Festive Season on the Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

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Festive Season on the Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Operated by Avalon

Tripcode: WDB-T0

Overview

Itinerary

Dates

Overview

Destination:

Germany,

Hungary,

Start:Vilshofen, Germany
Finish:Budapest, Hungary

Duration:8 days

Type:Group tour (max 90)

Style:

River/Small ship/Barge,

Travel Period

November 2027 - November 2027

8 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest
Welcome the holiday season as the festive season begins to come to life along the shining Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Celebrate the beginning of the season with Avalon aboard your Suite Ship, festively adorned with sparkling lights and warm holiday cheer. Warm your heart with hot chocolate by candlelight, delight in learning cherished holiday recipes passed down through generations, and smile to the joyful sounds of carols on a festive journey to welcome the holiday season as Europe’s storybook towns come to life with the first glow of holiday cheer. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers”—at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Unwrap magnificent views through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Be awed by the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk and charming Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and toast the holiday season with local wines. Stroll through twinkling streets in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest as locals are busy preparing the heartwarming traditions of the season. This Danube River Festive cruise is sure to bring visions of sugar plums, sweet confections, and savory dishes that invite you to step into the magic of Festive season in Europe for a gift you’ll never forget.

Note: While this cruise features early holiday activities and festive atmosphere along the Danube, the official opening of Christmas Markets varies by city and may not coincide with specific cruise departures. Information specific to each city can be found on that city’s tourism website.
All This. Included
Note: While this cruise features early holiday activities and festive atmosphere along the Danube, the official opening of Christmas Markets varies by city and may not coincide with specific cruise departures. Information specific to each city can be found on that city’s tourism website.

Highlights:

Itinerary

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VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany. Your Festive Suite Ship® Awaits!

Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU

(D)

PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

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

Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. Enjoy the festive atmosphere coming to life in the city, with twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the streets.

This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

(B,L,D)

LINZ, AUSTRIA

Bohemian Rhapsodies

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.

Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Or give yourself the gift of a free afternoon exploring Linz on your own to indulge in the chocolates and confections with a cheery cup of spiced punch to celebrate the season in a festive café.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS

(B,L,D)

YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Frescoes and Finery

DISCOVERY Join a guided visit to two family-owned farms and discover delicious traditional specialties, OR:

CLASSIC Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Later, sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.

ACTIVE Explore the exquisite Wachau Valley on a bike ride with your Adventure Host.

Gingerbread and Good King Richard

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.

DISCOVERY Join an onboard gingerbread Cooking Demonstration.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)

VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past with an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the grand Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.

Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, where shopkeepers dress store windows with holiday fare and festive wares. Stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

(B,L,D)

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Hungarian Holiday

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Cooking Class with local expert chefs to learn about the rich culinary traditions of Hungary. Make delicious Hungarian sweets and accompany them with a taste of mulled wine to celebrate the holiday season.

This afternoon, choose from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman’s Bastion. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés adorned in a warm festive spirit to indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine, or an iconic chimney cake.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)

BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Happy Holidays!

(B)

Dates

Select a date or submit general enquiry

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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*Terms and conditions

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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Price from

$6,725 $6,422 *

Member price from

$6,422*

per person

7 nights