Classic Christmas Markets 2013 (Frankfurt to Nuremberg)

Day 1: Frankfurt
Arrive at the Frankfurt airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 2: Frankfurt
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour and Christmas Market

While in Frankfurt, you'll enjoy a panoramic drive amid the high-rises of “Mainhattan.” Cross the Main River for a photo opportunity in Frankfurt before returning to view the New Opera House, Hauptwache Plaza, and Zeil shopping district. Continue past the Stock Exchange, Goethe Place, Goethe University, and the Palmengarten (botanical garden). The walking portion of your tour begins at Paulskirche (St. Paul’s Church), where you can explore the neighboring Old World buildings and finish your Christmas shopping in Römer Square before returning to the ship. On Römerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and Mainkai Quay, 200 stalls offer arts, crafts, and seasonal food and drink. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Wertheim
Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tour

Join your local guide for a walk through the picturesque town of Wertheim, where you can look across the Main River to Bavaria before continuing to the Spitzer Turm (Pointed Tower). Built in the 13th-century and once a former prison for drunkards and feuding women, the Tower’s structure now leans to one side after withstanding over 800 years of flooding. Stop in the historic Wertheim Market Square, lined with half-timbered buildings and shops selling artisan glassworks and Franconian wines in round bottles. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz, Christmas Market and German towns visit

The town of Würzburg owes many of its most notable monuments to the ambitious building programs of the wealthy prince-bishops of the Schönborn family, who controlled the town in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their spectacular episcopal residence will be your first destination today. The opulent Würzburg Residenz is an extraordinary Baroque palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 300-room palace took nearly 60 years to complete and contains the world’s largest ceiling fresco, created by Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, as well as what is often described as the most beautiful staircase in the world. Afterward, visit the town’s 200-year-old Christmas Market for one-of-a-kind presents and souvenirs. In the afternoon, share some homemade seasonal treats with a family in an idyllic small German towns. You can try out your German while your hosts practice their English. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Schweinfurt
Featured Excursion: Rothenburg walking tour and Christmas Market

The ship will dock in Kitzingen, where a motorcoach will take you to Rothenburg. Travel along parts of the “Romantic Road” on your way to Germany’s best preserved walled city, Rothenburg, with its timberframe houses topped with picturesque red tile roofs. Your exploration of this fairytale gem gives you a glimpse at the way life was lived during the Middle Ages, as it is home to some of the best-preserved Medieval buildings in Europe. You will conclude your visit at one of Germany’s oldest and most celebrated Christmas Markets, Reiterlesmarkt. You will also want to visit Kathe Wohlfahrt’s original Christmas shop. Rothenburg also features a delightful museum that displays vintage toys from as early as the 17th-century. (BB, D)

Day 6: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg Nativity walk and Christmas Market

One of the few cities not destroyed during the WWII bombings of Germany, Bamberg is a city built on seven hills. Wander through the half-timbered fishing village of Klein-Venedig, known as “Little Venice,” and past the curious narrow alleyways that line Old Town. Continue to the scenic Bamberg Cathedral and New Residence. The guided tour also includes visits to Nativity scenes throughout the city and time to explore the treasures waiting in the local Christmas Market. While enjoying the market, be sure to sample what Bamberg is world famous for rauchbier (smoked beer). (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour and Christmas Market

During the Middle Ages, Nuremberg was the preferred residence of German emperors, as you will discover on your guided excursion. Visit Kaiserburg Castle, which rises high above the city and has housed every emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Your walking tour continues along cobblestone streets to one of the most famous examples of 14th-century German ironwork, the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) in Hauptmarkt (Market Square). Finish the day shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany. In this fine Medieval setting, you can enjoy authentic Nuremberg gingerbread and bratwurst. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 8: Nuremberg (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship in Nuremberg and transfer to the Nuremberg airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in the beautiful city of Prague.  (CB/BB)

Germany, the origin of many beloved holiday traditions, is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country and world’s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg, Wertheim, and Frankfurt. Be treated to a winter wonderland of stocking stuffers and sweet treats.

Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, stopping to marvel at Medieval villages and majestic stone castles. The merrymaking continues as you stroll through cobblestone streets dusted in snow. Mouthwatering aromas surround the festive stalls at the Christmas markets; shops and bakeries are laden with gingerbread, biscuits, and speciality cakes. Cozy up to a steaming mug of glühwein (hot spiced wine) or indulge in some of the region’s famous Franconian sausage.
 
Everywhere you turn, you will find cities decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees, bells pealing from cathedral towers, and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols. With sights straight out of a classic Christmas tale, this is sure to be one of the most memorable holiday trips you will ever take.

All of this and so much more await you in one unforgettable journey that you won’t want to miss. Plus, share the enchantment of this region with the special young ones in your life on special sailing date reserved for our Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program. 

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the regal River Queen
• All transfers on arrival and departure days 
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
• Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; bottled water replenished daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station
• 7 excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local expert
• Exclusive Go Active Program and "Gentle Walking" Program
• 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Signature Lecture: “Christmas Traditions in Germany”
• Exclusive Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program on select date

Cabin aboard River Queen

Prague
4 days - $999 per person (single supplement $499)

Delight in the beautifully preserved "City of Spires", which boasts a remarkable core of historic buildings, as well as gracious squares and friendly people.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Prices exclude additional port charges of $140.
• A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.