Christmastime From Basel To Budapest
New, River Cruise
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated-a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares.
Stop in Frankfurt and then sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bam-berg-complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. 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. 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. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the "Pearl of the Danube," with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
- Festivals and Events
About Avalon Imagery II
If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. The Avalon Imagery II embodies all of Avalon's outstanding traditions to deliver exceptional cruise experiences and service. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, our Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet. Onboard amenities include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, elevator, alternative light menu options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro. Relax to your heart's content on the an expansive Sky Deck's premium lounge chairs, take a dip in the whirlpool, get cool in the shade on deck, and play deck games too! Your image just got a lot more relaxed.
Sky Lounge | |
Navigation Bridge | |
Sky Grill | |
Whirlpool | |
Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings | |
Deck Game Area | |
Observation Lounge | |
Panorama Bistro | |
Panorama Lounge | |
Bar | |
Reception | |
Elevator | |
Lobby | |
Club Lounge | |
Gallery | |
Dining Room | |
Fitness Center |
NOTES
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. The Avalon Imagery II embodies all of Avalon's outstanding traditions to deliver exceptional cruise experiences and service. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, our Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet. Onboard amenities include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, elevator, alternative light menu options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro. Relax to your heart's content on the an expansive Sky Deck's premium lounge chairs, take a dip in the whirlpool, get cool in the shade on deck, and play deck games too! Your image just got a lot more relaxed.
Sky Lounge | |
Navigation Bridge | |
Sky Grill | |
Whirlpool | |
Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings | |
Deck Game Area | |
Observation Lounge | |
Panorama Bistro | |
Panorama Lounge | |
Bar | |
Reception | |
Elevator | |
Lobby | |
Club Lounge | |
Gallery | |
Dining Room | |
Fitness Center |
NOTES
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
About Avalon Waterways
Travelers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways®. Our entire fleet of Suite Ships® proudly present Avalon Waterways’ unique Open-Air BalconySM—cruising’s only bed with a view, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. When travelers pair panoramic scenes with the widest-ranging excursion choices in river cruising, they’re in for an experience as wide open as the view.
On an Avalon cruise, schedules give way to whims, leaving travelers the freedom to do exactly as they please, when they please. Whether enjoying a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, joining a cooking class or paddling a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When travelers prefer to explore on their own, Avalon helps with recommendations, information and the gear they need, thanks to Adventure Hosts, an Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile app. And when it’s time to refuel, Avalon’s FlexDining® program gives guests the choices they crave.
When travelers sail the world with Avalon Waterways, every day is an adventure and every adventure is up to our guests.
About Avalon Waterways
Travelers wanting to see the world need only cruise down its legendary rivers. For those interested in seeing more of the world, there’s Avalon Waterways®. Our entire fleet of Suite Ships® proudly present Avalon Waterways’ unique Open-Air BalconySM—cruising’s only bed with a view, more space and 24/7 access to open-air cruising. When travelers pair panoramic scenes with the widest-ranging excursion choices in river cruising, they’re in for an experience as wide open as the view.
On an Avalon cruise, schedules give way to whims, leaving travelers the freedom to do exactly as they please, when they please. Whether enjoying a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, joining a cooking class or paddling a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When travelers prefer to explore on their own, Avalon helps with recommendations, information and the gear they need, thanks to Adventure Hosts, an Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile app. And when it’s time to refuel, Avalon’s FlexDining® program gives guests the choices they crave.
When travelers sail the world with Avalon Waterways, every day is an adventure and every adventure is up to our guests.