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Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest

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US$7,918
Save $312pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
13 Days
 Cruise Starts
Frankfurt
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
13 Day Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Hungary
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2011
Cruise Code
WFB

Overview

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, Germany. Sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic read more Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety.

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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

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.
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.

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.
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: Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

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.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.

  • 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.
Take time to browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.

  • 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”
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. This afternoon, enjoy the best Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

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.
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 (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.
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 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.
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 IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Wednesday 01 Dec 2027 01 Dec 27 Frankfurt
Monday 13 Dec 2027 13 Dec 27 Budapest
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