Experience the Christmas markets of the beautiful Blue Danube for a holiday season you’ll never forget. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside, and take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, and stroll through the brightly coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg to enjoy German Christmas traditions, and take a guided tour to see the city’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, the gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, You may also choose a guided tour of WWII Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich. You’ll cruise to the magical town of Regensburg for a guided city walk of its historic Old Town, enjoy a German beer tasting on board and cruise toward Passau where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz Rivers, and sail on to Linz with its legendary Linzer Torte for a holiday treat. Cruise to lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Take in the wonderful wine region scenery as you sail through the stunning Wachau Valley. You’ll arrive in Vienna to discover the gilded landmarks in the City of Music. See the Imperial Palace of the legendary Habsburg family, the historic Vienna Opera House, and spectacular St. Stephens Cathedral. You’ll marvel at Vienna’s Christmas Advent Market with its warmth, confections, and delightful seasonal mementoes.
Cruise to Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” for a guided sightseeing tour of iconic sites such as Heroes’ Square. Discover the special Christmas markets in this shining city, and take time to explore local pubs and cafes. Sample strudel, savour the sights of the season, and discover the age-old traditions of a European Christmas Market cruise to remember for many seasons to come.
Experience the Christmas markets of the beautiful Blue Danube for a holiday season you’ll never forget. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside, and take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, and stroll through the brightly coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg to enjoy German Christmas traditions, and take a guided tour to see the city’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, the gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, You may also choose a guided tour of WWII Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich. You’ll cruise to the magical town of Regensburg for a guided city walk of its historic Old Town, enjoy a German beer tasting on board and cruise toward Passau where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz Rivers, and sail on to Linz with its legendary Linzer Torte for a holiday treat. Cruise to lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Take in the wonderful wine region scenery as you sail through the stunning Wachau Valley. You’ll arrive in Vienna to discover the gilded landmarks in the City of Music. See the Imperial Palace of the legendary Habsburg family, the historic Vienna Opera House, and spectacular St. Stephens Cathedral. You’ll marvel at Vienna’s Christmas Advent Market with its warmth, confections, and delightful seasonal mementoes.
Cruise to Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” for a guided sightseeing tour of iconic sites such as Heroes’ Square. Discover the special Christmas markets in this shining city, and take time to explore local pubs and cafes. Sample strudel, savour the sights of the season, and discover the age-old traditions of a European Christmas Market cruise to remember for many seasons to come.
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.
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.
Day 1 Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to the Golden City of Prague
Explore the City of 100 Spires
Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Day 2 Prague
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles and Great Cuisine
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 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 coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Day 3 Prague - Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
The Secret Romance of Picturesque Prague
The morning is free to explore Prague on your own to enjoy the stunning architectural beauty of the city.
This afternoon, board your Suite Ship® in Nuremberg and enjoy a dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Day 4 Nuremberg
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 tour of Nuremberg’s 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 favourite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBERG
Day 5 Regensburg
Magical Regensburg - Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
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.
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 of Old Town to 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.
Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner before sailing to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 6 Passau
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,”
Join a full day guided optional excursion to Salzburg - the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
Linz, Austria
The Linzer Torte and a Legendary Love of Art and Music
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a chance to get off your feet and warm up in one of the many pastry shops and cafés.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Day 7 Melk - Wachau Valley
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley.
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, 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.
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.
During lunchtime sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
Vienna
Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube.
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
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.
Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St Stephen’s Cathedral.
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, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Day 9 Budapest, Hungary
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Day 10 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Note: Owing to lock closures and planned maintenance of technical equipment on the Main Danube Canal, this itinerary may be modified slightly on some departures. On 17 April departure, embarkation will be in Passau and the itinerary amended accordingly.
