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Enjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Christmastime from Vienna to Frankfurt

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Envision
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Discover a 12-day Christmastime river cruise that 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 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.
Vienna Opera House, AustriaVisit the ornately decorated Melk AbbeyTake a quiet moment in PassauEnjoy cruising through the German countrysideSunset over the red roofs of NurembergEnjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt
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
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, 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—the 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 onboard beer tasting to sample regional German brews.

Enjoy live entertainment onboard.

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—the 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.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Envision

Avalon Envision
Avalon Envision Dining Room
Avalon Envision Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Envision Stateroom
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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.
Avalon Envision Stateroom
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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.
Avalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
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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 Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
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 Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama SuiteAvalon Envision Panorama Suite Bathroom
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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 Envision 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 the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 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

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