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17 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Budapest to Basel 2026(WBM)
Christmastime from Budapest to Basel
Starting from $9,025Ship(s): Avalon Illumination
River Cruise 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 Benedictine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statues, 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. 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.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 6, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $9,025 | 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 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
(D)
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS
(B,L,D)
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.
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
(B,L,D)
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.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 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.
(B,D)
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
(B,L,D)
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.
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
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
(B,L,D)
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
(B,D)
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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG
(B,L,D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)
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.(B)
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