Avalon Envision, The Blue Danube Discovery (festive) ex Budapest to Nuremberg

Sail along the Danube River on a winter cruise with exciting stops and panoramic views in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship in Budapest. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries.

Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House and in this time of the year, Christmas markets are scattered around the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing tour ending with a walk through the Christmas market to taste some of the local traditional specialties. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley, and visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise holiday is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg, famous for one of the oldest Christmas market in Germany. After guided city sightseeing, be sure to explore the many stalls and try some spicy gingerbread and Glühwein! The perfect ending to a memorable river cruise holiday!

Day 1
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafes, and confections. Enjoy the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition before boarding your Suite Ship.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (D)

Day 2
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 Tasting while sailing to Vienna.
This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 3
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese cafe this evening. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)

Day 4
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.
Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.
MELK: 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 5
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC - Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart- and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas.
Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 6
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.
Take time to browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
Enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)

Day 7
Legends and History Lessons
DISCOVERY - Enjoy an Onboard Christmas Tradition Lecture.
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 historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favourite Bavarian fare-from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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