From

£2,755 pp

Cruise only

Departing 12 December 2020

From

£3,192 pp

Cruise with flights & transfers

From London Heathrow

Call us on
0330 058 8243

Overview

This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. See famous sights like Old Town’s Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge, but also get the unique chance to stroll through the Christmas markets. It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree orna-ments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené víno (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel 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 Lebku-chen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments.

Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. After a guided tour, savor local sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German beers. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Ab-bey—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, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.

Part of the Save up to £2,500pp offer

Save up to £2,500pp on 2020 cruises when you book before 21 February.

See full offer

Itinerary

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic

<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the Prague and its surrounding countryside. Sample delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.

Day 2 PRAGUE

Meals included:
Breakfast

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits

Take a Guided City Walk to visit 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.

Day 3 PRAGUE—NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

The Perfect Christmas Wish Come True

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before your transfer to Nuremberg and board your Avalon Suite Ship®.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 4 NUREMBERG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Living Heritage and History Lessons

Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

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 Christkindlmarkt.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

Day 5 REGENSBURG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Christmas Magic in Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.

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.

Later, indulge in an onboard Beer Tasting to sample regional German brews.

Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 6 PASSAU

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night

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 Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Take a brief evening cruise to Linz, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 7 MELK, AUSTRIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Striking Frescoes and the Breathtaking Wachau Valley

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.

VIENNA

Vienna’s Winter Wonderland

This 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

Day 8 VIENNA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections

Take a Guided Tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:

Join a Guided Culinary Tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.

You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 9 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements. Request a callback or email us.

Notes

Note: Christmas markets usually operate from late November until the third week in December, depending on location. Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January.

Departure November 23: While the Avalon Passion will be festively decorated and the Christmas spirit already prevails on board and in most cities, Christmas markets will not be open until this cruise reaches Regensburg. The optional excursion to Salzburg on day 6 will be included.