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Avalon Waterways Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt with 2 Nights in Budapest (WBFQ)

15 Days Budapest to Frankfurt 
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, after enjoying two nights in 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 Bam-berg—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: Welcome to Budapest!

Day 2 Budapest: Guided tour, see Heroes' Square; Christmas market

Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 4 Budapest-Vienna: Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening

Day 5 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market

Day 6 Krems–Wachau Valley–Melk: Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk

Day 7 Passau: Guided walk; Christmas market

Day 8 Regensburg: Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria; Christmas market

Day 9 Nuremberg: Onboard Christmas Tradition lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Day 10 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: Full-day guided tour in Munich

Day 11 Nuremberg: Day at leisure to visit Christmas markets

Day 12 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture

Day 13 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop’s Residence; Christmas market

Day 14 Main river village: Guided tour

Day 15 Frankfurt (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
 Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital

The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2BUDAPEST
 The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

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

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge and picturesque Christmas market. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

(B)
Day 3BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
 Time for Coffee and Confections

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. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,D)
Day 4VIENNA, 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 5VIENNA
 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 6KREMS
 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 7PASSAU, 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 8REGENSBURG
 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 9NUREMBERG
 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 10NUREMBERG. 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 11NUREMBERG
 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 12BAMBERG
 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 13WÜRZBURG
 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 14MAIN 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 15FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
 Your vacation 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.

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Avalon Tour Dates

Tour Land StartAvalon RetailRequest Quote
*11/29/2025 $6,797.00
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