9 Night Christmas Markets on the Danube Cruise and Land Tour from Munich

Arrive in Munich and check into your hotel.

This morning you will tour Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, as well as the undisputed beer capital of the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town through the city ending at the famous Glockenspiel, with its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures that portray historic scenes, such as a wedding celebration. You will also see Frauenkirche, the "Cathedral of Our Dear Lady". Afterwards, enjoy a couple of Munich's Christmas markets, such as the one located around Marienplatz, in the magical Christmas village in the Residenz, or the medieval market on Wittelsbacherplatz. Later in the day, do like the Bavarians do, and go to the Hofbrauhaus for the famous beer and pretzels. This is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture, and the origin of tradition, "Gemutlichkeit", and hospitality. (B)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Vilshofen where you will board your luxury ship. Later in the day, attend an exclusive Oktoberfest celebration with traditional beer and Bavarian folk music and dancing. (B,D)

During the season of Advent, beautiful Passau dresses in her Bavarian holiday splendor, which you will discover on your walking tour through the city and at its Christmas market at St. Stephen's Square-also home to its magnificent cathedral. Go in search of unique crafts, including Bavarian-style houses and glass ornaments. (B,L,D)

Linz is known for being the city of Christmas creches and its ever-popular Linzertorte. While here, you have a choice excursions. The first is a morning walking tour through Linz's old city center and by the Mozart House, where he composed the Linz Symphony in only three days, as well as visit Linz's Christmas markets. Or you could go on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Alternatively, enjoy a full-day in Salzburg with a walking tour in the historic center, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture, and as the birthplace of Mozart. While there, visit the beautiful Christmas markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. During the afternoon, you can visit the charming mountain town, Cesky Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll have a choice of excursions. Join a walking tour in Durnstein and then visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey of Melk. For a more active adventure, bike along the Danube River or hike up to Durnstein Fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive and enjoy incredible views of the river and village below. Alternatively, you can visit a local boutique where you'll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. If you're a wine connoisseur, you won't want to miss the excursion to a local winery where you can sample some of the Wachau Valley's finest wine. (B,L,D)

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. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride through Vienna. Then spend the afternoon at the Schonbrunn Christmas markets and catch a glimpse of the giant sparkling Christmas tree, followed by a free evening on your own. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a Bratislava city tour, including a visit to Bratislava's charming Christmas market, or an invigorating castle hike from Vienna up to Bratislava Castle and see such sights as the tree-lined Hviezdoslav Square, the narrow House of the Good Shepherd, Michael's Gate, and Old Town Hall. As an alternative, visit the Austrian palace of Schloss Hof, located near the Slovakian border. In the evening, explore Vienna's festive Christmas markets. (B,L,D)

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes' Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you'll visit Vorosmarty Square, the oldest, richest, and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walking along Fisherman's Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)