Discover the Magic of Christmas on The Danube River

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Are you ready for a magical winter wonderland experience? Look no further than a Danube River cruise during the holiday season. This is the perfect opportunity to escape the cold weather at home and enjoy the festive cheer in Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. You’ll get to experience local traditions, delicious cuisine, and beautiful decor that will leave you in awe. And the best part? You get to explore all of this while cruising down the legendary Danube River on a luxurious Avalon Waterways Suite Ship.

The Danube River flows through some of Europe’s most stunning destinations, and a Christmas markets cruise allows you to experience them in a unique way. From Vienna to Nuremberg, and everywhere in between, each stop is full of holiday charm and magic. Here are just a few of the highlights you can expect on this unforgettable journey:

Vienna: Your journey begins in Austria’s capital city, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit the famous Christmas markets, where you’ll find local handicrafts, traditional Austrian food, and festive music. Take a guided tour of the city, or go on a culinary tour through the markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this time of year.

Melk: As you cruise through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley, you’ll arrive in the town of Melk, home to the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey. You’ll have the opportunity to tour one of Europe’s largest monasteries, where monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. And to top it off, you’ll also get to taste delicious Austrian cookies on board the ship.

Passau: This German town is famous for its baroque architecture and breathtaking St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It’s also home to a charming Christmas market where you can find unique decorations and ornaments. Explore the city on a guided tour or on your own!

Regensburg: As you explore this thousand-year-old city, you’ll be transported back in time with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. Savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche, one of Germany’s oldest restaurants, and enjoy a tasting of German beers.

Nuremberg: This is where you’ll experience Christmas traditions like never before. 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. You’ll also have the choice of a guided tour or a tour of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds.

Prague: Your journey ends in 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. Be sure to see the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town before ending your perfect, seasonal river cruise.

All of these destinations can be explored from the comfort of your Avalon Waterways Suite Ship. Their Panorama Suites have the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising, offering breathtaking views of the Danube and the surrounding landscapes. And if you need a break from the cold weather, you can always relax in your suite with premium L’Occitane bath products, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, and a comfortable Comfort Collection Bed.

As we approach May 2023 and the upcoming summer months, I know it seems really early to be thinking about a Christmas vacation in 2024…this cruise sails literally 20 months from now. Why should you book early? There are only 84 staterooms on the ship…unlike cruises on the ocean, river cruises are small, intimate ships with a more personalized approach to service. The Avalon Impression sails with only 166 passengers, and 47 crew. Book with me to secure your cabin, and enjoy the 2024 Christmas season in Europe! Deposits to secure your cabin are $250.00 per person.

For more information about this amazing itinerary, join my Facebook event by clicking “Interested”.

A Danube River Christmas markets cruise with Avalon Waterways is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! I would love for you to join me Christmas 2024 for an amazing “riparian” vacation! (fans of Keeping Up Appearances will smile to themselves when reading that last sentence).

TTFN — Kenneth

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.