Cruise with the Getaway Guru® - Hosted by Larry and Cathy Gelwix!
The Getaway Guru® Larry Gelwix invites you to join him to travel back through the centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures.
This Iconic Christmas markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas market in Germany; Regensburg’s Christmas market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic; Vienna with its impressive Christmas markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; and Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where products sold in the market are traditionally handmade are yours to explore. Sparkling lights: the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages, and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.
We believe in offering you extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring you closer to the cultures of the world. That’s why our intimate, inclusive itineraries are designed to help you explore the nuances of your destination: its food, culture, people, and customs.
PLEASE CALL FOR LAST MINUTE CABIN AVAVILABILITY!
*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not always significant, the days are full. Be sure to notify us if you have ANY physical limitations.
To book this cruise contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Tour ID #9224L04
Questions? Contact:
Megan Shouse, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6171
Email Megan
Days 1 & 2: Tuesday & Wednesday, December 3-4, 2024
Home Cities – Nuremberg, Germany
Depart the US to arrive in Nuremberg. Welcome to Germany! Transfer to your ship from the airport.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner, In-flight
Day 3: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Nuremberg, Germany
Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts, followed by a visit to some of the local Christmas markets. Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. You will also cross the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal as the day ends.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:Friday, December 6, 2024
Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Passau, Germany
Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Melk - Vienna, Austria
High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise of the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley before arriving in Vienna and exploring the local Christmas markets.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Monday, December 9, 2024
Vienna, Austria
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterward, you’ll visit the Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. During the afternoon, visit the Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. This market presents a glittering and stellar Christmas experience
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8; Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from the historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes Square, and much more. Later, explore this beautiful city’s Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill, walk along Fishermen’s Bastion, and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Budapest, Hungary - Flights Home to USA
Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city before preparing for your return flight home.
Meals : Breakfast, In-flight
Highlights of the Tour:
- The VERY best Christmas markets in all of Europe!
- Cruise on the beautiful AmaSonata River Ship
- Getaway Guru® Larry Gelwix will be your tour host for the whole trip along with local day guides
- Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with over 60 years of experience!! YES, IT MATTERS!
All This Is Included:
- 8-day cruise on the AMA Sonata
- Immersive tours in every destination with personal headsets
- All meals on board, regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Unlimited wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation in some day tours
- Licensed local guides on all-day tours
- Bikes tours and hikes at your request
- free internet and wi-fi access
- Bottled water daily
- Experienced tour host, Larry Gelwix for the whole cruise
Not Included:
- Airfare from your home city to Nurenberg, Germany, and home from Budapest, Hungary
- Government taxes & fees $210.00 per person
- Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
- Cruise and day tour gratuities
- Travel insurance (highly recommended!)
Pricing Options: Call for last-minute availability!
- Standard Cat E $2,995 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat D $3,407 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat C $3,985 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat BB $4,435 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat BA $4,587 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat AB $4,735 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat AA $4,885 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat A+ $5,385 per person based on a double cabin
Payment Terms:
- Final Payment due by August 6, 2024
- We offer A CASH DISCOUNT of $100 per person on this cruise. It applies for all payments made by check or ACH AFTER the deposit
- This tour is based on a minimum of 30 passengers
- Read our Terms & Conditions
Charter Cancellation Policy:
- All payments are non-refundable!
- If the cancellation comes prior to final payment, if you resell your cabin to a friend and a name change is allowed, we will refund the deposit amount once paid in full
- Or, once the charter is fully booked, if we can resell your cabin for you a refund will be allowed of your deposit
