Iconic European Christmas Markets River Cruise (Nuremberg to Budapest)

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport)
• Roundtrip airfare between a local international airport to Nuremberg, Germany with return from Budapest, Hungary
• Roundtrip airport/pier transfers
• Seven-night cruise aboard the AMAREINA in select category
• Meals, snacks and onboard entertainment
• “Sip & Sail” daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Unlimited complimentary wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• Guided shore excursions in every port
• Onboard gratuities
• Baggage handling
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Itinerary

Saturday, December 14, 2024: Depart USA

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Nuremberg, Germany.

Sunday, December 15, 2024: Embarkation - Nuremberg, Germany

Transfer from the airport to the pier to board the the AMAREINA for your Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise along the Danube River. (Dinner)

Monday, December 16, 2024: Nuremberg, Germany

Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to some of the local Christmas markets. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindles Market, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You will also cross the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal as the day ends. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, December 17, 2024: Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, December 18, 2024: Passau, Germany

Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market, or for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, December 19, 2024: Melk - Wachau Valley - Vienna, Austria

High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, December 20, 2024: Vienna, Austria

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, December 21, 2024: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, December 22, 2024: Budapest, Hungary – Disembarkation

With wonderful memories of your festive Christmas Markets cruise on the Danube, disembark the ship in Budapest and transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

Itinerary is subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Activity Level:3

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

General Information

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s). As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) Travel authorization for travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your AAA travel professional for more information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

PAYMENT

Deposit of $400 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by September 3, 2024.

CANCELLATION PENALTIES

Day of deposit to day of departure $25 per person, plus…
From Day of Deposit to August 15, 2024                $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers fees
From August 16 – September 15, 2024                   $400 per person, plus any additional suppliers fees
From September 16 – October 15, 2024                  35% per person, plus any additional suppliers fees
From October 16 – November 14, 2024                   50% per person, plus any additional suppliers fees
From November 15 – Dec. 7, 2024                           80% per person, plus any additional suppliers fees
After December 7, 2024                                             NON-REFUNDABLE
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

FLIGHT

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

INSURANCE

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

CLOTHING/CLIMATE

Average temperatures for this region in December average in the 40s. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Evenings require country club casual.

BAGGAGE

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP12524

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