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17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Budapest 2026(WMB)
Christmastime from Basel to Budapest
Starting from $9,525Ship(s): Avalon Panorama
River 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. 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2026 | Avalon Panorama | $9,525 | 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 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.EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(D)
Day 2 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 3 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(B,L,D)
Day 4 SPEYER, GERMANY. HEIDELBERG EXCURSION
Winter Wonders Fit for a King
Discovery
Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle at Christmastime to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel After the tour, visit the local German Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 5 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 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(B,D)
Day 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 16 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Festivities and Finery
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 17 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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