Christmastime from Budapest to Basel with 2 Nights in Budapest

19 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, after enjoying two nights in the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with f...
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$13,022
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Welcome to Budapest!
    • Guided tour, see Heroes' Square; Christmas market
    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening
    • City sightseeing; Christmas market
    • Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk
    • Guided walk; Christmas market
    • Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria; Christmas market
    • Onboard Christmas Tradition lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
    • Full-day guided tour in Munich

What's this trip about?

    Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, after enjoying two nights in the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, library, and ornate pipe organ. Your Germany river cruise continues with an excursion to Nuremberg. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe, and choose from two guided excursions—a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg to continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your Christmas cruise through Germany. Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. You’ll continue your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River to see the shining Christmas markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Enjoy Heidelberg’s sparkling Christmas markets during your stay, before sailing for Strasbourg, France. City sightseeing includes Strasbourg’s stained-glass, gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, and La Petite France district. On to Breisach and the Black Forest of Bavaria to experience generations of warm and festive Christmas traditions. Your Christmastime river cruise will conclude in Basel, Switzerland. With Christmas celebration and special traditions large and small, and panoramic views, you’ll keep the visions of your scenic European river cruise in your memory for many Christmases to come.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBUDAPEST, HUNGARY
End CityBASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Hungary

Attractions

  • Bamberg
  • Basel
  • Budapest
  • Frankfurt
  • Heidelberg
  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Rudesheim
  • Strasbourg
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

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.

BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-PARLIAMENT.jpg

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 and picturesque Christma...

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. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop...

Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Viennese Waltzes on the 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 T...

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 stunnin...

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 Vineyard...

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...

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. DISCOVERY You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming Th...

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...

Day 10: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH. NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION)

This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel.

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residenc...

Day 11: NUREMBERG

Living Heritage and History Lessons

A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

NUREMBERG-FESTIVE-ORNAMENT.jpg

Day 12: BAMBERG

Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size. Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christma...

Day 13: WÜRZBURG

Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bava...

Day 14: MILTENBERG

Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

MILTENBERG-FESTIVE.jpg

Day 15: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER (Breakfast,Dinner)

RUDESHEIM-COFFEE.jpg

Day 16: SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg. Alternatively...

Day 17: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël

CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may...

Day 18: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting. DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and t...

Day 19: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

(Breakfast)

BASEL-FESTIVE-SUNRISE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,146
Price per day$481
Last Updated: 3/13/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 Dec 2024
20 Dec 2024
$9,146
Sold Out
29 Nov 2025
17 Dec 2025
$9,146
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

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It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

HiltonUnwind at Hilton Budapest hotel, which boasts the beautiful Baroque façade of a 16th century Jesuit College and a 13th century Dominican Churchyard. Take in captivating views across historic Budapest - the Hungarian Parliament and River Danube - re-energize in the 24-hour fitness center, or keep fit on the jogging track. Luxuriate with a massage or unwind in the sauna. Marvel at ancient relics, situated in the hotel's restored Dominican cloister. Lounge in the lobby bar and admire breathtaking views, or savor authentic Hungarian and Mediterranean flavors in ICON Restaurant.BudapestHungaryHess Andras Ter 1-3Budapest MarriottThis modern 364 room property enjoys a prime downtown location and offers convenience blended with style. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and the hotel has a fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi. The trendy Mediterranean Grill restaurant serves tasty Hungarian dishes and the stylish lounge bar offers tapas style food and cocktails.BudapestHungaryApaczai Csere Janos U.4InterContinental BudapestFew would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.BudapestHungaryApaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14,
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We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Trip ID
AVALON-WBMQ

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