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Enjoy a cozy Christmas market with loved ones

Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Envision
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Experience Christmas traditions along the Danube River on this 7‑day river cruise from Nuremberg, Germany, to Vienna, Austria. Board the Avalon Envision 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. After a guided tour, enjoy a tasting of German beers. 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.
Sunset over the red roofs of NurembergAdmire beautiful evening lights of ViennaA quiet morning view of Stephansplatz and Stephansdom in ViennaEvening lights in beautiful RegensburgExplore historic NurembergEnjoy a cozy Christmas market with loved ones
Highlights
  • Take a tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex
  • Join a guided city walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)
  • Visit Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets
  • Travel to Nuremberg’s medieval architecture
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Nuremberg, Germany | Embark

Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding. Please ensure that your flight into Nuremberg arrives by 3:00 PM so that all guests can be on board by 5:00 PM. Once aboard, indulge in traditional holiday fare and enjoy hot libations to warm your heart and soul. The ship will be docked overnight in Nuremberg, providing a relaxing start to your cruise.

Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany

Choose from one of two classic excursions: a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, including the gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds, once used by the Third Reich. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the spruce stalls of Nuremberg’s Christmas Markets, sampling favorite Bavarian treats such as bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and many other culinary delights of the Christkindlesmarkt. As you sail in the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. The ship cruises overnight to Regensburg.

Day 3: Regensburg

Christmas Magic in Bavaria
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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 Excursion- 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 Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Take a brief evening cruise to Linz. Enjoy live entertainment on board.

Overnight cruise to Melk

Although your trip includes a variety of excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Salzburg's Christmas Ties & Traditions
See Salzburg's most famous sights and learn all about its Christmas traditions, including a tasting of Austrian holiday delicacies, on this enthralling full-day guided excursion.
Duration: 10h 0m

Day 5: Melk, Austria

Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
  • Classic Excursion- Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
  • Discovery Excursion- Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to 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

Although your trip includes a variety of excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.
Duration: 2h 45m

Day 6: Vienna

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
  • Discovery Excursion- 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 this evening.

You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.

Overnight docking in Vienna

Although your trip includes a variety of excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Schönbrunn Imperial Palace in Winter
Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family, and bask in the festive atmosphere of the palace's impressive Christmas Market.
Duration: 4h 0m

Day 7: Vienna | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision

Marvel at the beauty of Danube River on an Avalon Envision cruise. An impressive addition to the Avalon Waterways Suite Ship fleet, this river cruise ship has 67 luxury accommodations for up to 164 passengers exploring Europe.
Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision Dining Room
Avalon Envision Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Avalon Envision Stateroom
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Stateroom
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Envision Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Cruise taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

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