Avalon Passion, Christmastime From Budapest To Vienna ex Budapest to Vienna

Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season to experience Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on our decorated Suite Ships® as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local Christmas traditions along your Danube River cruise. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.

Begin your cruise in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Next, cruise to wonderful Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube.

Continue your festive Danube River cruise to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Notes: Christmas markets generally operate from late Nov until the third week of Dec.

Day 1
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (D)

Day 2
Christmas Lights and Classic Sights
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes' Square and Budapest's classic sites.
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 markets that Budapest hosts every year during the Festive season.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)

Day 3
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral - Hungary's centuries-old coronation church.
Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)

Day 4
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.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy an Austrian Cookies Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna's Winter Wonderland
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 5
Royal Collections and Christmas Confections
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 this evening.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 6
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)