If you love Christmas and everything about it, this is the Hosted Holiday for you! Join us on this beautiful 18-day European tour, highlighting the festive spirit and extensive Christmas Markets of Europe. You will stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy being spoilt on a fully inclusive river cruise with Tauck. Get into the festive spirit with pre-cruise stays in Prague, Bratislava and Vienna. Enjoy a full day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city Cesky Krumlov. Spend a relaxing week on Tauck's luxurious MS Joy river cruise ship, enjoying a multitude of Christmas Markets, Christmas themed meals and included sightseeing tours of historic towns along the river. You finish this magical tour with an extended stay in Munich, experiencing a traditional German Beer Hall, the medieval village of Rothenburg, and a European Christmas lunch.

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy airfares Brisbane to Prague and Munich to Brisbane
• 7 nights luxury river cruise with Tauck in a Category 6 French Balcony from Vienna to Nurenburg with all meals and unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship including regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty, coffee, water and soft drinks
• 8 nights First Class or Superior hotel accommodation
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities, tips and porterage
• Meals as per itinerary
• Hosted by an experienced Travel Associates Travel Advisor

DAY 1 - 23RD NOVEMBER - AUSTRALIA TO PRAGUE Our Hosted Holiday begins today as we fly from Australia to Prague. Tonight, will be spent in the air, enroute to Prague.

DAY 2 - 24TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE On arrival in Prague, we will be met by our local tour leader and transferred to our hotel. This evening you have a chance to get to know your fellow travellers at our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: D

Accommodation: Prague Marriott or similar

DAY 3 - 25TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE
After breakfast, we will begin our guided tour of the Golden City Prague. The capital city of the Czech Republic which spans the Vlatva River is often called the 'Golden City'. See the beautiful Old Town Square, with vibrant Baroque buildings, Gothic churches, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, delighting passers-by each hour. Stroll around the exquisite grounds at Hradcany Castle, considered to be the world's largest ancient castle complex.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Prague Marriott or similar

DAY 4 - 26TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE Today we discover the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cesky Krumlov. Explore the castle, see the magnificent Church of St Vitus, enjoy walking through the medieval town centre and have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Prague.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Prague Marriott or similar

DAY 5 - 27TH NOVEMBER - BRATISLAVA After breakfast, we will depart for Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia situated on the Danube River, a capital city with a local vibe. Experience the serenity of Bratislava with a city tour that will acquaint you with its charming attractions. You will have the opportunity to explore the Christmas Markets at your leisure immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavours of Slovak cuisine.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Lindern Hotel Gallery or similar

DAY 6 -28TH NOVEMBER - VIENNA After breakfast we travel to Vienna, the capital and largest city of Austria. Welcome to old Vienna, bright with decorations and buzzing with holiday spirit. A highlight of today is afternoon tea at the historic and luxurious Hotel Imperial. The hotel was originally built in 1864 as the Vienna residence of the Prince of Wurttemberg. The stately palace on the magnificent Ring Boulevard was transformed into the Hotel Imperial in 1873. The hotel Imperial has been an outstanding landmark in Vienna for 140 years.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Imperial Vienna or similar

DAY 7 - 29TH NOVEMBER - VIENNA
Your morning is free, you may wish to explore the Weiner Christkinglermarket on the Rathausplatz in front of the city hall, Vienna's oldest and largest Christmas Market. This afternoon we are transferred by coach to board the beautiful MS Joy, ready to start your Christmas Market cruise. After a tour of the riverboat, enjoy the captain's welcome reception followed by dinner early this evening, followed by a visit to Vienna's Christmas Markets, illuminated at night. You may feel like you've stepped into a snow globe as you're surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights.

