Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest (Envision)

Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest (Envision)

11 Views
6 Days From

$2595

Christmastime from Vienna to Budapest (Envision)

6 Days

Visiting: Vienna, Austria (Embarkation), Melk, Bratislava, Slovakia, Budapest, Budapest (Disembarkation), Europe

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $2595

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season in Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets and festivities. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere on our decorated Suite Ships® as you delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of local Christmas traditions along your Danube River cruise. Enjoy stunning winter views on the Danube with the warm glow of Christmas markets, beautifully adorned with ageless traditions.

Begin your cruise Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing and the glow of sparkling Christmas markets while exploring the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Glide through the winter wonderland of the Wachau Valley and visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Next, you’ll sail to the centuries-old Slovakian city of Bratislava with guided sightseeing and time to browse the beautiful Christmas markets. Take a guided tour of its cobblestone streets and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Continue your festive Danube River to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore one more Christmas market and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.

Highlights

  • Day 1 Vienna (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Vienna: City sightseeing; free time for Christmas market

  • Day 3 Krems–Wachau Valley–Melk: Guided city walk in Krems; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk

  • Day 4 Bratislava: Guided city sightseeing; free time for Christmas market

  • Day 5 Budapest: Guided tour, see Heroes’ Square; free time for Christmas market

  • Day 6 Budapest (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Vienna,Austria (Embarkation)

Location: Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(D)


VIENNA-STRAUSS-STATUE-WINTER.jpg

Day 2: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


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.

VIENNA Royal Collections and Festive 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.

Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

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 CRUISE TO KREMS

(B,L,D)


VIENNA-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 3: Melk

Location: Melk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

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.

During lunchtime, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

(B,L,D)

MELK-ABBEY-STAIRCASE.jpg

Day 4: Bratislava,Slovakia

Location: Bratislava, Slovakia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.

Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Bratislava.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)


BRATISLAVA-FESTIVE.jpg

Day 5: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
BUDAPEST Christmas Lights and Classic Sights

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, and don’t miss the unique Christmas markets that Budapest hosts every year during the festive season.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)

BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-PARLIAMENT.jpg

Day 6: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Location: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

BUDAPEST-FESTIVE-SCENIC.jpg

Notes

•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler
•Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.

Rivers

Danube

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024
$2595

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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