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Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound) 2026

From Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria
Length: 7 Days - Departs: Tue, Dec 08, 2026
Operator
Ship
Departure
Dec 08, 2026
Arrival
Dec 14, 2026

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River Cruise Itinerary

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 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.

  1. Day 1
    NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
    Tue, Dec 08, 2026
    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. Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(D)
  2. Day 2
    NUREMBERG
    Wed, Dec 09, 2026
    Legends and History LessonsCLASSIC 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. Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    REGENSBURG
    Thu, Dec 10, 2026
    Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC 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(B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    PASSAU
    Fri, Dec 11, 2026
    Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent NightCLASSIC 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.Enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    MELK, AUSTRIA
    Sat, Dec 12, 2026
    Frescoes Above the Wachau ValleyCLASSIC 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 WonderlandThis 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)
  6. Day 6
    VIENNA
    Sun, Dec 13, 2026
    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(B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
    Mon, Dec 14, 2026
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Countries Visited

Austria, Germany

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
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Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.3
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.2
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 82 reviews - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

The trip was an educational trip about the Balkan Region. It was wonderful!

The attention to detail is incredible. The tour director left nothing on the table. Everything was perfectly organized and described. The cruise was great and I would, and will, recommend this to all my friends and family. If you find yourself on this cruise, you are in for a great adventure. All arranged/included tours at each port were top notch.

Avalon staff and tours were excellent - enjoyed the many excursions.

We had a great trip. This is our second river cruise with Avalon through Affordable Tours. We knew what to expect from our previous trip (Romantic Rhine a year ago). The day excursions are well-led, with lots of information from our capable guides. The food on board is very good, with buffet style (our preference) for breakfast and lunch. We're not gourmet food aficionados, honestly two-hour dinners every night are not our style, but we knew they were part of the package, so we weren't surprised.

As always the service on Avalon was excellent and the rooms wonderful. Missed the allergy notifications cards on buffet as my daughter had celiacs Did appriciate that after the third day the had made gluten fee desserts that she was able to have and the snacks provided at captains cocktail time. Would have been perfect if these items had been available the first few days also, as not having them made me feel my daughter was left out and me also feel guilty if I ate in front of her.

I thought the dinner meals were not as good as past cruise. Breakfast and lunch were fine. Service from staff was excellent

This river cruise to see the Christmas Markets and tour parts of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic was a dream come true. Every part of it was amazing. From the organization of Affordable Tours pre-cruise to Avalon Waterways beautiful ship, great crew (especially cruise director Gusta) and the spectacular meals. The tours were marvelous and informative. Cant say enough about the great time we had.

Our Avalon cruise exceeded our expections. We had a great staff, great tours, and met wonderful people.

This was probably the best cruise we have ever taken and we travel a lot. Autumn from Affordable is the best. She was always there when I needed her and so accommodating. The ship Passion was a 10 plus in every way from the rooms to the tours, food and staff. I liked that they had healthy choices at every meal.

The ship is beautiful and the rooms very comfortable. Avalon seems to attract a very friendly and social group of travelers. It is also welcoming to the solo traveler.

Outstanding cruise,ship and crew were excellent.Cruise Director Simona is a delight,extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Will travel again with Avalon.

I would travel on valon only in the future. Cleaner, newer, more comfortable ships with a great stafff. Better than my previous river cruises with a high end ship! And the cruise director has to be the absolutely best in the industry!!!

Avalon River Cruises are a great vacation experience.

This tour /cruise was fantastic. The pre-cruise extension in Transylvania was for me the highlight and anyone considering the cruise should definitely include this. Our Avalon cruise director and the entire crew were outstanding as were the local guides who were extremely knowledgeable and spoke perfect English.

Was a fabulous experience. Avalon, the boat, the staff, the tours, the airfare. Perfect!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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