Sail in winter on the Danube River with exciting stops and panoramic views in Austria and Germany. At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively illuminated and dressed, each in its own particular style and tradition. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship in Budapest, and sail up the Danube River to Vienna, Austria. Here, Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, with the largest located in front of the city hall. Join a traditional city sightseeing 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. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful patrician houses, and the Christkindlmarkt set against the stunning backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII.

Your last stop along the Danube River is 1000-year-old 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! Disembark your ship and travel to beautiful Prague, Czech Republic. See the sights with a Local Guide, and then explore on your own. Browse for last-minute gifts at the Christmas market, and don’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town! The perfect ending to a holiday cruise on the Danube!

Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.