Christmas Time on the Danube
(waitlisted)
Set sail on Avalon Waterways from Nuremberg to Vienna, December 16 - 22, 2022
This trip is personally escorted by Joy
Vacation overview
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.
Pricing starts at $2117 per person *
Itinerary:
Day 1 NUREMBERG, 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
Day 2 NUREMBERG
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
Day 3 REGENSBURG
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
Day 4 PASSAU
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, and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Day 5 MELK, 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
Day 6 VIENNA
Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Day 7 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
* Prices include cruise, taxes, complimentary gratuities. Airfare & transfers can be arranged. Additional nights in Vienna can be arranged. Insurance can be purchased for $359 per person