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Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt with 2 Nights in Budapest 2026

From Budapest, Hungary to Frankfurt, Germany
Length: 15 Days - Departs: Fri, Dec 04, 2026
Operator
Departure
Dec 04, 2026
Arrival
Dec 18, 2026

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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 Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.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


River Cruise Itinerary

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, after enjoying two nights in the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. Your Germany river cruise continues with an excursion to Nuremberg. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your Christmas cruise through Germany. Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. Your Danube and Main River cruise vacation concludes in Mainz Frankfurt with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.

  1. Day 1
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    Fri, Dec 04, 2026
    Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital

    The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.


  2. Day 2
    BUDAPEST
    Sat, Dec 05, 2026
    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 and picturesque Christmas market. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

    (B)

  3. Day 3
    BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
    Sun, Dec 06, 2026
    Time for Coffee and Confections

    With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

    (B,D)

  4. Day 4
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA
    Mon, Dec 07, 2026
    Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

    Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and see the rolling landscape and red rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.

    This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

    (B,L,D)

  5. Day 5
    VIENNA
    Tue, Dec 08, 2026
    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 enjoying the Christkindlesmarkt, or relaxing by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS

    (B,L,D)

  6. Day 6
    KREMS
    Wed, Dec 09, 2026
    Christmas Magic in the Austria’s Wine Country

    CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.

    During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

    MELK

    Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

    (B,L,D)

  7. Day 7
    PASSAU, GERMANY
    Thu, Dec 10, 2026
    Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

    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. Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

    (B,L,D)

  8. Day 8
    REGENSBURG
    Fri, Dec 11, 2026
    Christmas Magic in Bavaria

    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.

    Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.

    This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

    (B,L,D)

  9. Day 9
    NUREMBERG
    Sat, Dec 12, 2026
    Legends and History Lessons

    DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board

    CLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

    Spend free time on your own browsing 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)

  10. Day 10
    NUREMBERG EXCURSION TO MUNICH
    Sun, Dec 13, 2026
    Beer Songs and Bavarian Kings

    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.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

    (B,D)

  11. Day 11
    NUREMBERG
    Mon, Dec 14, 2026
    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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

    (B,L,D)

  12. Day 12
    BAMBERG
    Tue, Dec 15, 2026
    Christmas 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)

  13. Day 13
    WÜRZBURG
    Wed, Dec 16, 2026
    Old 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 on board.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG

    (B,L,D)

  14. Day 14
    MILTENBERG
    Thu, Dec 17, 2026
    Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

    CLASSIC Take a Guided 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)

  15. Day 15
    FRANKFURT (DISEMBARKATION)
    Fri, Dec 18, 2026
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

    Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 10 am.

    (B)

Countries Visited

Austria, Germany, Hungary

Rivers Visited

Danube, Main

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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.



Accommodation Information

Port charges:
$396 are included.

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

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

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

Ratings based off 74 reviews - currently showing 23 reviews with comments only

We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to our agent for her professional assistance

I can not say enough to praise the hospitality and professional service aboard the Avalon Illumination! Everyone was so helpful and engaging from our tour guide to our housekeeper. the food and food service staff were equally amazing!

Don't be afraid to try the active excursions. They were amazing and they were honest if they felt a guest wouldn't be comfortable with the level of difficulty.

The overall dining experience was ok, not great

We enjoyed the Avalon Magnificent Europe River Cruise very much. It was everything we expected and more. The crew and staff on the ship were outstanding.

Avalon was wonderful to us. The staff was extremely friendly and willing to help in anyway. Very positive experience. The food also was delicious.

Great Food, Great Room, Great Tour Guide and Crew! Outstanding to all that worked so hard and always presented a smile!

Nico, Cruise director, made this trip extra special. He is very organized and knows the history of the areas we traveled.

This was our first river cruise and our first experience with Avalon. The entire trip was very enjoyable and we look forward to traveling on another river cruise with Avalon. Our tour included the Christmas Markets along the Danube and it would be fun to return to the same places during the spring and summer months. It was very nice to unpack only once.

The changes to my itinerary, due to the low water level of the Danube, were well beyond acceptable and made my trip that much more enjoyable. Mother Nature has a mind of her own and Avalon kept me informed prior to and on the trip. I highly recommend Avalon.

This trip covers a longer stretch of the Danube and many of the tours off the ship are an hour or more by bus. Average age on this trip was older than many other European river cruises. It was a fascinating trip.

Affordable Tours and Avalon did a great job. Everything perfect.

Aga was extremely helpful in booking our trip and in providing valuable information about the excursions and Amsterdam. We would like to work with her again in the future.

Everything was wonderful! The Avalon Illumination river boat was beautiful and our cabin was nice with a panoramic view. The tour director and staff were super. The places we visited for the Christmas markets were beyond description -- absolutely fabulous! Very relaxing trip aboard the river boat.

The cruise was just as advertised - even better.

My 1st river cruise. It was handled professional and smoothly. My consultant and her team did a great job. I will definitively book again.

A truly wonderful vacation. Everything was first class - the hotel in Prague, the Avalon Illumination, and all the excursions. Our cruise director was outstanding.

Once we were booked, everything was seemless.

My only comment of concern was that when on ship we were asked to leave dining room rather abruptly when it was closing and the bar would be closed during all performances. And bar drinks were super expensive other than happy hours...I felt like we had to conform more than was necessary...could have been more customer sensitive...it was the cruise director who at times treated us this way. Otherwise excellent and I would encourage others to use Avalon.

I couldn't have asked for more with Avalon. The whole staff and crew were so friendly and helpful. The trip was a trip of a lifetime thanks to Avalon!

Every aspect of this trip was top notch!

The trip was fine, but we wished we would have had more 'side trip' choices, or actually, transportation choices. We wanted to take the tour bus places, but once there we would have rather gone in a different direction, I mean, it seems every tour brought us to a church/cathedral, and once you have seen 3 or 4, it got real old. The tour to the winery in Serbia (I think - maybe Bulgaria) was terrible, the wine was awful, I did not see a single person buy any of it. This is one tour where we wanted to go elsewhere but could not. Same with the tour to Tera Nova in Bulgaria - we wanted to wander the town, instead we had to follow the tour to yet another church. But this was OUR thoughts, for many others I am sure it was fine.

The agent was a delight to work with because of her top of the line service. Had a wonderful trip on Avalon Waterways up the Danube and Rhine Rivers from Vienna, and Salzburg was great! Thanks again for a wonderful trip.

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