Avalon Waterways Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt (WBF)

13 Days Budapest to Frankfurt

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, library, and ornate pipe organ. Your Germany river cruise continues with an excursion to Nuremberg. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe, and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Continue your Festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your Christmas cruise through Germany. 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 Mainz Frankfurt with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.

Ships: Envision & Tranquility II - Passion & Panorama

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Budapest-Vienna: Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening

Day 3 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market

Day 4 Krems–Wachau Valley–Melk: Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk

Day 5 Passau: Guided walk; Christmas market

Day 6 Regensburg: Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria; Christmas market

Day 7 Nuremberg: Onboard Christmas Tradition lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Day 8 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: Full-day guided tour in Munich

Day 9 Nuremberg: Day at leisure to visit Christmas markets

Day 10 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture

Day 11 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop’s Residence; Christmas market

Day 12 Main river village: Guided tour

Day 13 Frankfurt (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1	BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
	Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. 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 (D)
Day 2	VIENNA, AUSTRIA
	Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. DISCOVERY 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 (B,L,D)
Day 3	VIENNA
	Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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 café. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B,L,D)
Day 4	KREMS
	Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine Country CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world. During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELK 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)
Day 5	PASSAU, GERMANY
	Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Later spend some 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. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Day 6	REGENSBURG
	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. DISCOVERY You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming Thurn and Taxis Palace – one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)
Day 7	NUREMBERG
	Legends and History Lessons DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board CLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing 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 favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
Day 8	NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
	CLASSIC 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. (B,D)
Day 9	NUREMBERG
	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 (B,L,D)
Day 10	BAMBERG
	Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes CLASSIC 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 Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
Day 11	WÜRZBURG
	Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet CLASSIC 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 (B,L,D)
Day 12	MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
	Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Day 13	FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
	Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Port charges:
$360

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

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

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. 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.