Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (Tranquility II)

Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (Tranquility II)

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9 Days From

$4430

$3833

Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (Tranquility II)

9 Days

Visiting: Vienna, Austria (Embarkation), Melk, Grein, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Nuremberg (Disembarkation), Prague, Europe

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $4430 $3833 Operator discount: -$597 -13%

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

This Christmastime river cruise begins 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, or opt to go on a culinary tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries—where monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers.

Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread) and unique decorations and ornaments. Then, make your way to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic—one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In Prague’s Old Town, see the magical Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and once the envy of all Europe. The Christmas markets offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svarené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, and be sure to see the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town to end this perfect, seasonal river cruise.

Highlights

  • Day 1 Vienna (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Vienna: City sightseeing; Christmas market

  • Day 3 Wachau Valley-Melk-Grein: Scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; Onboard Austrian cookies tasting; guided tour in Grein

  • Day 4 Passau: Guided tour; Christmas market

  • Day 5 Regensburg: Guided tour; Christmas market

  • Day 6 Nuremberg: Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

  • Day 7 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague: Transfer to Prague

  • Day 8 Prague: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle; Christmas market

  • Day 9 Prague: Your vacation ends this morning

Places You'll See

Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark

Art Deco Imperial Hotel

Prague Marriott

Hilton Prague Old Town

Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague

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.

(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 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.

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

You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.

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 MELK

(B,L,D)


VIENNA-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 3: Melk,Grein

Location: Melk, Grein

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.

Take a guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.

MELK–GREIN Frescoes above the Wachau Valley

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.

CLASSIC Take a guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.

Enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(B,L,D)

MELK-ABBEY-STAIRCASE.jpg

Day 4: Passau

Location: Passau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
PASSAU Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)

PASSAU-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 5: Regensburg

Location: Regensburg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.

REGENSBURG Christmas Magic in Bavaria

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.

Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)

REGENSBURG-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 6: Nuremberg

Location: Nuremberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.


Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons

DISCOVERY Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.

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.

Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)

NUREMBERG-SAUSAGE.jpg

Day 7: Nuremberg (Disembarkation),Prague

Location: Nuremberg (Disembarkation), Prague

Meals Included: Breakfast


NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE Bid your crew farewell and head for the Golden City of Prague

Stroll through the exquisite streets of the city and spend a free evening in one of Prague’s cafés for dinner and Czech Beer.

(B)

PRAGUE-BARTENDER.jpg

Day 8: Prague

Location: Prague

Meals Included: Breakfast


Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.

PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.

Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.

(B)

PRAGUE-FESTIVE-CHRISTMAS-MARKET.jpg

Day 9: Prague

Location: Prague

Meals Included: Breakfast


PRAGUE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

PRAGUE-CLOCK.jpg

Direction

Westbound

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, depending on the location.

Rivers

Danube

Accommodation

Vienna:Hilton Vienna Am Stadtpark
Prague:Art Deco Imperial Hotel
Prague:Prague Marriott
Prague:Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Prague:Hilton Prague Old Town

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.

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Wednesday

Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$4430 $3833

Operator discount: -$597

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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