16-Night Trip on Avalon Panorama
Christmastime From Basel To Budapest
Cruise, River cruise, Small Ship/Yacht
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Basel, Switzerland.
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated-a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares.
Stop in Frankfurt and then sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bam-berg-complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions-a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the "Pearl of the Danube," with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated-a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Strasbourg, France, is home to one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe-dating back to the 16th century. Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cakes, and biscuits. You’ll go on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink can be found at the foot of the castle and the Christmas market is spread over five town squares.
Stop in Frankfurt and then sail to visit a picturesque Main River Village before stopping in Würzburg to savor the sights, sounds, and confections of its warm Christmas markets. Continue your festive European vacation to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Europe with a guided sightseeing tour of the glowing Christkindlesmarkt of Bam-berg-complete with dozens of nativity scenes of every size. While sailing, you’ll hear an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions in Europe and choose from two guided excursions-a classic sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, or a tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Board your second Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg. Your Danube River cruise continues to Melk, where you’ll see its magnificent Benedic-tine Abbey, with fantastic frescoes, statures, library, and ornate pipe organ. Sail on your European river cruise to visit Vienna and through beautiful views of the rich wine-growing region of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Your Main and danube River cruise vacation concludes Budapest, called the "Pearl of the Danube," with wonderful experiences and memories of Christmas markets, scenic splendors, and inspiring discoveries to treasure always.
16 Nights
Starting At
$8,447.00
USD
November 29, 2025 through December 15, 2025
Book by:
November 25, 2025 7:00 PM
Includes discount: $750.00, Intra-vacation air transfers. Arrival and destination airfare not included.
ID: 8238995
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day
4
Speyer, Germany. Heidelberg Excursion
Loading Itinerary Content...
About Avalon Panorama
Ship Overview
Avalon Panorama
The Avalon Panorama led the way as the first of its kind in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites complete with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You'll cruise in river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony in a 200-square-foot suite that's 30% larger than the industry standard. Our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view, so you can stretch out and relax with the world at your feet. Retire each evening and wake each morning to a panorama of picture-postcard scenes! Exciting onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro. There's no better way to take in the view than cruising in Europe in the spacious comfort of the Avalon Panorama.
Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2011
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
66
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Symbol Legend
|
Sky Lounge |
|
Navigation Bridge |
|
Sky Grill |
|
Whirlpool |
|
Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings |
|
Deck Game Area |
|
Observation Lounge |
|
Panorama Bistro |
|
Panorama Lounge |
|
Bar |
|
Reception |
|
Elevator |
|
Lobby |
|
Club Lounge |
|
Gallery |
|
Dining Room |
|
Fitness Center |
Deck plans are not yet available
Additional Tour Details
Christmastime From Basel To Budapest
NOTES
NOTES
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
Ship Overview
Ship Overview
Avalon Panorama
The Avalon Panorama led the way as the first of its kind in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites complete with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You'll cruise in river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony in a 200-square-foot suite that's 30% larger than the industry standard. Our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view, so you can stretch out and relax with the world at your feet. Retire each evening and wake each morning to a panorama of picture-postcard scenes! Exciting onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro. There's no better way to take in the view than cruising in Europe in the spacious comfort of the Avalon Panorama.
Ship Details
Year Entered Service
2011
Total Capacity
166
Crew Size
47
Suites
66
Laundromats
Number of Decks
4
Deck Plan Details
Deck Plan Details
Symbol Legend
|
|
Sky Lounge |
|
|
Navigation Bridge |
|
|
Sky Grill |
|
|
Whirlpool |
|
|
Premium Lounge Chairs and Shade Awnings |
|
|
Deck Game Area |
|
|
Observation Lounge |
|
|
Panorama Bistro |
|
|
Panorama Lounge |
|
|
Bar |
|
|
Reception |
|
|
Elevator |
|
|
Lobby |
|
|
Club Lounge |
|
|
Gallery |
|
|
Dining Room |
|
|
Fitness Center |
Deck plans are not yet available
Additional Tour Details
Christmastime From Basel To Budapest
NOTES
NOTES
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
About Avalon Waterways
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships,® featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they’re actually river cruising's only Open–Air Balcony® — with nothing between you and the view. While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection BedsSM actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Think of it as a view with a room!
About Avalon Waterways
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon Suite Ships,® featuring Avalon Panorama SuitesSM. Thirty percent larger than the industry standard, they’re actually river cruising's only Open–Air Balcony® — with nothing between you and the view. While other river cruise cabins are designed with beds against a wall for a view of another wall, our Comfort Collection BedsSM actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Think of it as a view with a room!
