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River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
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 (D)
Day 2 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights in Beautiful Bavaria
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
DISCOVERY Join a Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
Day 3 WÜRZBURG
Ornaments, Old Saint Nicholas, 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)
Day 4 BAMBERG
Cherished 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
Day 5 NUREMBERG
Living Heritage 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 Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
Day 6 NUREMBERG. EXCURSION 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. (B,D)
Day 7 NUREMBERG
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 (B,L,D)
Day 8 REGENSBURG
Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this afternoon.
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.
DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner before sailing to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)
Day 9 PASSAU
Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”
You may 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.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
The Linzer Torte and a Legendary Love of Art and Music
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a chance to get off your feet and warm up in one of the many pastry shops and cafés.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)
Day 10 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley
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.
During lunchtime sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna Waltzes and 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)
Day 11 VIENNA
Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections
CLASSIC Venture into the Habsburg empire on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Culinary Tour of Vienna’s magical Christmas Advent Markets to sample Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt, or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day 12 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
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 (B,L,D)
Day 13 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Frankfurt (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Main river village: guided walk, onboard baking demonstration
Day 3 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; Christmas market
Day 4 Bamberg: onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market
Day 5 Nuremberg: choice of guided sightseeing, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
Day 6 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: guided sightseeing, see the Marienplatz
Day 7 Nuremberg: day at leisure to visit Christmas market
Day 8 Regensburg: onboard lecture; guided walk;Christmas Market; beer tasting on board
Day 9 Passau: guided walk
Day 10 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; Austrian cookie tasting
Day 11 Vienna: choice of guided sightseeing or culinary tour at Christmas Market
Day 12 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Heroes’ Square
Day 13 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
Begin your European river cruise with incomparable festive cheer in the heart of Germany’s Christmas markets. Warm your heart and memories by embarking on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, then on to a Bavarian Main river village for Christmas scenes and specialty sweets. Your Christmas cruise continues to Würzburg with classic sightseeing of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” amid the glow of local Christmas markets and the city’s dazzling architecture.
Sail for a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Your cruise through the Christmas markets of Germany continues into Nuremberg with its festive atmosphere with Bavarian favorites such as bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine will warm your spirit with traditional cheer.
Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, and next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey and then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna. Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. With Christmas memories of Germany, and the Danube’s legendary beauty, this Christmas river cruise will be cherished for years to come.
Ship Amenities - Avalon Artistry II:
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
State-of-the-art fitness center
Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
Convenient Elevator Service
Elegant, contemporary design
Outside viewing deck
Headsets for guided shore excursions
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Sky Deck whirlpool
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Avalon Choice® cruising experience
Behind-the-scenes galley tour
Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
Full-size closet mirror
Ship Dining - Avalon Artistry II:
Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options at every meal
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily early-riser breakfast
Daily late-riser breakfast
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Healthy meal options
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
Coffee or tea after dinner
Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Accommodations on this Tour
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Artistry II
Frankfurt: The Westin Grand Frankfurt
Budapest: InterContinental Budapest
Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:
in single room from $234 to $309, in twin room from $147 to $181
Extra nights per person in Budapest:
in single room $178, in twin room $111
Notes
Cabin upgrades are available.
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Port charges: $312.
Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
Terms and Conditions
*
The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.
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