Voyage Overview
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)
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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(D)
Day 2: Vienna
VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsCLASSIC 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)
Day 3: Melk-Grein
MELK–GREIN Frescoes above the Wachau ValleyCLASSIC 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)
Day 4: Passau
PASSAU Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent NightCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt 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)
Day 5: Regensburg
REGENSBURG Christmas Magic in BavariaCLASSIC 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)
Day 6: Nuremberg
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 Christkindlesmarkt. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 7: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague
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)
Day 8: Prague
PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Czech Christmas SpiritsCLASSIC 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)
Day 9: Prague
PRAGUE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
About Avalon Expression
- Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways
- Guest Capacity: 2 guests
- Vessel Type: Luxury River Vessel
- IMO Registration:
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