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Enjoy a cozy Christmas market with loved ones

Christmastime on the Legendary Danube

Nuremberg to Budapest - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Panorama
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Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Avalon Panorama to experience Christmastime on the Legendary Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest. You begin in Germany, exploring Nuremberg's 1000-year-old historic sites and one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets. Sail to Regensburg to taste famous Bavarian beers and sausages, then continue to Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. You cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley to Austria, stopping in Melk to visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting as you sail toward Vienna, where you explore the Habsburg empire's gilded landmarks and vibrant markets. Your cruise concludes in Budapest, Hungary, with guided sightseeing of iconic spots like Heroes' Square and free time to browse unique holiday stalls.
Passau at sunset, GermanyEvening lights in beautiful RegensburgSunset over the red roofs of NurembergMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaStop in historic Regensburg on your Danube river cruiseEnjoy a cozy Christmas market with loved ones
Highlights
  • Take a tour of Nuremberg's medieval architectures
  • Walk Passau's narrow streets and visit its charming Christkindlesmarkt
  • Marvel at frescoed ceilings and the library in this Benedictine Abbey
  • Take a guided tour of the Imperial Palace complex and Vienna Opera House
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 | Embark

Welcome to Germany. You must arrive in Nuremberg by 3:30 pm and board your ship by 5 pm. Tonight, explore the ship, eat dinner on board, and enjoy traditional holiday food and warm drinks. You dock overnight in Nuremberg.

Day 2: Nuremberg

Choose between a guided tour of Nuremberg's historic sites or a tour of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds. During your free time, browse the Nuremberg Christmas Markets and sample Bavarian foods like bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled blueberry wine. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise 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—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

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

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.

Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.

Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight cruise to Melk

Day 5: Melk | Wachau Valley | Vienna

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.

Vienna
Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube

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

Day 6: Vienna

Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
Classic 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.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
Evening/Overnight cruise Budapest

Day 7: Budapest

War Heroes and Hot Water
Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife and don’t miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.
Overnight  docking Budapest

Day 8: Budapest | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Panorama

Avalon Panorama Exterior

Avalon Panorama

The Avalon Panorama first set sail in 2011 as a brand new kind of ship for Avalon Waterways, taking inspired design to a whole new level. It was the first of its kind, a Suite Ship with two full decks of suites featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony.
Avalon Panorama Sky Deck
Avalon Panorama Fitness Center
Avalon Panorama Sky Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,479 2-3 travelers
Avalon Panorama Deluxe StateroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom BathroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom Layout
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 bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Panorama Deluxe StateroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom BathroomAvalon Panorama Deluxe Stateroom Layout
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 Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer
Avalon Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer.
Avalon Panorama Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Panorama Suite Layout
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 bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, and Hairdryer
Avalon Panorama Royal SuiteAvalon Panorama Royal Suite Layout
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, In-room safe, Elegant, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Double sinks, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets.
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
  • 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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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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