Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest and 2 Nights in Prague 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a magical 12-day tour that takes you through the heart of Europe, exploring its rich history, culture, and festive traditions. This multi-day tour starts in the captivating capital of Hungary, Budapest, and takes you through Vienna, Krems, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, and finally, the city of 100 spires, Prague. Experience the charm of Eastern Europe's shining cities, the beauty of the Danube, the grandeur of the Habsburg empire, the tranquility of Austria's wine country, and the festive spirit of Bavaria. This tour is not just about sightseeing; it's about experiencing the local culture, cuisine, and traditions, especially the unique Christmas markets that each city hosts during the festive season.
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 of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
2 Nights in Budapest
2 Nights in Prague
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's captivating capital. The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city's charm on the banks of the Danube.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Budapest
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
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Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour, including the iconic Heroes' Square. Spend the afternoon exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge and the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the festive season.
Day 3 – Day 3: Last Day in Budapest
- Budapest
- Vienna
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- Gödöllő Palace
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Spend your last day in Budapest exploring the Royal Palace grounds and capturing memorable photographs. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship for an overnight cruise to Vienna.
Day 4 – Day 4: Arrival in Vienna
- Vienna
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- Austrian Gallery Belvedere
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Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Experience an Austrian cookie tasting while sailing to Vienna. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Vienna
- Vienna
- Krems an der Donau
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- Imperial Treasury Vienna
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Vienna Music Society
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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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 relaxing in a Viennese café. Join a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Krems to Melk
- Krems an der Donau
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- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
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Join a guided walk to explore the small valley town of Krems. During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Take a guided tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Passau to Salzburg
- Hallein
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- Pullman City Western town
- Sulzer Wasserfall
- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
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Join a guided city walk to learn more about the beautiful 'City of Three Rivers', Passau. Spend some free time in Passau's charming Christmas market 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.
Day 8 – Day 8: Arrival in Regensburg
- Regensburg
- Bamberg
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- Weltenburg Abbey
- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
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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.
Day 9 – Day 9: Arrival in Nuremberg
- Nuremberg
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- Nuremberg lock
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Choose a guided sightseeing of Nuremberg, with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich. Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg, sampling favorite Bavarian fare.
Day 10 – Day 10: Arrival in Prague
- Nuremberg
- Prague
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Welcome to Prague, the city of 100 spires. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Prague
- Prague
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- Prague Astronomical Clock
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Prague Castle
- Hradčany Square
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Take a guided city walk, and visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town's Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Prague
- Prague - Departure day
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Say goodbye to the beautiful city of Prague and take with you the unforgettable memories of this magical multi-day tour.
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