Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 7-day tour through the heart of Austria and Germany, immersing yourself in the rich history, culture, and festive spirit of these remarkable countries. This multi-day tour offers an unparalleled blend of guided city tours, visits to iconic landmarks, and delightful culinary experiences. From the gilded landmarks of Vienna to the medieval architecture of Nuremberg, every day presents a new adventure. Enjoy the warmth of traditional holiday fare, marvel at the frescoed ceilings of Melk's Benedictine Abbey, and lose yourself in the enchanting Christmas markets of Regensburg. This tour is more than just a journey; it's an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Included
6 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Envision: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Impression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Expression or similar
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Hallein
Bamberg
Melk
Vienna
Regensburg
PassauMap
Attractions
Imperial Treasury Vienna
Nuremberg lock
Porta Praetoria
Melk Abbey
Mauthausen Memorial
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna Music Society
Old Town Hall
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephan's Cathedral, PassauDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Vienna, Austria
- Vienna - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the beautiful city of Vienna. Arrive by 3:30 pm and board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. Indulge in traditional holiday fare and warm libations before settling in for the night. Dinner will be served onboard.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vienna's Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Vienna
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- Imperial Treasury Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Vienna Music Society
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Embark on a guided city tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks in the morning. Visit the Imperial Palace, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend your free time exploring the Christkindlesmarkt or relaxing in a Viennese café. Optionally, you can join a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. In the evening, you may choose to attend a Royal Waltz Concert. Overnight cruise to Melk. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Melk to Grein - Frescoes and Historic Theaters
- Melk
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- Melk Abbey
- Mauthausen Memorial
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Start your day with a guided tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, marveling at its frescoed ceilings. Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein. In Grein, take a guided walk, including a visit to its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise overnight to Passau. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Passau and Salzburg - The Story of Silent Night
- Passau
- Hallein
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- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
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Join a guided city walk in Passau, the beautiful 'City of Three Rivers.' Spend some free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Optionally, you can join a guided excursion to Salzburg, Austria, the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night. Cruise overnight to Regensburg. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Christmas Magic in Regensburg, Bavaria
- Regensburg
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- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
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Join a guided city walk in Regensburg and see the 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 as you cruise overnight to Nuremberg. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Legends and History Lessons in Nuremberg
- Bamberg
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- Nuremberg lock
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Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing in the morning. Choose between a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Spend free time browsing the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling Bavarian fare from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. Overnight docking in Nuremberg. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Farewell from Nuremberg
- Bamberg - Departure day
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Your unforgettable 7-day tour ends with breakfast this morning in Nuremberg. As you depart, carry the memories of the rich history, culture, and festive spirit of Austria and Germany with you.
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