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Christmastime From Budapest To Frankfurt

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Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WBF
Overview
Destination:
Germany
Hungary
Start:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Frankfurt, Germany
Duration:13 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
December 2025 - December 2026
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.

Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg to continue your festive European holiday 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. Savour 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 holiday concludes in Mainz Frankfurt with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendours, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Standard inclusions
  • 12 breakfasts.
  • 10 lunches.
  • 12 dinners.
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Itinerary
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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 cafe. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn 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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (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 Favourite 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 (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH. NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION)
This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel. 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 WURZBURG (B,L,D)
Day 11 - WURZBURG
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 Kathe 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 MILTENBERG (B,L,D)
Day 12 - MILTENBERG
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Day 13 - FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10am. (B)
Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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12 nights
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