9 Day River Cruise Prague to Vienna
Christmastime on the Danube
Celebrate the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets on a festive Danube river cruise from Prague to Vienna, with stops in Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, and the scenic Wachau Valley.
DEPARTURE COUNTDOWN
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THE JOURNEY
Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound)
This festive European river cruise vacation begins in Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic. See famous sights like Old Town’s Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge, but also get the unique chance to stroll through the Christmas markets. It’s a treat to see the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine). Board your river cruise vessel in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments.
Learn about local Christmas traditions, as you cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.
Your Journey at a Glance
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Nuremberg, Regensburg & Passau, Germany
- Melk, Wachau Valley & Vienna, Austria
- Christmas markets in Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau & Vienna
- Guided city walks in Prague, Regensburg, Passau & Vienna
- Nuremberg sightseeing options
- Melk Benedictine Abbey tour
- Austrian cookie tasting through the Wachau Valley
- Historic Centre of Prague
- Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
- Wachau Cultural Landscape
- Historic Centre of Vienna
Gallery
THE JOURNEY
Your Full Itinerary
DAY 1 — MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
Depart for Prague
Fly out from the United States on your overnight journey to Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic, where your festive European Christmas river cruise experience begins.
United States → Prague
Overnight flight
No meals included
DAY 2 — TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Welcome to Prague
Arrive in Prague, a fascinating city along the Vltava River known for its domes, cupolas, spires, and storybook skyline. Enjoy free time to explore the city, sample traditional Czech flavors, or take in the atmosphere before your guided sightseeing begins.
Prague, Czech Republic
Hotel in Prague
No meals included
DAY 3 — WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
Gothic Cathedrals & Czech Christmas Spirits
Take a guided city walk through Prague to visit the Hradčany Castle grounds, see St. Vitus Cathedral, and view Old Town’s famous Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon browsing Prague’s colorful Christmas markets, filled with ornaments, wooden toys, and handmade Czech crafts.
Prague
Hotel in Prague
Breakfast included
DAY 4 — THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Board Your Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg
Travel to Nuremberg, Germany, where your Avalon Suite Ship is ready for boarding. Step into the festive spirit with traditional holiday fare, warm seasonal drinks, and the glow of one of Germany’s most famous Christmas market cities before overnight docking in Nuremberg.
Prague → Nuremberg
Embark Avalon Imagery II
Onboard dining begins
DAY 5 — FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Nuremberg Christmas Market & Medieval History
Explore Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, Gothic landmarks, gilded fountain, and Kaiserburg Castle, or choose a guided visit to the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Later, enjoy free time to browse the festive Christkindlesmarkt before sailing overnight toward Regensburg.
Nuremberg → Regensburg
Evening / overnight cruise
Onboard meals included
DAY 6 — SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Regensburg Christmas Magic in Bavaria
Join a guided walk through Regensburg to see the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria, the ancient Roman gate built in 179 AD. Then take time to enjoy Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets, hot mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, and festive Bavarian charm.
Regensburg → Passau
Evening / overnight cruise
Onboard meals included
DAY 7 — SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
Passau & the Story of Silent Night
Discover Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” on a guided walk through its charming streets near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may also choose an optional excursion to Salzburg, Austria, before cruising overnight toward Melk.
Passau → Melk
Overnight cruise
Onboard meals included
DAY 8 — MONDAY, DECEMBER 13
Melk Abbey & the Wachau Valley
Visit Melk, Austria, for a guided tour of the magnificent Benedictine Abbey overlooking the Danube. Later, enjoy an Austrian cookie tasting while sailing through the scenic Wachau Valley toward Vienna.
Melk → Wachau Valley → Vienna
Overnight docking in Vienna
Onboard meals included
DAY 9 — TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Vienna’s Royal Collections & Christmas Markets
Explore Vienna’s imperial landmarks on a guided city tour, including the Imperial Palace complex, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend free time enjoying Vienna’s Christmas markets or relaxing in a cozy Viennese café before your final overnight stay onboard.
Vienna, Austria
Overnight docking in Vienna
Onboard meals included
DAY 10 — WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Vienna Disembarkation
Your Christmastime Danube river cruise ends with breakfast this morning in Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital known for music, imperial architecture, café culture, and festive holiday traditions.
Vienna, Austria
Disembarkation day
Breakfast included
WORLD HERITAGE
UNESCO Sites on This Tour
Historic Centre of Prague
Designated in 1992. A beautifully preserved medieval cityscape along the Vltava River, featuring Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, and the famous Astronomical Clock.
Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
Designated in 2006. One of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, known for its Roman heritage, stone bridge, Gothic cathedral, and historic streets along the Danube.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
Designated in 2000. A scenic stretch of the Danube Valley in Austria, celebrated for its terraced vineyards, river views, historic towns, and the magnificent Melk Abbey.
Historic Centre of Vienna
Designated in 2001. Austria’s imperial capital is known for grand palaces, classical music heritage, elegant architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and festive Christmas markets.
PRICING & INCLUSIONS
Pricing & What’s Included
TOUR PRICE
$4,354
per person, Category D/E starting price
9-day river cruise from Prague to Vienna
2 nights in Prague included
Avalon Waterways river cruise
Avalon Imagery II Suite Ship
All onboard meals included
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Complimentary pre-paid gratuities
Included Avalon Choice excursions
Christmas markets in Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, and Vienna
All taxes and port charges included
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Pricing includes $250 off per person, complimentary pre-paid gratuities, all taxes, and port charges. Pre and post nights are available upon request.
Category D/E starts at $4,354 per person. Category B starts at $5,821, Category A starts at $6,068, and Category P starts at $6,111 per person. Categories A, B, and P are Panorama Suites, while Categories D and E are Deluxe staterooms located on deck 1.
Deposit (non-refundable)
$250 / person
Due at registration
FINAL PAYMENT
Remaining balance
Due September 8, 2027
DEPARTURE
Depart for Prague
December 6, 2027