10-night Iconic Christmas Markets with 3 Nights in Prague Pre-Cruise Cruise/Land Package

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Tour of downtown Prague

Walking tour of downtown Prague

This walking tour will lead us through the former commercial heart of the city where the ancient roads of the Czech Kingdom and from abroad used to cross. We will visit two ancient Prague districts - Old Town and New Town, briefly touching Prague Jewish Quarter. This tour is a perfect introduction to discover the entire city.
 
Exploring the puzzle of medieval streets we will soon reach the Old Town Square where we can admire most of the Prague Old Town monuments, the stunning Old Town Hall with its mysterious Astronomical Clock, vertical gothic beauty of the Tyn Church and many other historical houses and former noble family palaces.
 
The time is passing by and not only the Astronomical Clock offers a live view of the movements of the universe, but it also gives us a short spectacle of the twelve apostles marching every hour on the hour, while a skeleton and human vices are nodding their heads. From the Astronomical Clock our steps will take us to the Tyn Church where gothic verticality and relative austerity of the exterior meets with its opulent baroque interior. On our way to the former city entrance we will pass through the medieval miniature Tyn fortress – Ungelt where foreign merchants used to do their business. Passing by the St. James´ Church we will take a shortcut to get to Celetna Street which will lead us to the mighty Powder Tower, which was once one of the major entrances into the city. Yes, it used to be right there where the city walls with a deep moat protected the City of Prague and where king Vaclav IV. built his city palace. Many things have changed but the Powder Tower still stands here. The city walls are gone, the moat changed into a shopping street and where there used to be the king´s palace you will now find the flamboyant Municipal House, a real jewel of art nouveau architecture.
 
Returning to Old Town Square via Na Prikope Street we will make a short stop at Wenceslas Square, nowadays a commercial and shopping heart of the city. From there we will proceed to the Estates Theater where a young genius music composer W.A. Mozart conducted his operas, including the world premiere performance of Don Giovanni.
 
On our way to the Charles Bridge we will briefly touch the Jewish Quarter, which definitely deserves a special tour. Therefore we will only walk through seeing the monuments from the outside. We will pass by the famous Old New Synagogue, Old Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish cemetery. Along the Vltava embankment our steps will lead us towards the Charles Bridge, the most famous statue gallery in Central Europe which connects the two sides of Prague like a diamond ring offering unforgettable views of Prague Castle, Lesser Town and Old Town.

The tour takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes
 

Prague castle complex tour

Your private guide and driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will take you for a half day tour with a vehicle support. You will see the Prague Castle complex with the famous St. Vitus cathedral, Royal palace and the Golden Lane as well as the Strahov Monastery. Short overview drive around Prague will get you oriented of the city layout and you will see a few more intersting sights such as the Dancing house, Rudolfinum concert hall, etc.

 

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread (6 hours)

Highlights:
 
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
 
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
 
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.  
 
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
 
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
 
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Transportation by luxury car
• Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
• All taxes

Not Included:

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center

Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
 
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
 
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15^th century artifacts
 
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
 
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
 
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
 
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• All taxes

Not Included:

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Munich, 8 hours

This full day tour takes you to the Bavarian capital for a Private City Tour of Munich; among others you pass by impressive sights such as the Nymphenburg Palace, the Royal Residence, the Olympia Park and many more.

Highlights:

• Private licensed Munich Guide for your City Tour
• Main sights in Munich: e.g. Olympia Park, BMW building, Old and New Art Gallery (Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek), National Theatre, Royal Residence, Nymphenburg Palace, The Angel of Peace Monument in Schwabing, King’s Square, Victory Gate, English Garden and many more (only outside visits!).

Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 7-8 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
• Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
• Private licensed English speaking guide for the Munich City Tour (other languages available, but on request)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Cesky Krumlov, 7 hours

This full day tour takes you just across the border to the Czech Republic,to visit Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage Site). From April till October, an inside visit of the Cesky Krumlov Castle is included in this package.

