Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest
Overview
Begin your cruise in Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, read more Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.
Itinerary
Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Royal Collections and Christmas 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. 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 CRUISE TO KREMS
An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
Relax on board and enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Melk. MELK: 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral—Hungary's centuries-old coronation church.
Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Christmas Lights and Classic Sights
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes' Square and Budapest's classic sites, 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.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafés and pubs, and don't miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
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 (2027)
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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.
