A world beyond.
Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

 

Adventure is knocking.
Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

 

Cruising Elevated.
Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Back

The Blue Danube Discovery With Budapest And Prague (Festive)

With budapest and prague (festive) extension
BudapestPrague
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
  • Tour Director
Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
View Map
Map
FROM
USD
5,546.00 pp*
BookDates & Prices
This timeless European river cruise holiday begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before sailing along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany. Your Danube River cruise concludes in the golden city of Prague—the capital of the Czech Republic. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and tradition. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. In Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital, marvel at the eight bridges spanning the river and enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights, and take this first chance to explore a Christmas market.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship from Budapest and enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria. Here, Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing ending with a walk through the Christmas market to taste some of the local traditional specialties. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley, In Melk, visit majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous Austrian wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful Patrician houses and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Further up the Danube River, you’ll arrive at the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop is the 1000-year-old city of Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. where you’ll marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle.

Disembark and travel to beautiful Prague. See the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy exploring on your own. Browse for last-minute gifts at the Christmas market, and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town! The perfect ending to a winter cruise on the Danube!

Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.

Map

Leisurely On the go

Countries
Meals
11breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WBNYF
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 04 December 2026 departure
CAT D
Highlights
Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Welcome to Budapest-Hungary's Captivating Capital The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe's shining city on the Danube.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 2

BUDAPEST

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square. 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 cafes and pubs, and don't miss the unique Christmas market that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 3

BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Time for Coffee, and Confections With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 4

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia and see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna. This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 5

VIENNA

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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 cafe. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 6

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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 7

PASSAU, GERMANY

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers." Later spend some 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. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 8

REGENSBURG

Christmas Magic in Bavaria CLASSIC 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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 9

NUREMBERG

Legends and History Lessons DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board. CLASSIC Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg-with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich. Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample Favourite Bavarian fare-from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 10

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome to Prague! Explore the City of 100 Spires Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 11

PRAGUE

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, and visit the Hradcany 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 coloured wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 12

PRAGUE

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (6)

This timeless European river cruise holiday begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before sailing along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany. Your Danube River cruise concludes in the golden city of Prague—the capital of the Czech Republic. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and tradition. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. In Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital, marvel at the eight bridges spanning the river and enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights, and take this first chance to explore a Christmas market.

Embark your Avalon Suite Ship from Budapest and enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria. Here, Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing ending with a walk through the Christmas market to taste some of the local traditional specialties. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley, In Melk, visit majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous Austrian wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful Patrician houses and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Further up the Danube River, you’ll arrive at the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop is the 1000-year-old city of Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. where you’ll marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle.

Disembark and travel to beautiful Prague. See the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy exploring on your own. Browse for last-minute gifts at the Christmas market, and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town! The perfect ending to a winter cruise on the Danube!

Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.

Map

Leisurely On the go

Countries
Meals
11breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WBNYF
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 04 December 2026 departure
CAT D

Next Section

Highlights