Highlights:

• Private licensed local Guide for your Cesky Krumlov visit
• Cesky Krumlov - medieval city, impressing with its unique atmosphere, including the Minorite Monastery and the Church of St. Vitus.
• From April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): inside visit of the enthroning Cesky Krumlov Castle.

Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 7 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
• Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
• Private licensed English speaking guide for the Cesky Krumlov City Tour (other languages available, but on request)
• April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): Entrance fee for Cesky Krumlov Castle

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

Private explorations in the quaint three river village

Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your city stroll according to your interests and expectations
 
The picturesque city of Passau, known as ‘The City of Three Rivers’, stands at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and the Ilz Rivers in Germany’s far southeast corner near the Austrian border
 
Passau was an ancient Roman colony and a former hub of the salt trade, then later the Holy Roman Empire, largest diocese and a sword-making centre
 
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with its enchanting, narrow lanes, beautiful riverbank promenades to see the ‘Rathaus’, with its , Baroque festival hall, the New Bishop's Residence before arriving at St. Stephen's Cathedral
 
St. Stephen's is a true masterpiece of Italian Baroque and is most famous for its spectacular organ. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers it is not to be missed. Schedule permitted enjoy a recital by their master organist
 
End your walk with a stop at our favourite watering hole for a tasting of the famous local Granit gin or enjoy traditional baked goods at ‘Kerscher’ where recipes are handed from generation to generation for over 100 years
 
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• All taxes

Not Included:

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Melk Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Melk and Duernstein, 4 hours

This tour includes a private tour through the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most impressive monasteries, followed by an excursion to the picturesque village of Duernstein, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was formerly held prisoner.

Highlights:

• Private Tour through the Benedictine Abbey of Melk
• City Walk in Duernstein, with its impressive blue church and views up to the castle ruins towering Duernstein
• Lovely tour through Wachau valley, with its romantic scenery, vineyards, apricot orchards and ruined castles

Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Half Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Melk or Duernstein
• Transfer in a private minivan
• Private licensed English speaking guide  (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee and private tour at Melk Abbey

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

 

Melk Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour Wachau & Wines, 8 hours

This tour includes a private tour through the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, followed by an excursion to the picturesque village of Duernstein, and a visit to the former merchants' town of Krems, crowned by a winery tour and wine tastings.

Highlights:

• Private Tour through the Benedictine Abbey of Melk
• City Walk in Duernstein, with its impressive blue church and views up to the castle ruins towering Duernstein
• Lovely tour through Wachau valley, with its romantic scenery, vineyards, apricot orchards and ruined castles
• Visit of former merchants' town Krems
• Winery Tour and wine tasting at Sandgrube 13 in Krems

Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Melk or Duernstein
• Transfer in a private minivan
• Private licensed English speaking guide  (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee and private tour at Melk Abbey
• Sandgrube 13 wine cellar tour and tasting

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

 

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours

This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
• State Opera House (outside)
• the Ringstrasse ('ring road')

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours

During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
• Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
• St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)

 

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours

This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.

Highlights:

• Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
• Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
• Augustinian Church

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours

This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.

Highlights:

• Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
• Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours

In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.

Highlights:

• Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
• Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
• Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
• St. Charles's Church (outside)
• Hundertwasserhaus (outside)

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)

Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
• Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours

From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
• Vienna's historic old town (outside)
• Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
• Coffee break at the famous Café Central

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)

Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
• Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours

This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
• State Opera (outside)
• St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
• Parliament Buidling (outside)
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church (indoor visit)

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours

This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.

Highlights:

• Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
• Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
• Matthias Church (inside visit)
• Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
• Parliament Building (inside visit)

Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Full Day

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours

During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Budapest's Castle Hill
• Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
• Holy Trinity Square
• Hess András Square
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)

Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

Not included:

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above