This holiday river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria.
And the views along the way can’t be outdone—towns and villages decorated for the holidays and beautiful views as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal.
Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Frankfurt, Germany.
In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide, or opt for a culinary walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare.
Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries—sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season.
In Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen).
On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world.
A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital.
The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air!
Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight.
In Würzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine).
Your last stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river—sure to be even more appealing illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations.
Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the gorgeous Avalon features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.
From the first bite to the last "Mmmmm," Avalon frees your tastebuds from the ordinary. At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, try mouthwatering recipes from the region through which you're traveling-or more familiar Western dishes, if that's your preference.
Avalon Waterways want your experience with them to be as rich as possible and have included everything that they know will be important to your cruise enjoyment.
With so many amenities on board, whether you are making the most of happy hour∘ by enjoying a glass of wine or a gin and tonic in the lounge, or having a quiet moment in the Club Lounge with a cappuccino, there is plenty of space to stretch out and relax on an Avalon ship. Complimentary Wi-Fi access and free use of computers or laptops is available to help you stay in touch with friends and family.They've designed a cruise experience that includes all the right things...but still leaves room for your own preferences.
Avalon Waterways know that no two travellers are alike so they don't assume all their guests will like the same activities∘ and excursions. With more expertly led discovery options than any other river cruise line∘ they make it possible for you to explore each port of call according to what intrigues you most.
Cruise into total body wellness. Start your mornings with an exercise program on the Sky Deck (weather permitting) featuring stretching∘ and yoga, attend helpful lectures on healthy lifestyles, and enjoy healthy but delicious∘ dining options, crafted daily on board.
Passengers must report any disability to Avalon before any reservation is made so that Avalon may advise whether they and/or their suppliers for any particular holiday are able to accommodate the passengers. Avalon may rely on the information provided to them by the passengers regarding the details of any disability∘ in order to make a decision as to whether the passengers can be accommodated. Avalon will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled passengers, in accordance with the applicable laws.Not all sightseeing stops/sites accommodate wheelchairs and some locations∘ and sightseeing activities require extensive standing, sitting or walking. Avalon is not responsible for any missed activities due to a participant’s inability∘ to participate within a group.All of the ships have lifts, however they do not service the SkyDeck. Additionally most stateroom doors and bathrooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs, and bathrooms and other doorways may be fitted with coamings.For safety reasons passengers cannot be carried on ramps in ports when the ship is docked. In certain circumstances, they may ask that a disabled person or person with reduced mobility be accompanied∘ by another person capable of providing any assistance required.
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
Avalon Waterways will try their best to accommodate dietary requirements if they are mentioned at the time of booking.
Here, There & Every-WEAR … What to Wear on an Avalon Cruise?
Aboard Avalon Waterways, our job is to make you feel Home “Suite” Home as you wind and bend your way through the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Here, we trade formality for friendly; white gloves for welcomes and suits and gowns for suites and get-up-and-go! Comfort is the only code we go by for cruise attire.
With Avalon, your days are filled with exciting excursions and soaking up picture-perfect landscapes, so dress for enjoyment and practicality. Because weather can be unpredictable, layers are always recommended when out and about. Consider packing a small backpack or handbag for jackets and sweaters. And, of course, bring your favourite, most comfortable, walking or athletic shoes to keep your feet happy and your heart pumping.
Dinner attire on board is casual with typical guests donning open-neck shirts and slacks, skirts and dresses. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats, are welcome to pack them but they are not required. Some guests do prefer to dress up for celebratory evenings onboard including the Captain’s Reception or Farewell Dinner.
On our Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos cruises, we recommend that guests forgo dressier attire completely due to warm, humid climates.
In short, wear exactly what suits you – and the discoveries you make onboard and off – best!
Additional notes to consider:
All ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship.
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. Internet cafes can be found in many towns in Western Europe, generally with reasonable charges.
Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available.
Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard. Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Laundry service is not available in the Galápagos.
All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.
Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
Avalon maintains a policy of "Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos." Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials occurs to ensure each environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure passenger compliance.
Avalon Waterways are pioneering the look of river cruising. Not only are the staterooms and views 30 percent larger than any other small ship in Europe, providing cruisers a renewed feeling of freedom and space, every component of the experience, from bed and bathroom positioning and colour palette∘ to storage space and sound-proof insulation, was wistfully designed for cruisers to ensure they enjoy all that river cruising has to offer.
Room Features
Room Features
Comfort Collection Beds
Room Features
Comfort Collection Beds