Overview
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 7 Day Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound). Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. Learn about local read more Christmas traditions, and cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture.
Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous 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.
Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous 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.
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US$2,837 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Cruise Length
7 Days
Cruise Starts
Nuremberg
Cruise Ends
Vienna
Cruise Departures
Dec 2026 to Dec 2027
Cruise Line
Avalon
3 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WNV
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG. (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 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 Christkindlesmarkt.
EVENING/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—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night.
- 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 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.
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.
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.
Avalon Tranquility II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (3)
Christmas Wonderland 1
Rita , VIC, Australia, Dec 2016
An amazing cruise over the festive season! This time of year brought a different traveller to the river, we had a few families on board which was fantastic giving the cruise a different vibe! Weather was great but unfortunately no snow. Ship and staff were fantastic as was the food and selection. Our second cruise and I'm sure it wont be our last.
9 Day Christmas on the Danube 1
Ric Lester, WA, Australia, Nov 2016
We had an absolute ball on this river cruise. The boat was amazing, cabin excellent, meals wonderful, staff amazing, cruise director was excellent and very approachable and the we met some wonderful people. Will definitely be doing another cruise with Avalon!
Christmas on the Danube 2
Mortimer & Glenise Kuhlmann, WA, Australia, Dec 2015
This was the best holiday we have ever had. The Cruise Guide was amazing and made everything hassle free from Day 1. Accommodation & service was excellent and the meals on board were outstanding. Great tour guides were organized at the key tourist stops & we loved walking through the villages exploring in our free time. Our fellow travelers were a read more good mix & we developed some good friendships. We would recommend Avalon to anyone who wishes to holiday on the rivers. Global Journeys were so easy to book the holiday through, especially with Michelle White assisting us to follow the process. The Internet booking system is so well set up & responses to each stage were immediate. The hotel bookings, transfers, river cruise & airline bookings all progressed without any problems. Thank you to Michelle at Global Journeys & the Avalon team.
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
Dates & Pricing
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Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
Friday
04 Dec 2026
04 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Thursday
10 Dec 2026
10 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Visionary
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Saturday
05 Dec 2026
05 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Impression
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Tuesday
08 Dec 2026
08 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Monday
14 Dec 2026
14 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Thursday
17 Dec 2026
17 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Vista
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Monday
14 Dec 2026
14 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Sunday
20 Dec 2026
20 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Expression
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Thursday
17 Dec 2026
17 Dec 26
Nuremberg
Wednesday
23 Dec 2026
23 Dec 26
Vienna
Details
Avalon Impression
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Note
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.
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.
