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This Christmastime river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria. And the views along the way can’t be outdone—towns and villages decorated for the holidays and beautiful views as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal. Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Frankfurt, Germany. In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide. You will have free time to walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries—sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season. In Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. In Würzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Your last stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river—sure to be even more appealing illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations.
- Day 1VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)Sat, Dec 05, 2026Welcome 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)
- Day 2VIENNASun, Dec 06, 2026Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsCLASSIC 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.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 MELK(B,L,D)
- Day 3MELK–GREINMon, Dec 07, 2026Frescoes 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 onboard while sailing to Grein.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.Enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
- Day 4PASSAUTue, Dec 08, 2026Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
- Day 5REGENSBURGWed, Dec 09, 2026Christmas 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.Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 6NUREMBERGThu, Dec 10, 2026Legends 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)
- Day 7NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH─NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION)Fri, Dec 11, 2026CLASSIC 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.Spend some free time on your own to browse Munich Christkindlmarkt and enjoy countless of their culinary delights, gingerbread or hot-mulled wine. Return to Nuremberg in the late afternoon and board your Suite Ship® for the second portion of your cruise.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg
- Day 8NUREMBERGSat, Dec 12, 2026Legends 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 Christkindlesmarkt culinary delights.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
- Day 9BAMBERGSun, Dec 13, 2026Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes 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. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)
- Day 10WÜRZBURGMon, Dec 14, 2026Old Saint Nick 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 11MILTENBERGTue, Dec 15, 2026Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.DISCOVERY Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)
- Day 12FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)Wed, Dec 16, 2026Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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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, depending on the location.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
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we all had a wonderful time. Our trip went smoothly
It was interesting to visit with the families in Croatia & the extra income helped them,I suspect,as well as helping us learn about the true reality of their lives.
Excellent service. Once of a life time experience but wish that there extra days in smaller towns like Miltenberg etc to enjoy the culture of the place.
We were very impressed with Avalon Waterways. It was top-notch, and we plan to travel with them again in the future.
Very enjoyable, relaxing experience. The accommodations, excursions, and service were exceptionally good.
From beginning to end , all aspects of my trip was amazing.
The entire Avalon staff were outstanding, especially our cruise director. I was very pleased to be able to book this trip with the single supplement waived.
Everything about this trip was top notch and definitely met and exceeded our expectations.
The Avalon Rhine River cruise was phenomenal - first class in all ways. The Tranquility II ship was new and immaculate, and the cruise director and crew were first rate, taking care of our every need! The excursions along the cruise were outstanding with the local guides all very pleasant and knowledgeable. Avalon, as a cruise provider, was on par with the Insight land tour provider, and I expect my wife and I will return to Avalon in the future for another cruise or two in coming years!
Was a great trip. Enjoyed every minute. We saw a lot of beautiful sites and cities.
Avalon Waterways is a great company to travel with. They are efficient and have a variety of tours that you take. Very friendly people. Would highly recommend them.
Wonderful trip, enjoyed every moment.
Despite the problem of the low water level of the Rhine in parts, Avalon went out of its way to provide us with wonderful shore accommodations and all the excursions we were looking forward to enjoying. They couldn't have been more solicitous of our situation. They are to be highly commended for the way the company handled the situation, and I would recommend this company to anyone looking to book a river cruise. They go above and beyond in caring for their passengers!
Avalon portion was wonderful! Monogram portion was less than satisfactory!

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It was difficult to break larger bills on the trip, so I would recommend brings small bills for tips for excursions or staff members who are exceptional.