Overview
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 7 Day Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound). This Christmastime river cruise begins 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, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest read more monasteries—where monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers.
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!
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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
Vienna
Cruise Ends
Nuremberg
Cruise Departures
Dec 2026 to Dec 2027
Cruise Line
Avalon
3 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.7/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WVN
Itinerary
Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Vienna 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 (D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions.
- 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.
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 onboard while sailing to Grein.
- Classic: Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
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.”
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
Legends and History Lessons
- Discovery: Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
- 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (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)
This was my first river cruise even though I had been on many ocean cruises. It was a completely different experience with only 152 people onboard and I really enjoyed it. Our cruise director, Tony, was excellent and we had some wonderful entertainment onboard. The accommodation on Sapphire deck with a bed facing panoramic windows was very comfortable read more and tastefully decorated.
There were so many lovely stops on this cruise but one memorable experience was a magical snowy day tour in Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. I would recommend staying a couple of extra days in Vienna and an extra day or two in Prague as there is lots to see in those two beautiful cities. My favourite Christmas markets were the ones at the Rathaus in Vienna and in Nuremberg.
Thank you to Yvonne at Global Journeys and to Avalon for making this such a wonderful Christmas holiday!
There were so many lovely stops on this cruise but one memorable experience was a magical snowy day tour in Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. I would recommend staying a couple of extra days in Vienna and an extra day or two in Prague as there is lots to see in those two beautiful cities. My favourite Christmas markets were the ones at the Rathaus in Vienna and in Nuremberg.
Thank you to Yvonne at Global Journeys and to Avalon for making this such a wonderful Christmas holiday!
Christmas markets cruise on the Danube 3
Tanya Watson, Australia, Dec 2015
Traveled on the Avalon Impression, which was beautiful ship and our room on the Royal Deck was fantastic. The staff were great and had to deal with two incidents involving other boats, which impacted on our cruise, but dealt with those situations efficiently and graciously. Loved the places we visited and the tour guides we were allocated. Spending read more time in the Christmas markets in the lead up to Xmas was fantastic: the atmosphere is great and we enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds, which certainly put us in a festive mood. Would recommend this trip.
Christmas Markets Galore!! 3
Kim & John, Australia, Dec 2015
Our Christmas cruise was wonderful, it was just one amazing Christmas market after another and in between each beautiful village we visited we were spoiled back on board our floating hotel with fabulous food and extremely comfortable rooms and service. The booking process was easy and the service we received from Yvonne was marvellous, we will definitely read more use Global Journeys again.
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
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Saturday
05 Dec 2026
05 Dec 26
Vienna
Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Nuremberg
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Avalon Vista
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Thursday
10 Dec 2026
10 Dec 26
Vienna
Wednesday
16 Dec 2026
16 Dec 26
Nuremberg
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Avalon Visionary
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Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Vienna
Thursday
17 Dec 2026
17 Dec 26
Nuremberg
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Avalon Impression
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US$3,077
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Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday
14 Dec 2026
14 Dec 26
Vienna
Sunday
20 Dec 2026
20 Dec 26
Nuremberg
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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.
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