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Avalon Waterways Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound) (WNV)

7 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Vienna 
Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. Learn about local Christmas traditions, and cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.

Ships: Illumination - View - Impression - Envision - Passion - Imagery II - Expression

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Nuremberg (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Nuremberg: Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Day 3 Regensburg: Guided tour; Christmas markets; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture

Day 4 Passau: Guided tour; Christmas market

Day 5 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; onboard Austrian cookies tasting; free time in Vienna

Day 6 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market

Day 7 Vienna (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Related Avalon Tours

WNV - Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)
WNVQ - With 2 Nights in Prague
WVN - Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound)

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
 Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(D)
Day 2NUREMBERG
 Legends and History Lessons

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join 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.

Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)
Day 3REGENSBURG
 Christmas Magic in Bavaria

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

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)
Day 4PASSAU
 Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.

Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.

Enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

(B,L,D)
Day 5MELK, AUSTRIA
 Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.

VIENNA

Vienna’s Winter Wonderland

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)
Day 6VIENNA
 Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

DISCOVERY 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 café this evening.

You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 7VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
 Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Port charges:
$180

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Avalon 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.
  • Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

Avalon Waterways Fleet

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Avalon Tour Dates

Tour Land StartAvalon RetailRequest Quote
*12/02/2024 $3,199.00
*12/11/2024 $3,199.00
*12/13/2024 $3,199.00
*12/04/2025 $3,199.00
*12/10/2025 $3,199.00
*12/16/2025 $3,199.00
*12/17/2025 $3,199.00
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