Overview
Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Take a guided tour in Nuremberg, with free time to visit the Christmas market—one of the most famous in the world. Wander through Old Town illuminated with holiday lights and decorations, and be sure to sample some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a Nuremberg specialty. Visit Munich, the Bavarian capital, where a local expert shows you the sights. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air.
Enjoy a guided tour in Regensburg, then continue to Melk and experience the splendor of its Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. See the fa-mous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River. A perfect ending to a festive river cruise showing you some of the best that Germany and Austria have to offer this time of year!
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
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
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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
This morning disembark the vessel which has brought you to Nuremberg and drive to Munich.
- 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.
Return to Nuremberg in the late afternoon and embark on the ship which will take you to Vienna.
Living Heritage 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- 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: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Saint Stephen's, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night.
- 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. Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take a brief evening cruise to Linz and go out for music and dancing or late-night dessert before sailing to Melk.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA: Vienna's Winter Wonderland. 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
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Discovery: 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. You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
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 travellers 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)
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