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Passau at sunset, Germany

Christmastime on the Danube

Westbound - Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Tranquility II
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This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Tour the city of Regensburg and savor traditional sausages, Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers.
Explore Budapest from the serene DanubeVisit beautiful RegensburgEvening lights in beautiful RegensburgMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaPassau at sunset, Germany
Highlights
  • Marvel at frescoed ceilings of the magnificent Benedictine Abbey
  • Walk along the famous beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.
  • Browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets
  • Take a tour of Nuremberg's medieval architectures
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vienna | Embark

Welcome to Austria. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding.

Day 2: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:

Discovery: Join a guided culinary tour of Vienna’s magical christmas advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel

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. Alternatively, 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.

Day 3: Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting on board while sailing to Grein.

Classic: Take a guided walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.

Day 4: Passau

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 5: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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: Later, indulge in an onboard Beer Tasting to sample regional German brews.

Day 6: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas traditions lecture on board while sailing this morning.

Classic: Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle OR 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.

Day 7: Nuremberg | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Tranquility II

Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II Panorama Bistro
Avalon Tranquility II Dining Room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Tranquility II Deluxe Stateroom
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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 Tranquility II Deluxe Stateroom
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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 Tranquility II Panorama Suite
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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 Tranquility II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
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 Tranquility II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
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 Tranquility II Royal Suite
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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
  • 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
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
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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