Christmastime in Germany and Austria- Westbound

12 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
Celebrate the holiday season on this magnificent cruise from Vienna to Frankfurt. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna, Nuremberg, Munich, Bamberg, and Würzburg as well as guided walks in the small town of Dürnstein, medieval Regensburg, and charming Miltenberg. Other highlights: visit the Bishop’s Residence in Würzburg and the spectacular Benedictine Abbey in ...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • 12 day river cruise from Vienna to Frankfurt
    • Deluxe 11-night cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
    • Guided sightseeing in Vienna, Nuremberg, Munich, Bamberg, and Würzburg
    • Visits the Bishop’s Residence in Würzburg
    • Beer tasting in Bamberg, a wine tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley
    • Visit several Christmas markets and shop for local Christmas ornaments and crafts

What's this trip about?

    Celebrate the holiday season on this magnificent cruise from Vienna to Frankfurt. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna, Nuremberg, Munich, Bamberg, and Würzburg as well as guided walks in the small town of Dürnstein, medieval Regensburg, and charming Miltenberg. Other highlights: visit the Bishop’s Residence in Würzburg and the spectacular Benedictine Abbey in Melk, enjoy a beer tasting in Bamberg, a wine tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley, and a baking demonstration of a local soft cookie. Marvel at the traditional Christmas decorations and delight in the festive atmosphere of this special time of year. Wander through the many Christmas markets while you listen to local Christmas music, sample tasty Christmas treats, smell the aromas of the season, and shop for local Christmas ornaments and crafts. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVienna
End CityFrankfurt

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany

Attractions

  • Frankfurt
  • Linz
  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
  • Salzburg
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Historic sightseeing
  • River cruise
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Accommodation
    • Most of the meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Internal transportation
    • Wi-Fi accessibility
    • Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive In Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)

Meals: Dinner

Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception.

NOTE: Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling...

Day 3: Dürnstein–Melk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During breakfast this morning arrive in Dürnstein, situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region, and known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the 1700s. The main street of this small town—with a popu...

Day 4: Linz–Passau, Germany

Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Depart from here for an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see the popular Sound of Music sites, find out how mice caused the composit...

Day 5: Regensburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least ...

Day 6: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, spend a relaxing morning of cruising, and before lunch, attend an ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town su...

Day 7: Nuremberg. Excursion To Munich

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Munich, where a local expert will proudly show you the sights of the Bavarian capital. An inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, you’ll see the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Televis...

Day 8: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 9: Bamberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning hours, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, includin...

Day 10: Würzburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The city makes an immediate impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Main...

Day 11: Wertheim–Miltenberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, arrive in Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers. If you are up for an early breakfast, take a stroll afterward through the beautifully decorated medieval center, whose overlapping ...

Day 12: Frankfurt (Disembarkation)

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends after breakfast today. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,599
Price per day$300
Last Updated: 5/8/2023

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

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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

What's excluded

    • Transfers
    • Alcohol & beverages outside of the contracted menu
    • Additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary
    • Travel Protection premiums
    • Other items of a personal nature.
Ship & cabin information
Vista
It didn't take us long to expand Europe's youngest fleet! The Avalon Vista set sail in 2012, adding to our unique offering of Suite Ships®. The Vista's two full decks of suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony®. Enjoy fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an expanded Fitness Center, complimentary Internet Corner and Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows Sky Deck with shade awnings Non-smoking interior Elegant, contemporary design Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies) Internet Corner Complimentary Wi-Fi access Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein Avalon Choice cruising experience Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise Sky Deck game area Well-stocked library Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs Expanded Fitness Center Elevator Outside viewing deck Friendly, English-speaking crew Cruise Director Revolutionary engineering Sky Deck whirlpool Hair salon (manicures available) Onboard movie nights Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro Behind-the-scenes ship tour Use of Nordic walking sticks English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options Panorama Bistro Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Deck Plan Cat. D,E
Cancellation policy

If a booking cancellation is received by Avalon prior to the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable land deposit and Travel Protection payments will be retained in addition to your Flex-Air deposit, Instant Purchase Air payment and service fee, and/or intra-vacation air deposit. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)

Standard Cancellation Fees:

90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

On departure day and later: 100% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

Travel Insurance
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 .
Meals Included

11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 11 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
Trip ID
AVALON-chringava

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