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Evening in Vienna, Austria

Festive Season on The Blue Danube Discovery

Budapest-Nuremberg - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Imagery II
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Embark on the Avalon Imagery II in Budapest and sail up the Danube River to Vienna, where Christmas markets are scattered around the city. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley and visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Enjoy a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful patrician houses and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Sail further up the Danube River and come to the medieval walls of Regensburg. The last stop along the Danube River is Nuremberg, famous for being one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. After the guided city sightseeing, be sure to explore the many stalls and try some spicy gingerbread and Glühwein! The perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation. 
Hungary's Parliament building in BudapestMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaPassau at sunset, GermanyEvening light over NurembergEvening in Vienna, Austria
Highlights
  • Join the the tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks such as the Imperial Palace
  • Explore the small valley town of Krems
  • Visit the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria in Regensburg
  • Browse spruce stalls of the Christmas markets of Nuremberg
Activities
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: Budapest, Hungary | Embark

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be onboard the ship by 5 pm. With a free day to explore before the cruise, take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of the Christmas tradition before boarding the Suite Ship. 

Day 2: Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. 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, choose to join an optional excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall. 

Day 3: Vienna

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

Discovery: Join a guided culinary tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.

Join a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.

Spend some free time to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment.

Day 4: Krems | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
strong>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
Classic: 
Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Day 5: Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
strong>Classic: Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, join a full-day guided optional excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.

Meet the ship back in Passau after some selected activities for sailing. 

Day 6: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
strong>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: Enjoy a Christmas traditions lecture on board

Discovery: Later, indulge in a beer tasting on board.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as the ship cruises toward Nuremberg.
 

Day 7: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
strong>Classic: Choose guided sightseeing of Nuremberg with medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.

​Classic: Take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich.

Spend free time at leisure 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 8: Nuremberg | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The cruise ends with breakfast this morning. 

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Imagery II Dining Room
Avalon Imagery II Dining

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery 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 Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
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 Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery 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 Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery 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 Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery 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 Imagery II Royal Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Royal Suite
Select a Date
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
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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