Christmas Time on the Danube

Set sail on Avalon Waterways
December 4 - 10, 2025, Nuremberg to Vienna

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.

Contact Meredith Carrell at 405.343.1819 or meredith@thejoyoftravel.net


Outstanding Accommodations

No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon's Suite Ships, featuring our Panoramic Suites. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they are actually river cruising's only Open Air Balcony. The beds face the view with the widest opening. Wall to wall, floor to ceiling panoramic views of the world as you sail through Europe. You will love these award-winning accommodations.

BOOK NOW FOR $150 PER PERSON SAVINGS.

As special guests of The Joy of Travel, you are eligible for tremendous savings for this sailing.
Book now to secure your special discount plus complimentary gratuities valued at $129 per person.
Rates listed include Port Charges. However, airfare & insurance can be arranged. Pre/Post Cruise options can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Always included with Avalon

  • Complimentary regional wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner

  • Onboard meals in a variety of locations with a variety of a la carte menus

  • Complimentary continental breakfast in stateroom

  • Included sightseeing with headsets and expert local guides

  • Complimentary bicycles for use on shore

  • Onboard entertainment

  • Complimentary Happy Hour Drink Menu

  • Complimentary WIFI throughout the ship

  • Spacious accommodations with enhanced soundproofing & Avalon's exclusive Comfort Collection of bed & pillows

  • Private bathrooms with full shower, hair dryer and L'Occitane bath products

  • Complimentary and hands-free water filling stations

  • chelseaharrisphotography.com

  • English speaking television stations and over 100 free movie options

Exclusive Pricing

Category E $3299 per person
Category D $3400 per person
Category B $4541 per person
Category A $4627 per person
Category P $4570 per person

Prices listed include cruise, taxes, complimentary gratuities. Airfare & transfers can be arranged. Additional nights in Vienna can be arranged. Insurance can be purchased for $439 per person.

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Enjoy reading about our day-to-day cruise itinerary:

Day 1 - NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 2 - NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons

CLASSIC EXCURSION
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION
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


Day 3 - REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria

CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.

DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

 

Day 4 - PASSAU
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night

CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

 

Day 5 - VIENNA - MELK, AUSTRIA
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley

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

DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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

 

Day 6 - VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

 

Day 7 - VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Y
our cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

 

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.

 

TYPES OF EXCURSIONS

ACTIVE
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go – from a guided biking tour, to paddling and hiking your way through scenic locales.

DISCOVERY
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

CLASSIC
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.