Have questions? We're here.
Enjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Christmastime from Vienna to Frankfurt

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Envision
Talk with an expert
Customize any aspect of your Germany trip. 1.406.541.2677
Help Me Plan My Trip
Talk with an expert
The Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna and ends in Frankfurt. In Vienna, see the sights with a local guide or opt for a culinary walk through the Christmas markets. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey. In Regensburg, see the sights with a local guide. Sail to Nuremberg and feel free to visit the Christmas markets. Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets. Your last stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river—sure to be even more appealing illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations.

Day-by-Day Summary

Day 1 : Vienna, Austria | Embark
Day 2 : Vienna
Day 3 : Melk | Grein
Day 4 : Passau
Day 5 : Regensburg
Day 6 : Nuremberg
Day 7 : Nuremberg | Excursion to Munich
Day 8 : Nuremberg
Day 9 : Bamberg
Day 10 : Wurzburg
Day 11 : Main River Village
Day 12 : Frankfurt | Disembark

Highlights

  • Join a culinary tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets
  • Explore the picturesque city of Passau
  • Visit the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria in Regensburg
  • Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum in Rothenburg

Ship

Avalon Envision

Places Visited

Activities

Trip Type

  • Small Ship

Activity Level

Relaxed

Trip Snapshots

Enjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt Vienna Opera House, Austria Visit the ornately decorated Melk Abbey Take a quiet moment in Passau Enjoy cruising through the German countryside Sunset over the red roofs of Nuremberg
0

Day 1 Vienna, Austria | 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
Classic: Take a guided tour of Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial family, OR:

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

You may join a guided optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.

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

Alternatively, 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.

Day 3 Melk | Grein

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting on board while sailing to Grein.

Classic: Take a guided walk of Grein including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.

Day 4 Passau

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

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.

Day 5 Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: 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: Later, indulge in an on board beer tasting to sample regional German brews.

Enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 6 Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas traditions lecture on board while sailing this morning.

Classic: Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

Classic: 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.

Day 7 Nuremberg | Excursion to Munich

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided city tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.

Take some free time today to stroll this pedestrian and bike-friendly city to see the famous Glockenspiel, outdoor cafés, or a Bavarian Biergärten for authentic brews.

Return to your ship in Nuremberg in the late afternoon.

Day 8 Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your cruise director for suggestions of things to do.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 9 Bamberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes from miniature to life-size.

Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.

Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Christmas traditions lecture while sailing.

Day 10 Wurzburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its old main bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum, the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.

Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 11 Main River Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.

Discovery: Join a cookie-baking demonstration on board your ship while sailing.

Day 12 Frankfurt | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
0
0

Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision
The Avalon Envision is the newest addition to the Avalon fleet. Launched in April 2019, the ship continues Avalon's commitment to comfortable luxury and excellence.
0
Per person starting at
$4,798
Select a Date
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.
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.
Select a Date
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.
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.
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
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.

Notes

Throughout the Ship:
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Panoramic windows
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • 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
Suites & Staterooms:
  • Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring a shower with glass door
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • USB Ports
  • Complimentary bottled water daily
  • And, much more.
Health & Fitness:
  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking, and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • Fitbits®
  • All through your Avalon Adventure Host
Dining:
  • FlexDining for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Early and Late Riser breakfast options
  • Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
  • Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
  • Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
  • Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
  • Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes, and vegetarian options.
  • Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
  • Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
  • Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
  • Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences.
0
Travel Agents
headshot Kevin Moore
Kevin M

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
0

Why Travel With Adventure Life

More Reasons

Recognized By

All News
CatalogPlan My Trip
headshot Kevin Moore
Kevin M
Make an Inquiry
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118