From

£959pp

Prices shown exclude flights and transfers

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Overview

Open a gift wrapped in glowing lights and sights of the inviting beauty of Christmas markets on the Danube River. Embark on special departures for the festive season in Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on our decorated Suite Ships® as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local Christmas traditions along your Danube River cruise. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.

Savor the special views of the season by embarking in Vienna. Sail through the wonderful Wachau Valley with visits to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. You’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and gothic cathedral, and visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral. Your festive cruise on the Danube River concludes in the glorious Hungarian capital of Budapest.

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

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 VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Dinner

Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 2 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN–KREMS

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses

Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.

Enjoy a brief sailing to Dürnstein through the stunning landscapes of the Wachau Valley. Spend some free time in Dürnstein before sailing to Krems. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

Day 3 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 4 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Budapest airport before 10 am.

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

Notes

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location.

Start sooner, stay longer

Start sooner, stay longer. Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

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Festive Season on A Taste of the Danube (Eastbound)