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 8 - 30TH NOVEMBER - VIENNA Vienna during the holidays is absolutely enchanting! The imperial city will be adorned with Christmas decorations, making it even more grand and magical. You'll embark on a sightseeing tour along the Ringstrasse where you can admire the festive ambiance. Immerse yourself in the history of the "happy Habsburg family holidays" with a tour of Schonbrunn Palace, and don't miss the palace's own Christmas Market. Enjoy a Christmas lunch at the Palais Pallavicini, a private Baroque palace dating back the 18th century. Then spend an afternoon at leisure to sample more of Vienna's holiday cheer and Christmas Markets: complimentary shuttles run back and forth between the city and the riverboat. Tonight, your riverboat sets off for Melk: after dinner, you're invited to help trim the ship's Christmas tree and enjoy some seasonal treats.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 9 - 1ST DECEMBER - MELK This morning visit Melk Abbey high atop its bluff overlooking the Danube, where this bastion of culture has stood for nearly a millennium - 18th century Baroque church, monastery and library take on a special quality during the holiday season. Learn about traditional holiday treats like stollen or gluhwein as the riverboat continues cruising the Danube from Melk this afternoon, arriving this evening in Linz.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 10 - 2ND DECEMBER - LINZ & SALZBURG
Wake up in Linz, Austria for a full-day excursion to Mozart's magical hometown of Salzburg, with its Baroque town center dressed in its holiday best. After exploring the Christkindlmarkt in this charming city, take some free time for yourself before returning to Linz for a different Christmas market experience and, as you've learned, each town's market has something all its own to offer. Or, if you prefer, spend the entire day in Linz, enjoying its Christmas Market exploring as your please, or alternatively just relaxing aboard the riverboat in anticipation of a busy day tomorrow at the first German Christmas Markets you'll visit.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 11 - 3RD DECEMBER - PASSAU Exploring the picturesque town of Passau on the Danube and Inn rivers during the Christmas season is truly a pleasure. The narrow lanes and archways come alive with the festive spirit as one of Germany's finest Christmas markets transforms Passau's historic Baroque centre into a wonderland. You'll be delighted by the abundance of bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread), gluhwein (mulled wine), and the overall sense of good cheer. Today you'll embark on a walking tour of this riverside Bavarian town, known for its numerous churches, exquisite stained glass, famous cathedral organ, and beautifully preserved Baroque architecture. You'll also have time to explore the charming Christmas Markets, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere. After touring Passau's Weihnachstsmarkt, you'll have the afternoon to spend as you please. In the evening, there will be a discovery briefing before dinner aboard the ship, where you indulge in a special Chef's signature dinner.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 12 - 4TH DECEMBER - REGENSBURG Regensburg is a city that truly embraces the holiday spirit, and its unique Christmas Markets are a testament to that. As you visit the centuries old Christkindlmarket on a Neupfarrplatz, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in Regensburg's famous sausages, steamed dampfundel dumplings, gingerbread, roast chestnuts and of course, Bavarian claret Gluhwein. A visit to the Thurn and Tasis family's palace of St. Emmeraim invites you to tour the palace, browse its fine private Christmas market, and interact with artisans displaying their wares; rumour has it that Her Highness Princess Gloria and family often wander through!

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 13 - 5TH DECEMBER - NURNBURG After your riverboat docks, sightseeing in historic Nurnburg includes a visit to old Nurnberg with a walking tour along its centuries-old ramparts and defensive walls past the Opera House and St. John's Cemetery to the old city and marketplace, as well as past the Durer House. Spend time enjoying Nurnburg famous Weihnactsmarkt as you please, then join us back aboard the riverboat in Nurnburg to cap your extraordinary Christmas Market Cruise with the Captain's farewell reception followed by dinner tonight.

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: TAUCK - MS Joy

DAY 14 - 6TH DECEMBER - MUNICH On your final day of the Christmas River Cruise, you'll disembark in Nuremburg and continue your journey to Munich by coach. Before leaving Nuremburg, you'll have a stop at the famous Zeppelin field, where you can capture some photos and appreciate its historical significance. On the way to Munich, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming medieval village of Rothenburg on the Romantic Road. The picturesque village is known for its towered gates, battlements, and squares filled with half-timbered houses. You'll be able to wander through the streets, marvel at the well-preserved architecture, and enjoy the decorated fountains. This evening is at leisure in Munich.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre or similar

DAY 15 - 7TH DECEMBER - MUNICH
In Munich, Germany's 'Secret Capital', you'll have the opportunity to explore the city with a local guide on an included sightseeing tour. The tour will take you to the beautiful main square, Marienplatz, where you can admire its beauty and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. You'll also have time to indulge in some shopping, explore the shops and boutiques in the city. No visit to Munich is complete without experiencing its famous beer culture. Enjoy a German Beer Hall, complete with lunch. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of the beer hall, savor traditional Bavarian cuisine, and of course, sample Munich's renowned beers. This evening is at leisure.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre or similar

DAY 16 - 8TH DECEMBER - MUNICH
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some more shopping at the Christmas Markets. Experience a German Christmas style lunch at a local restaurant for your last day in Europe. Your evening is at leisure.

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre or similar

DAY 17 - 9TH DECEMBER -MUNICH - BRISBANE
We farewell Munich and the wonderful Christmas Markets, to make our way back to Brisbane.

Meals: B

DAY 18 - 10TH DECEMBER - BRISBANE
Today our Hosted Holiday ends. On arrival, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home.