Danube Christmas Delights

Disembark your ship and set out to see the most renowned sites where The Sound of Music was filmed, including the gardens at Mirabell Palace, where the Pegasus Fountain and a now-famous stairway played a role in the song “Do-Re-Mi.” You will also see Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace and St. Michael’s Basilica, where the von Trapp wedding was filmed. The movie is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Continue to Salzburg and check in to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Today, get an in-depth look at one of Austria’s most stunning cities. See the place of Mozart’s birth, then continue to the Alter Markt, Salzburg’s oldest marketplace. At Domplatz, see the impressive Salzburg Cathedral and immerse yourself in its famed Christkindlmarkt, which traces its roots back to the 14th century. Enjoy time to peruse its many traditional stands, lit overhead by strands of lights that evoke the winter stars. This afternoon, continue exploring on your own. (B)

Head to Munich, where you will set off on a guided walk to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, culminating in a visit to its Christmas market. Located in Marienplatz, in front of the neo-Gothic Town Hall, it is Germany’s largest manger market and exudes undeniable old-world Bavarian charm. Stroll past the many stalls displaying nativity scenes and handcrafted wares while traditional Bavarian music fills the air. After lunch, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. (B)

Today, visit one of the region’s spectacular palatial treasures built by one of Bavaria’s most celebrated monarchs, King Ludwig II. Drive into the countryside, where you will see the famed Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairy-tale fortress was built as an homage to composer Richard Wagner, and was the inspiration for the setting of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Then travel to Oberammergau, a picturesque alpine village famous for its once-in-a-decade Passionsspiele about the life of Jesus. (B)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Disembark your ship and embark on a scenic drive to Prague. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Perhaps sample some of the hearty local cuisine, or take a stroll to view some of the city’s monuments beautifully illuminated. 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 proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Transfer from your ship to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. This evening, see the city’s monuments, including the National Theater, Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge, beautifully illuminated. 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 proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)