Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your Avalon Suite Ship 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, and 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 lovely 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 sparkling time of year on the Danube River.

Day 1
Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)

Day 2
Legends and History Lessons
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. Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
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.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 4
Saint Stephen's, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
CLASSIC - Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
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. Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.
Enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)

Day 5
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 while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA: Vienna's Winter Wonderland
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 DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 6
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schonbrunn Palace-summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese cafe this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 7
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Notes: Christmas markets generally operate from late Nov until the third week of Dec.

2016 was another big year for Avalon, as we expand our fleet of innovative Suite Ships? once again. In addition to the Avalon Imagery II®, the beautiful Avalon Passion® will grace the waterways of Europe. Like its sister ships, Avalon Impression? and Avalon Illumination®, Passion features two full decks of Panorama Suites? with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air? Balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites? are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

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. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.