Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas with our 8-day tour, cruising through the heart of Europe. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of historical architecture, traditional Christmas markets, and exquisite culinary delights. Starting from the enchanting city of Budapest, the tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Vienna, Krems, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg. Experience the rich history of the Habsburg Empire, marvel at the stunning frescoes of Melk's Benedictine Abbey, and explore the medieval architecture of Nuremberg. Savor traditional Austrian cookies, Bavarian bratwurst, and mulled wine as you browse through the vibrant Christmas markets. This tour is a perfect blend of culture, history, and festive cheer, promising an unforgettable holiday experience.
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
Avalon Passion or similar
7 nights onboard
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
And, much more
Avalon Passion: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Panorama: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Destinations
Krems an der Donau
Bamberg
Budapest
Regensburg
PassauMap
Attractions
Imperial Treasury Vienna
Austrian National Library, State Hall
Römische Thermen
Nuremberg lock
Porta Praetoria
Wachau
Donauturm
Melk Abbey
Gödöllő Palace
Schönbrunn Palace
Vienna Music Society
Old Town Hall
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephan's Cathedral, PassauDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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- Gödöllő Palace
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Welcome to the historical city of Budapest. Arrive by 2 pm and spend the day exploring the architectural marvels of the Royal Palace. Capture memorable photographs and soak in the festive atmosphere before boarding your Suite Ship®. Overnight stay on the cruise.
Day 2 – Day 2: Budapest to Vienna
- Budapest
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- Austrian National Library, State Hall
- Donauturm
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Sail along the beautiful Danube, witnessing the scenic landscapes of Hungary and Slovakia. Enjoy a delightful Austrian cookie tasting session on board. In the evening, you may opt for a Royal Waltz Concert in Vienna for an unforgettable musical experience. Overnight stay in Vienna.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vienna to Krems
- Krems an der Donau
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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, exploring the gilded landmarks of the Habsburg Empire, including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend your free time at the Christkindlesmarkt or relax in a Viennese café. Optionally, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Overnight cruise to Krems.
Day 4 – Day 4: Krems to Melk to Passau
- Krems an der Donau
- Passau
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- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
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Explore the quaint valley town of Krems on a guided walk. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk during lunchtime. Visit Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, known for its frescoed ceilings, statues, and ornate pipe organ. Overnight cruise to Passau.
Day 5 – Day 5: Passau to Regensburg
- Regensburg
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- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
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Join a guided city walk in Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers'. Spend your free time at Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near St. Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, and learn about Austrian Christmas traditions. Overnight cruise to Regensburg.
Day 6 – Day 6: Regensburg to Nuremberg
- Bamberg
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- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
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Explore Regensburg on a guided city walk, visiting the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria. Enjoy the vibrant Christmas markets of Regensburg, sampling hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, and bratwurst. Overnight cruise to Nuremberg.
Day 7 – Day 7: Nuremberg
- Nuremberg
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- Römische Thermen
- Nuremberg lock
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Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board. Choose between a guided sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, exploring its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Spend your free time at the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling Bavarian fare. Overnight stay in Nuremberg.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Bamberg - Departure day
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Your memorable Christmas cruise comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed your time exploring the historical cities and festive markets of Europe.
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