Journey with Erika
Gingerbread cookies and golden ornaments hanging on a Christmas tree
Sold Out · Waitlist OpenHosted by Erika

Christmas Markets Land & River Cruise

Three festive nights in Munich and Nuremberg, then a 6-night Danube river cruise aboard the Amadeus Nova to Vienna. Mulled wine, twinkling markets and a group of new friends.

We've hosted the Danube before: September 2023 →

Dates
December 3–12, 2026
Trip type
Land & River Cruise
Length
3-night tour + 6-night cruise
Ship
Amadeus Nova
Status
Sold out · Waitlist open

Trip overview

Why you'll love this trip

In short

This hosted Christmas Markets journey runs December 3–12, 2026. It begins with an optional 3-night pre-cruise tour of Munich and Nuremberg, followed by a 6-night Danube river cruise aboard the Amadeus Nova from Nuremberg to Vienna. Erika travels with the group.

Explore the iconic Christmas markets of Munich, Nuremberg and Vienna, visit fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, and celebrate the season in medieval towns along the river. Every detail is handled, so all you have to do is come along.

Trip highlights

  • Christmas markets in Munich, Nuremberg and Vienna
  • A day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Group dinners in Munich and Nuremberg
  • Medieval Regensburg, Passau and Melk Abbey
  • Erika hosts the group from Munich to Vienna

Your itinerary, day by day

GERMANYAUSTRIACZECHIADanubeMain–Danube CanalMunich2 nightsNeuschwanstein CastleDay tripNuremberg1 night · EmbarkRothRegensburgPassauMelk & EmmersdorfViennaDisembarkPre-cruise tour (train)Day trip from MunichRiver cruise · Amadeus Nova
Route overview: 3 nights in Munich and Nuremberg, then 6 nights on the Danube aboard the Amadeus Nova.
  1. Dec 3–5

    Munich

    2 nights · Pre-cruise tour

    Christmas markets, a group dinner and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.

  2. Dec 5–6

    Nuremberg

    1 night · Pre-cruise tour

    A guided Nuremberg tour, the Christmas market and another group meal.

  3. Dec 6–12

    Danube river cruise

    6 nights aboard the Amadeus Nova

    Nuremberg → Roth → Regensburg → Passau → Melk → Emmersdorf → Vienna

  4. Dec 12

    Vienna

    Disembark

    Say goodbye in Vienna, or ask us to plan an extended stay in Vienna or Budapest.

Optional 3-night pre-cruise tour

Munich & Nuremberg at Christmastime

Start the holidays early with two nights in Munich and one in Nuremberg, with group meals, Christmas markets and a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Pre-cruise tour

$825

per person · 3 nights

Munich's Marienplatz with the New Town Hall and the golden Mariensäule column under a blue sky

2 nights · Dec 3–5

Munich

  • Group dinner at a traditional Bavarian restaurant
  • Visits to Munich's Christmas markets
  • Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Red-and-white striped market stalls at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt at dusk, with the Frauenkirche behind

1 night · Dec 5–6

Nuremberg

  • Guided tour of Nuremberg
  • Visit to the famous Nuremberg Christmas market
  • Group meal together before we board

6-night cruise rates aboard the Amadeus Nova

Per person, double occupancy, in USD. Pre-cruise tour: $825 per person.

This sailing is sold out.

Cancellations do happen. Join the waitlist and you'll be the first to know if a cabin opens up.

Join the Waitlist
A river cruise cabin with a queen bed and a large fixed window above the riverbankSold Out

Fixed Window Cabin

Sold out, was $1,776 per person

A river cruise cabin with the French balcony window open to the riverSold Out

French Balcony Cabin

Sold out, was $2,655 per person

A river cruise suite with a wide bed, sitting area and sliding glass doors to a French balconySold Out

Suite with French Balcony

Sold out, was $3,215 per person

  • All cabins and suites can be set up with 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds.
  • Traveling solo or as three? Ask us for solo and triple pricing.
  • 10% deposit (nonrefundable). Final payment due 120 days before departure.

Your cruise fare includes

  • Ship accommodation for 6 nights
  • Gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu choices, including vegetarian options
  • Afternoon tea and late-night snack
  • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour coffee and tea in the Amadeus Club
  • Welcome and farewell receptions, Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala Dinner
  • Onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, cultural performances and live music
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center and onboard bicycles
  • All onboard gratuities
  • All port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees

Not included

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Shore excursion packages
  • Spending money

Erika can help with flights and travel insurance. Just ask on your call.

Love this trip, but not the dates?

We can book you on another departure of this cruise that fits your calendar.

Ask About Other Dates

Questions about this trip

This sailing is sold out. How does the waitlist work?

Join the cancellation waitlist and Erika will contact you first if a cabin opens up. There's no cost or obligation to join.

Do I have to join the pre-cruise tour?

No. The 3-night Munich and Nuremberg tour is optional and costs $825 per person. You can book the cruise only.

Can I book this cruise if I'm traveling solo?

Yes. Ask us for solo pricing. Solo travelers are part of nearly every group Erika hosts.

What is the weather like on the Danube in December?

Expect cold winter weather, typically around freezing, with a chance of snow. Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat and comfortable walking shoes for the markets.

Are flights included?

No. Airfare isn't included, but Erika can help you plan and book flights.

Questions?

Erika will walk you through cabins, pricing and the full itinerary.

Schedule a Call

Free · 30 minutes · No obligation

Vienna Christmas market glowing at dusk in front of the illuminated Rathaus, with a lit Christmas tree and a 'Frohe Weihnachten' light sign