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Tour Austria Avalon Envision Aw_Austria Aw_Budapest Aw_Czech_Republic Aw_Danube River Aw_Europe Aw_Germany Aw_Hungary + 24 More Aw_Melk Aw_Nuremberg Aw_Passau Aw_Prague Aw_Regensburg Aw_Vienna Hungary Czech Republic Danube Danube River Europe Festive Germany Krems Main Danube Canal Melk Nuremberg Passau Regensburg River Cruise Roth Wachau Valley Avalon Waterways 12 Day River Cruise Budapest to Prague

This timeless European river cruise vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before sailing along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany. Your Danube River cruise concludes in the golden city of Prague—the capital of the Czech Republic. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and tradition. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. In Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital, marvel at the eight bridges spanning the river and enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights, and take this first chance to explore a Christmas market.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® from Budapest and enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria Here, Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing ending with a walk through the Christmas market to taste some of the local traditional specialties. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley, In Melk, visit majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous Austrian wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful Patrician houses and the Christkindlesmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Further up the Danube River, you’ll arrive at the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop is the 1000-year-old city of Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany where you’ll marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Disembark and travel to beautiful Prague. See the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy exploring on your own. Browse for last-minute gifts at the Christmas market, and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town! The perfect ending to a winter cruise on the Danube!

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.

Day 2: BUDAPEST

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.(B)

Day 3: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Time for Coffee, and ConfectionsWith 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(B,D)

Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube Enjoy a relaxing day on board sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and 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 Vienna.Arrive this evening in Vienna, where 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 5: VIENNA

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS(B,L,D)

Day 6: KREMS

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

Day 7: PASSAU, GERMANY

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.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 full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 8: REGENSBURG

Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC 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 fortress.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 9: NUREMBERG

Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.CLASSIC 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 Reich.Spend 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 Christkindlesmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 10: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome to Prague! Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.(B)

Day 11: PRAGUE

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, and visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)

Day 12: PRAGUE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 12

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2: BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.(B)
Day 3: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
Time for Coffee, and ConfectionsWith 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(B,D)
Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube Enjoy a relaxing day on board sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and 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 Vienna.Arrive this evening in Vienna, where 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 5: VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS(B,L,D)
Day 6: KREMS
Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine CountryCLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKFrescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
Day 7: PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.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 full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Day 8: REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC 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 fortress.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 9: NUREMBERG
Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.CLASSIC 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 Reich.Spend 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 Christkindlesmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 10: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to Prague! Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.(B)
Day 11: PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, and visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)
Day 12: PRAGUE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Christmastime on the Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest and 2 Nights in Prague