Overview
Board your ship read more in Nuremberg, Germany, and visit this 1000-year-old city with a Local Guide. Browse Nuremberg’s Christmas market—one of Europe’s oldest. Be sure to try the city’s traditional gingerbread! Next, visit Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you’ll taste some of Germany’s famous beers and sausages. Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral which forms a perfect backdrop for the delightful Christkindlmarkt. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, and enjoy a traditional Austrian cookie tasting as you cruise through a winter wonderland from the Wachau Valley to romantic Vienna. Here, where Christmas markets are scattered around the city, enjoy a culinary walk through the markets to taste some of the local traditional specialties.
Your European Christmas river cruise holiday ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul. Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)
Legends and History Lessons
- Classic: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg - with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria - built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
Take time to browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers".
Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B/L/D)
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
VIENNA: Viennese Waltzes on 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 (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
- Classic: Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese cafe this evening. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
War Heroes and Hot Water
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest's cafes, pubs or nightlife and don't miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon View
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
