Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)

Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)

Book a Christmas Themed River Cruise in Europe with Avalon

Cruise Austria Aw_Austria Aw_Christmastime Aw_Danube River Aw_Europe Aw_Featured Aw_Germany Aw_Melk Aw_Nuremberg + 20 More Aw_Passau Aw_Passion Aw_Regensburg Aw_Vienna Christmastime Danube Danube River Europe Festive Germany Linz Main Danube Canal Melk Nuremberg Passau Regensburg River Cruise Wachau Valley Avalon Waterways 7 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Vienna
Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. Learn about local Christmas traditions, and cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.

Day 1: NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(D)

Day 2: NUREMBERG

Legends and History LessonsCLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join 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. Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)

Day 3: REGENSBURG

Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)

Day 4: PASSAU

Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent NightCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night. Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.Enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)

Day 5: MELK, AUSTRIA

Frescoes Above the Wachau ValleyCLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.VIENNA Vienna’s Winter WonderlandThis evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)

Day 6: VIENNA

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions DISCOVERY Explore the city of Vienna and sample local winter specialties on a Guided Walk through the city’s Old Town and Christmas markets, OR: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 this evening. You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)

Day 7: VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship Name
Visionary
Departure Port
NUE
Arrival Port
VIE
Number of Nights
6

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