Christmastime from Budapest to Basel 2025 - 17 Days Budapest to Basel

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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel 2025

17 Days Budapest to Basel



Tour Description:

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, called the “Pearl of the Danube.” Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna, picturesque Krems, and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. 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. Your Germany river cruise continues with an excursion to Nuremberg. 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 to continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the Heart of Germany with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg—complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. Würzburg is the next stop on your Christmas cruise through Germany. Savor the sights, sounds, and confections of Würzburg’s warm Christmas markets before sailing to visit a picturesque Main River Village. You’ll continue your scenic river cruise on the Rhine River to see the shining Christmas markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Enjoy Heidelberg’s sparkling Christmas markets during your stay, before sailing for Strasbourg, France. City sightseeing includes Strasbourg’s stained-glass, gothic cathedral, astronomical clock, and La Petite France district. On to Breisach and the Black Forest of Bavaria to experience generations of warm and festive Christmas traditions. Your Christmastime river cruise will conclude in Basel, Switzerland. With Christmas celebration and special traditions large and small, and panoramic views, you’ll keep the visions of your scenic European river cruise in your memory for many Christmases to come.

Map for Christmastime from Budapest to Basel 2025 - 17 Days Budapest to Basel
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Budapest-Vienna: Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening
Day 3 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market
Day 4 Krems–Wachau Valley–Melk: Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk
Day 5 Passau: Guided walk; Christmas market
Day 6 Regensburg: Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria; Christmas market
Day 7 Nuremberg: Onboard Christmas Tradition lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market
Day 8 Nuremberg (Disembarkation). Excursion to Munich. Nuremberg (Embarkation): Full-day guided tour in Munich
Day 9 Nuremberg: Day at leisure to visit Christmas markets
Day 10 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture
Day 11 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishop’s Residence; Christmas market
Day 12 Miltenberg: Guided tour
Day 13 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treat
Day 14 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market
Day 15 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market
Day 16 Breisach: Choice of excursion to the Black Forest or Freiburg sightseeing
Day 17 Basel (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
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.

ITINERARY

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. 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®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-SCENIC.jpg

Day 2
VIENNA, AUSTRIA 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 VIENNA-RATHAUS.jpg
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Day 3
VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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 café. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS VIENNA-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
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Day 4
KREMS 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. During lunchtime, 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 MELK-ABBEY-STAIRCASE.jpg
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Day 5
PASSAU, GERMANY Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 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 PASSAU-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
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Day 6
REGENSBURG 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. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG REGENSBURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
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Day 7
NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board 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 favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg
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Day 8
NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION). EXCURSION TO MUNICH. NUREMBERG (EMBARKATION) This morning say goodbye to your Avalon Suite Ship and get ready to embark your second Avalon vessel which will take you to Basel. CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz. MUNICH-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 9
NUREMBERG Living Heritage and History Lessons A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG NUREMBERG-FESTIVE-ORNAMENT.jpg
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Day 10
BAMBERG Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size. Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG BAMBERG-FESTIVE.jpg
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Day 11
WÜRZBURG Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Wurzburg’s Christmas markets. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG WURZBURG-FESTIVE.jpg
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Day 12
MILTENBERG Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT MILTENBERG-FESTIVE.jpg
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Day 13
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER RUDESHEIM-COFFEE.jpg
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Day 14
SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer Christmas markets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG HEIDELBERG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
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Day 15
STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village. Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH STRASBOURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg
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Day 16
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood. In the afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL BLACK-FOREST-CLOCK.jpg
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Day 17
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am. BASEL-FESTIVE-SUNRISE.jpg

Accommodations

Zurich
Renaissance Zurich Tower
Superior First-Class



Turbinenstrasse 20 Zurich Switzerland

This 300 room luxury hotel is housed in a modern tower building located in the vibrant Zurich West quarter. The exclusive Grill restaurant serves urban cuisine and the lounge bar offers drinks, snacks and cocktails. Other amenities include a fitness area on the 15th floor with city views, sauna and steam bath.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

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Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.