; Individual climate control; TV; Mini-fridge
- Features picture window; Bathroom with shower and hair dryer; Complimentary WiFi; Two twin beds that can be put together; Dresser; Closet; Writing desk; Telephone; Safe; Individual climate control; TV; Mini-fridge
- Dining Room
- Lounge with dance floor
- Sun Deck featuring deck chairs
- Fitness room, hairdresser, massage therapy room
- Elevator
- Reception Lobby
- Hospitality Desk
- Daytime heated swimming pool and bar
- Evening cinema
- Voltage: 220V
- Complimentary Wifi
Please add $75 per person for port charges
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Munich, Germany and from Vienna, Austria
All staterooms offer river views and have a private bathroom and shower, hair dryer, radio, flatscreen TV, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, safe and telephone.
*Staterooms on these decks feature an ‘indoor balcony’ with drop down window
† Suites feature a walk-out balcony
2 for 1 Airfare offer details: New twin reservations received 120 days prior to the departure date will qualify for 2 for 1 airfare. Solo Travelers — FREE Airfare on all new reservations received 120 days prior to departure. No other offers apply. May deduct Mayflower Money, Referral Rewards, First Time Traveler Savings and Presentation Savings as applicable.
