Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
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.

Spend the day on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Budapest. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (D)

Day 2 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

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. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)

Day 3 MELK, AUSTRIA–WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN–KREMS
Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.

Enjoy a brief sailing to Dürnstein through the stunning landscapes of the Wachau Valley. Spend some free time in Dürnstein before sailing to Krems.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 4 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Vienna airport before 8 am. (B)

Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season in 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.

Your Danube River cruise delights with gorgeous views, beginning in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Enjoy guided sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes Square and spectacular architecture. You’ll sail on the Danube River to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets; you will also take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and gothic cathedral. Next, cruise to marvelous Melk for guided sightseeing in Austria’s Wachau Valley, including the magnificent Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. Your Festive Season cruise on the Danube concludes in Vienna.

• Ship Amenities - Avalon Passion:
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
  • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
  • Convenient Elevator Service
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Outside viewing deck
  • Headsets for guided shore excursions
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
  • Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Behind-the-scenes galley tour
  • Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
  • Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
  • Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
  • Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
  • Full-size closet mirror
• Ship Dining - Avalon Passion:
  • Avalon Fresh^SM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
  • Daily early-riser breakfast
  • Daily late-riser breakfast
  • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
  • Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
  • Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Healthy meal options
  • Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
  • Coffee or tea after dinner
  • Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
  • FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options

• Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Day 2 Bratislava: guided city sightseeing; free time for Christmas markets
• Day 3 Melk–Wachau Valley–Dürnstein–Krems: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley; free time in Dürnstein and Krems
• Day 4 Vienna (Disembarkation): your cruise ends this morning

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Passion

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• 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.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
• Port charges: $78
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

For Avalon Waterways terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.