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Tour Austria Avalon Envision Avalon Expression Avalon Illumination Avalon Impression Avalon Panorama Avalon Passion Avalon Visionary Avalon Vista + 36 More Aw_Austria Aw_Budapest Aw_Christmastime Aw_Czech_Republic Aw_Danube River Aw_Envision Aw_Expression Aw_Germany Aw_Hungary Aw_Imageryii Aw_Impression Aw_Melk Aw_Nuremberg Aw_Panorama Aw_Passau Aw_Prague Aw_Regensburg Aw_Vienna Aw_View Aw_Visionary Hungary Danube River Durnstein Europe Germany Main Danube Canal Melk Nuremberg Passau Regensburg River Cruise Roth Salzburg Wachau Valley Avalon Waterways 8 Day River Cruise Budapest to Nuremberg

Sail along the Danube River on a winter cruise with exciting stops and panoramic views in Austria and Germany. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, and sail up the Danube River to Vienna, Austria. Here, Christmas markets are scattered around the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing tour or a guided culinary walk through the Christmas market to taste some of the local traditional specialties.

Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley, and visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful patrician houses, and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop along the Danube River is 1000-year-old Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. After guided city sightseeing, be sure to explore the many stalls and try some spicy gingerbread and Glühwein! The perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!

Day 1: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Time for Coffee, and ConfectionsFlights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(D)

Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to ViennaThis evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)

Day 3: VIENNA

Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Culinary Tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and ApfelstrudelJoin a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening. Later, relax on board with live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS(B,L,D)

Day 4: KREMS

Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine CountryCLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new worldDuring lunchtime sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKOrnate Architecture and Scenic SplendorsCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)

Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY

Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.Meet your ship back in Passau after your selected activities for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)

Day 6: REGENSBURG

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortressDISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on boardThis evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Nuremberg. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 7: NUREMBERG

Living Heritage and History LessonsCLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third ReichSpend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 8: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 8

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
Time for Coffee, and ConfectionsFlights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(D)
Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to ViennaThis evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 3: VIENNA
Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Culinary Tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and ApfelstrudelJoin a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening. Later, relax on board with live entertainment. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS(B,L,D)
Day 4: KREMS
Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine CountryCLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new worldDuring lunchtime sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKOrnate Architecture and Scenic SplendorsCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY
Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.Meet your ship back in Passau after your selected activities for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
Day 6: REGENSBURG
Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortressDISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on boardThis evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Nuremberg. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 7: NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History LessonsCLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third ReichSpend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 8: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

THE BLUE DANUBE DISCOVERY

Day 1: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Day 3: VIENNA

Day 4: KREMS

Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY

Day 6: REGENSBURG

Day 7: NUREMBERG

Day 8: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)

Details

Itinerary ▼

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