Festive Season on A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna & 2 Nights in Budapest (Eastbound)

8 Day River Cruise Vienna to Budapest

Cruise WVBY-T1

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Overview

Experience Europe’s timeless traditions in the glow 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.

Begin your festive Danube River cruise your way with two nights in Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephens Cathedral. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy hotel-to-ship transfer.

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.

End your vacation your way after your cruise with two nights in Budapest. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy ship-to-hotel transfer.
Experience Europe’s timeless traditions in the glow 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.

Begin your festive Danube River cruise your way with two nights in Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephens Cathedral. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy hotel-to-ship transfer.

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.

End your vacation your way after your cruise with two nights in Budapest. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and courtesy ship-to-hotel transfer.
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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:

Classic

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.

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.

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

Welcome to Vienna

Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

Day 2 VIENNA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

A Feast for the Soul in Vienna—Music, Food, Art, and Architecture

Classic

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.

Venture into the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:


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.

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

Classic

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.

Optional tours today include a Guided Tour of magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence of Habsburg royalty. You may also choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

Day 3 VIENNA (EMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Vienna Favorites—Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®.
Indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Austrian pastries in a local bakery.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK


Day 4 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN–KREMS

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses

Classic

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.

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 5 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

Classic

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.

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 6 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (DISEMBARKATION)

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

Time for Cobblestones, Coffee, and Confections

Classic

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.

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.


Day 7 BUDAPEST

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast


Spend free time on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Budapest. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.

Day 8 BUDAPEST

  • 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

  • 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.
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