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Christmastime from Budapest to Basel with 2 Nights in Budapest 2025
19 Days Budapest to Basel
Tour Description:
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, after enjoying two nights in 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.
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Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Budapest: | Welcome to Budapest! |
| Day 2 Budapest: | Guided tour, see Heroes' Square; Christmas market |
| Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Budapest-Vienna: | Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; Austrian cookies tasting on board; free time in Vienna in the evening |
| Day 5 Vienna: | City sightseeing; Christmas market |
| Day 6 Krems–Wachau Valley–Melk: | Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk |
| Day 7 Passau: | Guided walk; Christmas market |
| Day 8 Regensburg: | Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria; Christmas market |
| Day 9 Nuremberg: | Onboard Christmas Tradition lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market |
| Day 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation). Excursion to Munich. Nuremberg (Embarkation): | Full-day guided tour in Munich |
| Day11 Nuremberg: | Day at leisure to visit Christmas markets |
| Day 12 Bamberg: | Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; onboard Christmas Traditions lecture |
| Day 13 Würzburg: | Guided tour, visit the Bishop’s Residence; Christmas market |
| Day 14 Miltenberg: | Guided tour |
| Day 15 Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim: | Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treat |
| Day 16 Speyer. Excursion to Heidelberg: | Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat; free time for Christmas market |
| Day 17 Strasbourg: | Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; Christmas market |
| Day 18 Breisach: | Choice of excursion to the Black Forest or Freiburg sightseeing |
| Day 19 Basel (Disembarkation): | Your vacation 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
ITINERARYDay 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
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Day 2
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge and picturesque Christmas market. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
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Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) Time for Coffee and Confections
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. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
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Day 4
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
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.
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Day 11
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
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
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Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 16
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 17
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 18
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 19
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
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Accommodations
Accommodations| Budapest | Budapest |
InterContinental Budapest
Deluxe
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14 Budapest Hungary
Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.
Deluxe
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14 Budapest Hungary
Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.
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.
