From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube River cruise holiday takes you to four countries—each with its own beauty, history, and cultural treasures. Sail through a winter wonderland and revel in the Advent season as each town is festively lit and decorated, and Christmas markets selling traditional wares, abound.

Enjoy two nights in the “golden city” of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Stand in front of Old Town’s medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate timepiece and piece of art piece unlike anything else in the world. Travel to Nuremberg, Germany, to board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Main Danube Canal and visit the 1000-year-old city with a Local Guide. The Christmas market is one of Europe’s oldest—be sure to try the traditional gingerbread for which the city is famous. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Passau, known for its narrow, winding streets, offers the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral which forms a perfect backdrop for the delightful Christkindlmarkt. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Enjoy a traditional Austrian cookie tasting as you cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Here, where Christmas markets are scattered around the city, enjoy a culinary walk through the markets to taste some of the local traditional specialities.

Your European river cruise holiday ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy last-minute gifts.

Traveller Notes
Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.