Duration: 8 Days
Sail along the Danube River on a winter cruise with exciting stops and panoramic views in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, 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. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries.
Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House and in this time of the year, Christmas markets are scattered around the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing tour 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, and visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise holiday is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas market 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 holiday!
Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights 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)
Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
Enjoy 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.
This 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)
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 cafe.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B,L,D)
Christmas Magic in the Austria's Wine Country
CLASSIC 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.
MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC 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)
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 Christkindlmarkt 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)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
CLASSIC 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)
Legends and History Lessons
DISCOVERY 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 Favourite 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)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
