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Evening in Vienna, Austria

Chrismastime On the Danube(Westbound)

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Artistry II
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Discover a unique holiday river cruise vacation that offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites. Begin in Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Enjoy the sights with a local guide, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets. The majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk, one of Europe's largest monasteries, dates to the 11th century and is surrounded by hallowed walls where monks continue to walk. Visit the lovely German Christmas market in Passau. Discover Christmas customs in Nuremberg, a millennium city with medieval fortifications and gothic churches.
Night in Vienna.Melk Abbey, Lower AustriaCruise down the charming Wachau valleyVisit charming PassauStop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruiseEvening in Vienna, Austria
Highlights
  • Visit the town of Vienna that inspired great musicians
  • Walk through the abbeys and monasteries
  • Tour Gothic churches and fortifications in Nuremberg
  • Enjoy the sights with a local guide or go to Christmas markets
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: 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
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. You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.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 cruise to Melk. 

Day 3: Melk- Grein

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings. Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.
Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. Enjoy live entertainment onboard. overnight cruise to Passau.

Day 4: Passau

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night.  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. 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. Evening/Overnight cruise to Regensburg. 

Day 5: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
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. 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. Enjoy live entertainment on board. Evening/Overnight cruise to Roth. 

Day 6: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning. 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. Overnight docking in Roth. 

Day 7: Nuremberg |Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II Bar
Avalon Artistry II Panorama Lounge
Avalon Artistry II Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
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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, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
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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, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry 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 Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry 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 Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry 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 Artistry 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 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

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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