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Stop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruise

Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound)

Vienna to Nuremberg - Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Impression
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Set sail on this 7-Day Christmastime on the Danube cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg aboard the Avalon Impression. You begin in Vienna, Austria, where you explore the city with a Local Guide or join a culinary Christmas market experience. You continue through the Wachau Valley to Melk to visit the Benedictine Abbey before arriving in Passau to explore its Christmas market and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Regensburg, you take a guided city walk and may enjoy traditional Bavarian food and beer. You travel to Nuremberg, where you discover medieval landmarks and the famous Christkindlesmarkt with seasonal foods and crafts, while learning about Christmas traditions throughout the trip.
Visit charming PassauVisit historic NurembergVisit beautiful RegensburgStop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruise
Highlights
  • Take a tour of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings
  • Visit Vienna’s Opera House, palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Experience Nuremberg’s medieval city and Christkindlesmarkt
  • Cruise the Danube through Austria and Germany’s winter scenery
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: Vienna, Austria | Embark

Welcome to Austria. The Avalon Impression is ready for boarding. Please schedule flights arriving no later than 3:30 PM, and note that all guests are required to be on board the ship by 5:00 PM. Enjoy traditional holiday fare and hot libations available during embarkation.

Day 2: Vienna

Explore the city through guided excursions or on your own. You may choose a Discovery Excursion that takes you on a guided walk through Vienna’s Old Town and Christmas markets, with opportunities to sample local winter specialties. Alternatively, you may join a Classic Excursion featuring a guided city tour of Vienna’s key landmarks, including the Imperial Palace complex, the Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

After your excursion, you have free time to visit the Christkindlesmarkt on your own or relax in a traditional Viennese café. You may also join an optional guided tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty. In the evening, you may attend an optional Royal Waltz Concert for a classical music experience in an elegant setting.

Day 3: Melk | Grein

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 onboard while sailing to Grein.
  • Classic Excursion- Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
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.”
Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt 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

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- Join an onboard gingerbread Cooking Demonstration.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Evening/Overnight cruise to Nuremberg

Day 6: Nuremberg

Legends and History Lessons
  • Discovery Excursion- Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
  • Classic Excursion- Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 Christkindlesmarkt.
  • Discovery Excursion- Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.
Overnight docking in Nuremberg

Day 7: Nuremberg | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Impression

Avalon Impression

The Avalon Impression, cruises along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,215 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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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