Avalon Waterways
Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest Cruise
Starting at $4394 pp based on dbl
8 day Package Includes:
- 6 day River Cruise
- Pre-night Vienna
- Post-night Budapest
- Airport transfers*
- Pre-paid gratuities
- Tour Leader
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience the holiday season in Europe? Specifically, indulging in the holiday spirit and the sights, smells, tastes and local traditions of Europe’s famous Christmas Markets? Wonder no more!
What is a European Christmas Market?
From Basel to Budapest and Nuremberg to Prague, Christkindlesmarkts originated in Germany and date back to the Holy Roman Empire. Traditionally held in the town square, they offer seasonal food, drinks and holiday items for sale in open-air stalls, amidst unbridled holiday cheer.
What Experiences can you expect?
Popular market attractions include a Nativity scene and numerous local holiday specialties like the below.
Itinerary
Thursday November 28, 2024
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Welcome to Vienna, the legendary ‘City of Music”. Enjoy a free day to leisurely explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy hotel accommodations, with complimentary breakfast.
Friday November 29, 2024
VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. 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 (Dinner)
Saturday November 30, 2024
VIENNA
Royal Collections and Festive Confections 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. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
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 KREMS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sunday December 1, 2024
KREMS
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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Monday December 2, 2024
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tuesday December 3, 2024
BUDAPEST
Christmas Lights and Classic Sights CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
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 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Wednesday December 4, 2024
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise concludes with breakfast this morning before transferring to Budapest, where you’ll spend one night in the Hungarian capital city. With plenty of free time this afternoon, experience the curative waters of Budapest’s thermal baths, or set out for a hike to explore the countryside. Take time to shop for treasures, including handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain, or Budapest’s best baked goods.
Thursday December 5, 2024
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
