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Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2025

From Vienna, Austria to Nuremberg, Germany
Length: 7 Days - Departs: Sat, Nov 29, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Nov 29, 2025
Arrival
Dec 05, 2025

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All the River Operators Offers & More:

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
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Save $300 per couple on select 2025 Europe river cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3243
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Save $300 per couple on select 2025 Europe river cruises

Save $300 per couple on select 2025 Europe river cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Europe river cruise to save $300 per couple ($150 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 8, 2023 and June 30, 2025 for travel for select cruises in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2025 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1047 PRMW1047

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3391
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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $3,000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146

Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Mention Promo Code: PT3468
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Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Promotion Details
Save up to an additional $200 per couple ($100 per person) when you book more than one Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Vacation for the same travel year. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Discount varies depending on the brand(s) booked. This promotion is meant for promotion purposes only to showcase the offer. Please refer to the booking instructions for the individual multiple vacation discounts by brand and for the specific offer and terms. Please call to confirm the promo qualifications and have discount applied. Discount is available on the subsequent land-only portion of the core tour/cruise only not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied by December 31, 2025, for travel in 2025. Multiple tours or cruises must travel within same calendar year and must be booked at the same time. Offer is combinable with applicable consumer promotions, Welcome Back Credits, and account specific promos. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to Groups, Custom, Charter, Sole Uses or Private Touring. Applies to new bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating offices only. 0CALL


River Cruise Itinerary

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 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!

  1. Day 1
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)
    Sat, Nov 29, 2025
    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)

  2. Day 2
    VIENNA
    Sun, Nov 30, 2025
    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.

    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)

  3. Day 3
    MELK–GREIN
    Mon, Dec 01, 2025
    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.

    Enjoy live entertainment onboard.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    PASSAU
    Tue, Dec 02, 2025
    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.”

    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)

  5. Day 5
    REGENSBURG
    Wed, Dec 03, 2025
    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.

    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)

  6. Day 6
    NUREMBERG
    Thu, Dec 04, 2025
    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)

  7. Day 7
    NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
    Fri, Dec 05, 2025
    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, depending on the location.



Accommodation Information

Port charges:
$180

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

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
4.2
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
3.8

Ratings based off 61 reviews - currently showing 11 reviews with comments only

AVALON did NOT disappoint again--- this was our third Riverboat trip with Avalon. Ship was beautiful -- staff was excellent --- food was absolutely amazing. Entertainment was great -- guides for the off boat tours were very knowledgeable and personal.

Avalon vs. Viking: I would probably go back to Viking, but each has it's favorable points and room for improvement. The Avalon ship was spotless and the staff was quite good. The food was fine. The Cruise Director was the best I have experienced anywhere. The cabin was spacious, but I missed having the lanai. The guides were great and timing was spot-on. The onboard entertainer was mediocre at best, though, and that really was a downer. On our Viking cruise two years ago, the onboard entertainer was awesome and a good part of our social time was spent enjoying him in the lounge. This guy on Avalon could not sing and his music was intended for the 80 year old+ audience. No one danced or sang along. Disappointing. One of the special music guests was incredibly good, and the other was incredibly bad.

Our Avalon Waterways river cruise was phenomenal! So much fun! The cruise director was wonderful! The staff and the wait service are going to be missed! The excursions kept us up and moving everyday, which was expected. The local guides were all great! It was a dream vacation for sure! A guided tour of Europe was our best decision. Very happy indeed!

Very pleasant and helpful and resulted in significant savings versus booking directly.

I was a bit skeptical when I booked but that went away the first day. Everyone was very helpful and everything was fabulous, hope we can do another trip soon.

OUr cruise was exactly as described and actually exceeded our expectations. Everything was so well done. Ship was great. Staff wonderful. Food excellennt. Couldn't have asked for moore.

All was good EXCEPT the optional tours were not worth it. The places were beautiful by the guides were not helpful.

We had a change in boats due to water level. It seemed that this crew was not as motivated as the other trips he had with Avalon. The food though good did not give alternated to offer myself and my sister. Staff was not as good as previous trips, had this been our first trip we would not return as the others were outstanding.

Our vacation with Avalon Waterways was fantastic. The Tour Guide, Tony was the best person we have ever met for this type of tour. We are excited to look at other river cruises and will book with them again

Aga is the best. She responded to you promptly and goes out of her way to answer your questions. I had a complication situation in which the Avalon itinerary did not match and thus had arranged for buisiness in one city when indeed the ship was in another city. She call operations for the company found out the exact time things would occur and made a great recommendation for when i could have my business meeting. I encourage management to recognize her efforts!

Avalon River Cruises are GREAT!!! It is even more wonderful than Ocean Cruising. We will do this again.

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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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