CHRISTMAS-TIME ON THE DANUBE

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

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 Wurstküche (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 svařené 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.

CRUISING ELEVATED

Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’.

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

If you want to see the world, cruise down its legendary rivers. If you want to see more of the world, look no further than Avalon Waterways. Our Suite Ships® feature one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites℠, with the widest opening windows in river cruising, the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony℠, and beds facing the incredible views. Beyond our wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows is a world waiting to be explored – your way. Whether you want to enjoy a guided walking tour of one of Europe’s great cities, join a cooking class or paddle a canoe, our Avalon Choice® selections of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions offer a wide range of possibilities. When you prefer to explore on your own, we can help you with all the recommendations, information and gear you need with our new Adventure Center and AvalonGO mobile APP. And when it’s time to refuel, your dining options on board are as wide open as your views, with our new FlexDining℠ choices.
ALWAYS INCLUDED

CRUISE EXPERIENCES

You’ve always forged your own path… with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind – offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you’ll experience on board our Avalon ships.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Panoramic windows
  • Elegant, contemporary design & décor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

DAY-BY-DAY

ITINERARY

DAY ONE

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.

Dinner is included today.

DAY TWO

VIENNA

  • Royal Collections, and Culinary Confections
  • ClassicExplore 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

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner are included today.

DAY THREE

MELK–GREIN

  • Frescoes above the Wachau Valley
  • ClassicTake a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
  • DiscoveryEnjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.
  • ClassicTake 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

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner are included today.

DAY FOUR

PASSAU

  • Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
  • ClassicJoin 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

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included today.

DAY FIVE

REGENSBURG

  • Christmas Magic in Bavaria
  • ClassicJoin 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 ROTH

Breakfast, Lunch. and Dinner are included today.

DAY SIX

NUREMBERG

  • Legends and History Lessons
  • DiscoveryEnjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
  • ClassicChoose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: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

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner are included today.

DAY SEVEN

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE

  • Bid your crew farewell and head for the Golden City of PragueStroll through the exquisite streets of the city and spend a free evening in one of Prague’s cafés for dinner and Czech Beer.

Breakfast is included today.

DAY EIGHT

PRAGUE

  • Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas Spirits
  • ClassicTake 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.

Breakfast is included today.

DAY NINE

PRAGUE

  • Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
  • Time for your flight home!

Breakfast is included today.

Doesn’t this sound like an amazing way to spend a Christmas holiday? If you’d like more information or pricing, give me a shout so that I can help you experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas Markets!

Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi! My name is Kenneth Reece, a native from Stockbridge, Georgia. I am a travel agent for Modern Travel Professionals. I opened Enchanted Gardens Florist & Gifts in 1986--when I was just 19. My love affair with Disney started in 1998 when I added Walt Disney collectibles to my merchandise displays. When I started to learn about the rich history of The Walt Disney Company, (which is required to successfully sell Walt Disney Animation Art) is when my store came alive. I've enjoyed hosting Disney Artists, Sculptors & Imagineers for in-store signing events, and was thrilled to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank a few times as a guest of the company. One of my fondest Disney memories is that of holding one of Walt Disney's personal Academy Awards while visiting the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, CA. As my love of Disney grew, I began planning trips to Disney for my clients at my store, which grew into a new career! After a few years of both running my retail store and planning travel, I closed my brick & mortar store, moved to Vero Beach, Fl where I've been planning travel full-time now for over five years. Vero Beach has small-town charm with world-class luxury. It's an incredible place to live. I help take care of my parents here, and travel extensively with them. Together, we visit Disneyland and The Walt Disney World Resort often. I've planned tours in England, Scotland, Paris, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, & France including Disneyland Paris. Living in Vero Beach, where retirees seem to outnumber all other age groups, I've become an expert on helping people travel who are "young at heart". Living a short road trip away from the Orlando area, I visit the theme parks at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando & Sea World often. Many times I'm there once a week! I've stayed at every Disney Resort in North America, toured every hotel at the Universal Resort, and have taken over 25 cruises, being a Platinum Castaway Cay member with Disney Cruise Line. I've cruised to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Trans-Atlantic (East & Westbound), Mediterranean & Northern Europe. Also, if you need restaurant recommendations, I've personally ate at most of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort & at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa is my favorite resort at Disneyland. I've attended various events at Walt Disney World such as: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Star Wars Weekends, Disneyana Conventions, EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, The Flower & Garden Festival and the new Festival of Arts. Contact me for personalized, concierge-level service. I'll help you as much (or as little) as you like, whatever your needs. I want to provide you with a worry free, incredible vacation, with memories that will last a life time.