Christmas on the Rhine & Main

Fly to Munich, where you will be met by your Viking Representative and transfer to Garmisch. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to explore this beautiful winter setting in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Garmisch-Partenkirchen so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Mittenwald, a charming village renowned for its crafting of exquisite string instruments. Following a stroll of its center, continue your journey through winter alpine scenery to Innsbruck. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided walking tour to see the Hofburg—the former imperial palace—and the Goldenes Dachl. After time to explore the medieval streets and stalls of the Christmas market, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

This morning, journey through a winter wonderland to Ettal and visit one of Bavaria’s architectural gems. Step inside the 14th-century abbey to admire the elaborately painted ceiling, then continue to Oberammergau, a charming village best-known for its decennial event, The Passion Play. View the traditional frescoes adorning many buildings during a stroll, before returning to Garmisch for an afternoon at your leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner. (B, D)

Check out of your hotel and journey to Munich, the Bavarian capital. Drive down the royal avenue of Maximilianstrasse, gloriously lined with neo-Gothic architecture. On foot, head to Marienplatz, the city’s main square, and admire the Neues Rathaus, or New Town Hall, adorned with the famous Glockenspiel. Enjoy time to browse the stalls of the Christmas market, filled with tasty yuletide treats, then board your motor coach and travel to Nuremberg, where you will board your awaiting ship. (B)

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Prague so you can make the most of your visit.

Set out on a panoramic tour of Prague, including a guided walk through Prague Castle. Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and art nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. Later, enjoy free time to visit some of the city’s landmarks or museums. (B)

Spend the day further exploring Prague on your own. See more of the Old Town or check out some of Prague’s more modern sights such as the Frank Gehry–designed Dancing House, an office building inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Cross Charles Bridge, see the Astronomical Clock and the Lennon Wall, and stand in historic Wenceslas Square. Stroll past the colorful cottages on Golden Lane, or visit the Jewish Quarter and see the 13th-century Altneuschul, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your river cruise. (B)

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Prague so you can make the most of your visit.

Set out on a panoramic tour of Prague, including a guided walk through Prague Castle. Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic’s atmospheric capital that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague’s medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and art nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. Later, enjoy free time to visit some of the city’s landmarks or museums. (B)

Spend the day further exploring Prague on your own. See more of the Old Town or check out some of Prague’s more modern sights such as the Frank Gehry–designed Dancing House, an office building inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Cross Charles Bridge, see the Astronomical Clock and the Lennon Wall, and stand in historic Wenceslas Square. Stroll past the colorful cottages on Golden Lane, or visit the Jewish Quarter and see the 13th-century Altneuschul, Europe’s oldest active synagogue. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to begin your river cruise. (B)

Disembark your ship in Basel and journey to Lucerne. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided walk with free time for lunch, before boarding your train for a scenic journey to Interlaken. You will transfer to your hotel and check in. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in the Junfrau Region so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Today, you will embark a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg, in the heart of the Jungfrau Region. Upon arrival, disembark the train and spend time admiring the views over the three mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and savor lunch at the restaurant. Continue your scenic journey to Grindelwald, renowned for its picturesque setting. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Check out of your hotel and head to the railway station to board your train. Journey along the GoldenPass route, then board a cable car to the snowcapped Glacier 3000 resort, where you may take in the winter scenery from one of its restaurants, and take a walk across the suspension bridge, offering spectacular views. Afterward, enjoy the alpine atmosphere of Gstaad, where you will board your train for Montreux, then spend the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

After breakfast, set out on foot to explore the beautiful town of Montreux. Admire the winter scenery of your surroundings, with its mountain backdrop and quaint streets. Next, visit Chillon Castle, one of Europe’s most striking medieval castles, located on a rocky islet. View the 15th-century wall paintings, explore the underground vaults and hear about its longstanding winemaking tradition. Afterward, return to Montreux and browse its festive Christmas market before returning to your hotel. (B)

This morning, check out of your hotel and head to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)