7 Night Legendary Danube (Christmas Cruise) Cruise from Nuremberg

Embark your ship in Nuremberg. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (D)

You have two excursion options today. Take a tour of the city's medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Church of Our Lady, and the house of artist Albrecht Durer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Grounds, and Justice Palace. Later, the ship cruises the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. (B,L,D)

This morning's scenic cruising brings you into the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal en route to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gate to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers flow into the Danube. You will have a choice of a walking tour of Passau's Old Town, past the old city fortifications, Rathaus, Domplatz, and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephan's Cathedral, or more active guests may join either a guided bike tour along the Danube from Passau to Erlau or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking Passau. Return to the ship this afternoon for a scenic cruise to Linz, Austria's third-largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)

Early this morning, we cruise to Melk. You have a choice between a guided tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's largest and most revered monasteries, or a guided bike tour along the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch before cruising on through the scenic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna after dinner and explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own. (B,L,D)

This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall, and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen's Cathedral, Graben, and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna's hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries. (B,L,D)

Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes' Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, and spectacular views of the Danube. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the city's glittering riverfront. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)