Overview
Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and Danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube,” with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (D)
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
- Discovery: Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
- Discovery: Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B/L/D)
Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet
- 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B/L/D)
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
- 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.
- Discovery: Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
Legends and History Lessons
- 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.
- Discovery: Join a gingerbread Cooking Demonstration on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
Beer Songs and Bavarian Kings
- 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B/D)
Legends and History Lessons.
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.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria.
- Classic: 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.
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet.
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B/L/D)
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
- Classic: 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
Festivities and Finery
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Visit to a Christmas decorations manufacturer and marvel at the deft hands of the craftsmen as they shape molten glass into delicate bulbs with intricate details and designs.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Panorama
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
