Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Frankfurt-am-Main
Duration
13 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a magical 13-day journey through the heart of Germany, exploring its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant Christmas markets. This multi-day tour will take you on a festive cruise along the Main River, through picturesque villages, medieval towns, and bustling cities. From the romantic roads of Würzburg to the imperial grandeur of Vienna, each day presents a new adventure. Discover the world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the festive season, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.

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Included

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

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Avalon Waterways river cruise ship

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12 nights onboard cruise ship

Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Imagery II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Frankfurt - Main River Village

Day 1: Frankfurt - Main River Village

Welcome to Germany! Your journey begins in Frankfurt, where you must arrive by 3 pm. Board your Suite Ship® and prepare for an evening cruise to a charming village along the Main River. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as we set sail.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Main River Village - Würzburg

Day 2: Main River Village - Würzburg

Begin your day with a guided tour of the picturesque village along the Main River. Afterward, enjoy live entertainment onboard as we continue our cruise to Würzburg. All meals for the day are provided on the ship.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Würzburg - Bamberg

Day 3: Würzburg - Bamberg

Discover the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road' with a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg. You may choose to join an optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg, home to the world's most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations at the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum. Spend your free time enjoying the festive glow of Würzburg's Christmas markets before we set sail for Bamberg.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Bamberg - Nuremberg

Day 4: Bamberg - Nuremberg

Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture onboard as we sail to Bamberg. Join a guided sightseeing tour of this medieval city, home to Germany's Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of nativity scenes, from miniature to life-size, and enjoy the quaint Christmas markets. Warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a hearty Bavarian ale before we continue our journey to Nuremberg.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Nuremberg

Day 5: Nuremberg

Choose between a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, including the gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich. Spend your free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling favorite Bavarian fare such as bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled blueberry wine.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Nuremberg - Munich

Day 6: Nuremberg - Munich

Say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark on your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel. Enjoy a guided city tour of fascinating Munich, where you'll see Nymphenburg Palace, a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Nuremberg - Regensburg

Day 7: Nuremberg - Regensburg

Choose between a guided tour of Nuremberg, featuring its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich. Spend your free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling favorite Bavarian fare. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise to Regensburg.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Regensburg - Passau

Day 8: Regensburg - Passau

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 and enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture onboard as we sail to Passau.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Passau - Melk

Day 9: Passau - Melk

Join a guided city walk to learn more about the beautiful 'City of Three Rivers'. Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt 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. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Melk - Vienna

Day 10: Melk - Vienna

Take a guided tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ. Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture onboard as we sail to Vienna. In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Vienna - Budapest

Day 11: Vienna - Budapest

Explore the Habsburg empire on a guided city tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend free time enjoying the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese café. Join a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburg Empire, before we set sail for Budapest.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Budapest

Day 12: Budapest

Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour, including the iconic Heroes' Square. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest's cafés, pubs, or nightlife. Don't miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the festive season.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Budapest

Day 13: Budapest

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning in Budapest. As you disembark, take with you the memories of a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of Germany during the festive season.

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