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17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Budapest 2025(WMB)
![Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Basel to Budapest Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Basel to Budapest](/images/river_cruises/images/avalon/avalon-river-cruise-17-days-basel-to-budapest-14998.jpg)
Christmastime from Basel to Budapest
Starting from $12,925River Cruise Description
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland. This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated-a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany's Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. You'll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares. Stop in Frankfurt and then 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 Bam-berg-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. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg. 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. 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 AgainDeparture Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
---|---|---|---|
Nov 29, 2025 | Avalon Passion, Avalon Panorama | $12,925 | Call Us! |
Dec 1, 2025 | Avalon Imagery II | $13,197 | Call Us! |
![Avalon Choice](../../images/river_cruises/avalon-choice.png)
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:
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
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Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and savor Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread, sweets and Swiss raclette.Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Day 4 SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
Day 5 FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM
Day 6 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Day 7 WÜRZBURG
Day 8 BAMBERG
Day 9 NUREMBERG
Day 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.Day 11 NUREMBERG
Day 12 REGENSBURG
Day 13 PASSAU
Day 14 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Day 15 VIENNA
Day 16 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Day 17 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Having trouble deciding which cruise is right for you?