11 Night Majestic Capitals of the Danube (Christmas Cruise) Cruise and Land Tour from Prague

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.

Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Town Square, home to the Astronomical Clock. (B)

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)

Depart from Prague via motorcoach and board your luxurious river cruise ship in Vienna for your Majestic Capitals of the Danube river cruise. (D)

Board the ship for your Majestic Capitals of the Danube cruise. (D)

The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. Alternatively, visit a traditional Viennese cafe to experience a true Vienna specialty, the Sachertorte, and savor this treat with a piping hot Viennese coffee. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Built in the 18th century as an imperial summer residence, this magnificent 1,441-room Baroque palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria. Enjoy a scenic cruise in Vienna before sailing to Bratislava. In the evening, end your day with an exclusive Slovakian experience at the Primate's Palace, a striking Neoclassical building heart of the old town. (B,L,D)

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1563 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title "Coronation City of Kings", as you'll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special "Tastes of Slovakia" tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city or enjoy a guided biking tour. Take in the magnificent view as we glide along the Danube River into Budapest. (B,L,D)

Your city tour begins at Budapest's Great Market Hall, where you'll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you'll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You'll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest's most important medieval monuments and museums. If you prefer venturing off the beaten path or are returning to the city for a repeat visit, join a "Hidden Budapest" tour to discover some fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D); Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B); Note: The Great Market Hall is closed on Sundays.

Depart the ship and enjoy a stop in Banska Bystrica before transferring to Krakow to check into your hotel. (B)

Get acquainted with your surroundings and take a deeper dive into the fascinating history of Krakow with a comprehensive city tour. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle - the world's very first designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Poland's largest castle, located in the center of its Old Town. The Wawel Hill features a limestone cave renowned for its connection to the legendary Wawel Dragon of Polish folklore, which you will learn more about during your tour. You will also venture into Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter and see the factory of Oskar Schindler, who was credited with saving 1,200 Jewish lives during World War II, and who was famously honored in the award-winning film Schindler's List. You will also be treated to a live performance of the Polish anthem by a trumpeter on the highest tower of Saint Mary's Church, otherwise known as St. Mary's Trumpet Call, a tradition since the 19th century. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore more of the city. (B)

Prepare yourself for an emotional day as we explore a darker period in Poland's history with a visit to Auschwitz, the largest and most tragically infamous of Europe's labor and death camps. The main gate, barbed wire fences, buildings, and barracks look much the same today as they did during the Holocaust, when 1.1 million lives were taken within the camp. It was liberated from January 17-21, 1945, saving 58,000 from further horrors. Though not for the feint of heart, this once-in-a-lifetime excursion will honor the memory of those who perished and promises to be one you won't soon forget. (B)

Bid farewell to Krakow and prepare for your return flight home.