Festive Season on Heart of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound)

15 Day River Cruise Budapest to Frankfurt

Cruise WBFQ-T1

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Overview

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest after enjoying two nights in the “Pearl of the Danube.” Before sailing, you’ll enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital city to see Budapest’s iconic sights, including Heroes’ Square. Visit vibrant Vienna and picturesque Krems, and sail through the beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, with its magnificent Benedictine Abbey—complete with its fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. While sailing hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe. In Nuremberg, choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII no-toriety.

Continue your Festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany, including Bam-berg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your European Christmas cruise Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. Your Danube and Main River cruise vacation concludes in Frankfurt with wonderful experiences and memories of old-fashioned Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest after enjoying two nights in the “Pearl of the Danube.” Before sailing, you’ll enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital city to see Budapest’s iconic sights, including Heroes’ Square. Visit vibrant Vienna and picturesque Krems, and sail through the beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, with its magnificent Benedictine Abbey—complete with its fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. While sailing hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe. In Nuremberg, choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII no-toriety.

Continue your Festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany, including Bam-berg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your European Christmas cruise Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. Your Danube and Main River cruise vacation concludes in Frankfurt with wonderful experiences and memories of old-fashioned Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.

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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 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.

Day 2 BUDAPEST

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

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.

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.


Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.

Day 3 BUDAPEST(EMBARKATION)<span class="location"> </span>

  • Meals included:
  • Dinner

Time for Coffee, and Confections
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


Day 4 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube
Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

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.

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


Day 5 VIENNA

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary 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 Tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, 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.


Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS


Day 6 KREMS

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Christmas Markets in the Austria’s Wine Country

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 Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.


In your free time perhaps try some roasted chestnuts, one of the most popular treats at the Christmas market.
During lunchtime sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

MELK


Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors

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 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


Day 7 PASSAU, GERMANY

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

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 City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.


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 activities for sailing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG


Day 8 REGENSBURG

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

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 City Walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.


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.

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


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.

Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.


This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Nuremberg.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG


Day 9 NUREMBERG

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Living Heritage and History Lessons

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.

Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;


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 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 10 NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

A King’s Palace and Town Halls in Modern Munich

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.

Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.


Day 11 NUREMBERG

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Living Heritage and History Lessons
A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG


Day 12

BAMBERG

Cherished Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

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 Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.


Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.

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.

Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.


OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG


(B,L,D)

Day 13 WÜRZBURG<span class="location"> </span>

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Ornaments, Old Saint Nicholas, and Nutcrackers Sweet

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 of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.


You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.
Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Day 14 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

  • Meals included:
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

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 Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.


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 Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.


AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT


Day 15 FRANKFURT (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

  • 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); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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