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13 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Frankfurt to Budapest 2026(WFB)
Christmastime from Frankfurt to Budapest
Starting from $6,794Ship(s): Avalon Panorama
River Cruise Description
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Frankfurt, Germany. Sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bamberg-complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. 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. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you'll see its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria's Wachau Valley. Your Main and Danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the "Pearl of the Danube," with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $6,794 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(D)
Day 2 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of a picturesque village along the Main River.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 3 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 4 BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 5 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Classic
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 6 NUREMBERG EXCURSION TO MUNICH
Beer Songs and Bavarian Kings
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,D)
Day 7 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Classic
Choose a Guided Tour 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 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.
Discovery
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 9 PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 10 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
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.
Discovery
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing to Vienna.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 11 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 12 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Festivities and Finery
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 13 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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