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Detailed ornament at a Christmas Market

Christmastime on the Blue Danube Discovery

Budapest to Nuremberg - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Panorama
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Experience an 8-Day Christmastime on the Blue Danube Discovery cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg aboard Avalon Panorama. Begin your voyage in Hungary, where you take photographs of the historical Royal Palace grounds before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley. In Austria, you enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting, explore Vienna’s gilded landmarks, and marvel at the frescoed ceilings of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Continue to Germany and join guided city walks to see Passau's St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Regensburg's Altes Rathaus. Sample candied almonds and hot-mulled wine in sparkling Christmas markets along the way. Finally, you discover the medieval architecture of Nuremberg, browsing the spruce stalls of the Christkindlesmarkt before your European river cruise concludes.
Budapest CityscapeSunset over the red roofs of NurembergEvening in Vienna, AustriaMelk Abbey, Lower AustriaTake a quiet moment in PassauDetailed ornament at a Christmas Market
Highlights
  • Take photographs of the historical Royal Palace grounds in Budapest
  • Sample winter specialties on a guided walk through Vienna’s markets
  • Tour Melk’s Benedictine Abbey to see its frescoes and grand library
  • View the Altes Rathaus and enjoy hot-mulled wine at the Christmas market
  • Explore Nuremberg's medieval architecture and sample Bavarian fare
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: Welcome to Budapest, Hungary | Embark

Welcome to Hungary. Ensure your flight into Budapest arrives by 2 pm. You have a free day to explore before your cruise, allowing you to photograph the historical architecture of the Royal Palace grounds and experience local Christmas traditions. Finally, you must board the Avalon Panorama by 5 pm.

Day 2: Vienna, Austria

You enjoy a relaxing day on board sailing the Danube River and view the red rooftops of Bratislava, Slovakia. While sailing to Vienna, you experience an Austrian cookie tasting. You arrive in Vienna this evening, where you have the option to attend a Royal Waltz Concert. Your ship docks overnight in Vienna.

Day 3: Vienna

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
  • Discovery Excursion- Explore the city of Vienna and sample local winter specialties on a Guided Walk through the city’s Old Town and Christmas markets, OR:
  • 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.

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

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

Day 4: Krems | Wachau Valley | Melk

Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine Country
  • Classic Excursion- 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
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.
Evening/overnight cruise to Passau

Day 5: Passau, Germany

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.”
Later spend some 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.

Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.
Evening/overnight cruise to Regensburg

Day 6: 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
Join a gingerbread Cooking Demonstration on board your ship.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

Evening/overnight cruise to Nuremberg

Day 7: Nuremberg

Legends and History Lessons
  • Discovery Excursion- Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
  • Classic Excursion- Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Take 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.

Overnight docking in Nuremberg

Day 8: Nuremberg | 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

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Per person starting at
$4,951 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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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